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]