A$AP Rocky, Same Problems? | Track Review

A$AP Rocky returns with the reflective, thought-provoking “Same Problems?”, the promo single from his fourth studio album, DON’T BE DUMB.

“How many problems get solved?” Lil Yachty asks, simultaneously mysteriously and reflectively in the intro of “Same Problems?”. “Same Problems?” isn’t attributed to him or Miguel, who also serves up some minor contributions.  This record marks the first single of 2023 from rapper A$AP Rocky.  While Rocky has released singles since dropping his third studio album, TESTING in 2018, he’s remained relatively quiet on the music front.  2023 is the year he makes a comeback with his fourth studio album, DON’T BE DUMB, led by this restrained, more thoughtful single.

Generally, A$AP Rocky takes a more melodic approach on “Same Problems?”, which fits the reflective, thought-provoking vibe.  That doesn’t mean he is without edge, mind you, as he commences the first verse boldly: “Niggas dyin’ every other night / Niggas cryin’, that’s part of life.” Still, even with the n-words repeated use, the rapper is thinking about those lost, his own role in releasing what could be considered problematic music, and showing something of a newfound maturity.  Even in full-on reflection mode, Rocky drops some clever lyrics, like at the end of the second verse as he asserts, “We ain’t even fuckin’ tie-breaker / All black like I’m tryna break in / This that crack, call him Ronald Reagan / A$AP mode, I’m tired of waitin’.” Another gem arrives in the third verse, and not merely the reference to a Christmas carol! “If you drop the bag, you ain’t weigh it right / Breakin’ bad, I was breakin’ night, Kid Cudi, ‘Day ‘N Nite’.” Woo!

Final Thoughts

A$AP Rocky has always been unique as a rapper.  Even so, “Same Problems?” feels like a different look and sound from him.  This is a record that might require a couple of spins for the listener to capture its complete magic.  It isn’t a commercial type of rap banger – it hits different.  Ultimately, it’s pretty sweet return.

A$AP Rocky • “Same Problems?” • A$AP Rocky Recordings LLC / RCA • 1.18.23

[: Brent Faulkner/The Musical Hype; A$AP Rocky Recordings LLC / RCA; OpenClipart-Vectors, PIRO via Pixabay]