As A$AP Rocky settles in his new role of being a father to a baby boy, the Harlem native sat down with Jerrod Carmichael for an interview with Interview magazine. Of course, the usual topics discussed; Fashion, masculinity, and music; however, A$AP made a point that catches fans off guard, leaving them with food for thought.
He discussed his perspective on life and his feelings about rap culture.
Speaking on the current state of rap, the Harlem rapper stated that he feels the genre is “stuck” in a younger form of mind at this time.
He believed it started when Soulja boy came on the sean and made the internet a vital marketing tool to sell music and gain a fan base.
“Rap is in its adolescence, and it’s been stuck here since Soulja Boy. Before, everybody looked 35 and up. When Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, T.I., and Jeezy and Ross were on, rappers looked old,” Rocky explained.
“Then, we had Lil’ Bow Wow, and that was it. That all changed with the internet and self-releasing. Now, rap is stuck in this braggadocious adolescent space. It’s not as mature.”
Momentarily after Rocky’s thoughts about the immaturity of rap.
Jerrod referenced Jay-Z being the first rapper he listened to who was talking about family.” Agreeing with Carmichael, he added with rap’s rapid growth to popularity among the world, artists owe the community guidelines and to “put people on the right path.”
In the interview, the new york native also spoke about future projects – one of which featuring assistance from Tyler, the Creator.
Jerrod Carmichael is a stand-up comedian, filmmaker, and actor. He is known for his three stand-up comedy specials on HBO: Love at the Store, 8, and Nathaniel.