If you know me, or know my music taste, then you probably know that I’ve been pretty excited about Asher Roth’s new project, RetroHash, for quite some time now. As you all may know, Asher blew up after his smash hit “I Love College” went viral, which led to his signing at SRC label via Def Jam. Shit, he was even a XXL freshman if you really think back. After the love died down, Asher found himself locked down in a label that seemed to not allow him to shape his creativity. Since then, Asher has become independent and is looking to start clean with his retro funk album, Retro Hash. I love a good rapper comeback story (Like Juicy J & Taylor Gang), so I was especially interested in this album. Asher has always been funny and unique so I was excited to see his transformation. I was even more stoked that Chicago’s Blended Babies was handling the bulk of the production. His debut single “I Love College” seems to be a double edge sword for Mr. Roth, although it is his biggest record up to date, it has also turned away some listeners who are left with the misconception that this emcee is just the stereotypical “white rapper.” However, Roth’s talent is not limited to just “frat” rapping, and in fact, is actually capable of making music about more diverse and introspective subjects that most listeners can relate to, and his new record RetroHash is proof.
Although the core element of Asher’s aura remains, RetroHash ushers in a new sound that allows people to see Asher into a new light. Simply classifying the album as “Hip-Hop” doesn’t really suffice; at the very least, it resembles a mix between Kid Cudi and Dark Side of the Moon. The influence of California is very evident in the smooth, classic samples, and hippy production, which is entirely handled by the beautiful Blended Babies. Blended Babies has worked with incredible artists that include Chance the Rapper, Asher Roth, Chuck Inglish, and many more. Besides ThunderCat, I don’t see a better producer/musician in the game. Asher seems to adopt a new role than of days of the past, combined with his clever, funny lyrics, Asher attacks the game like he’s never done before. Singing plays a heavy role on RetroHash, and gives Asher Roth a new side versatility that has been hidden in the past.
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RetroHash begins with the reflective “Parties at the Disco”, which also features vocals from songstress ZZ Ward. Asher opens his verse with a Wu-Tang reference, explaining his disconnect. Cause the cash rules everything around / So, every now and then / Feeling like I’m out of town / Got a chill, sit down, remember how to be a child. Asher briefly switches back to his classic sound up with his boom-bap sound of “Dude,” which features the JetLife general himself, Curren$y. Here Mr. Roth goes back to his Sleeping In The Bread Isle style with hilarious undertones, and witty punchlines. TED talks on my iPad / Old search says Bang Bros, my bad.”
Asher’s experimentation with this album is beyond is amazing. “Tangerine Girl,” is a blast from the past, with a blend of today’s MGMT. With that, and the combination of the record “Pull It,” Asher is able to do things that most artists can only dream of. The entire song is laced with hypnotic melodies, mashed together with a trippy kit.
Syrupy guitar chords and gorgeous high brass horns adorn the mellow instrumental of his hit record, “Fast Life,” which touches on the chaos and suffering of people who seem to live life fast. Save Money’s Vic Mensa lends a hand with probably one of the greatest verses I’ve ever heard. Asher sings a beautiful hook and also lends a great visual to the entire concept:
Far too delicate, it’s hard when a father is yelling and // Takes it out on her or the dog for the hell of it // Only thirteen when she started developing // By fifteen, attracting older gentlemen // She let them in, mom wasn’t looking, she might have been // Turned a blind eye found it better than fighting with // Her little girl caught in a sinister world.
The somber feel begins to burn north with the two Major Myjah collaborations. The first, “Last of the Flohicans”, features an inspirational hook from Major Myjah and an even better hook on “Be Right.”
There aren’t many missteps with RetroHash. The only real downside of the album is the fact that it is so short (Just over 40 mins.). And for some listeners, the multitude of different genres can throw someone off, but the level of originality that Asher presents is something that grabbed my attention immediately. Asher attacks this album with a sense of freedom, and unique thought. Without a major label tie-down, Asher was able to exercise different aspects that a normal label wouldn’t allow for. Asher’s new sense of creativity, but with the combination of his quirkiness, has allowed him to reach heights that he has never seen before. Asher Roth is well on his way, just buckle up.
