This week saw rapper A$AP Rocky become another in a long list of famous faces to grace Oxford University’s debating society. Several topics were discussed, ranging from the death of his close friend and associate A$AP Yams, to his latest album ‘At.Long.Last.A$AP’. There was also a clear indication that the Harlem rapper may indulge in collaborations with artists within the Grime scene.
Talking about his latest album, he maintained that he was intentional in taking a step away from mainstream and that his new-found love for psychedelics played a part in his influences for it.
He also revealed that the reason for the move came as a result of his feelings after his first major label album, ‘Long Live A$AP’, which left him sour about the industry.
A$AP Rocky – real name Rakim – also pinpointed the importance of the internet and how anybody can use it to market themselves.
Having recently caused issue with his comments on Rita Ora – in which he remained relatively quiet on – many questions relating to misogyny and women’s rights came to the table from those in attendance.
The rapper was clear in his viewpoint on the isolation of women in rap music by stating that the game isolates both men and women – which is unlikely to have warmed the hearts of feminists.
However, one of the most intriguing parts of the evening involved one of the students in the building rapping to the Harlem artist.
Big things were also said about the Grime scene, with A$AP Rocky revealing that he is currently working with a number of artists in the scene, having spent a lot of time in London working on his album.
When quizzed about politics and whether he feels a certain pressure to air his views, he said that not every artist can talk about the same things – effectively concluding that each collective have their piece.
Finally, homage was paid to the late A$AP Yams, who he described as playing a big part in his previous and current success, with his branding of the A$AP Mob collective key in creating their buzz.
Despite a few supposed ‘hiccups’ A$AP Rocky managed to come across as quite humble and intelligent with his responses.
The most interesting things to come out of the speech is the possible collaboration with one, or several, Grime artists – here is to hoping.