The Earvin Edit

With Don’t Be Dumb finally on the way, what better way to gear up for the album than to revisit A$AP Rocky’s discography and see how each project stacks up against the rest?

Written by Earvin Adjei

Ahead of his first album in nearly eight years, let’s revisit A$AP Rocky’s discography and rank each project. The highs, the risks, and the legacy that took the Harlem MC from cloud rap pioneer to cultural icon.

4. Testing – 2018

Standout Tracks: Tony Tone, Praise The Lord, Gunz N Butter

TESTING comes in last when ranking Rocky’s albums, but by no means is this a bad project. The album is filled with sonically pleasing, experimental tracks that showcase Rocky’s creative genius. This was a departure from the cloudy, Houston-inspired sound that defined much of his earlier work. How an album with songs like Kids Turned Out Fine and Praise The Lord is often dismissed is beyond me. TESTING’s biggest strength lies in its aesthetic. The music videos, merch, and overall rollout were all top-tier, reinforcing Rocky’s status as one of hip-hop’s most visually driven artists. That said, the album isn’t without flaws. Due to its experimental nature, TESTING can feel messy. Cohesion is somewhat lacking, and instead, there is an emphasis on trying new sounds, resulting in a tracklist that feels pieced together rather than fully realized. The album resembles a Frankenstein creation: built from several different parts, some of which don’t always connect smoothly. At times, it feels like Rocky is throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks. This era also marked a dip in Rocky’s lyricism. While he’s never been a lyricist in the mold of Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole, his earlier work featured slick, memorable bars centered on fashion, women, and drugs. On TESTING, lyrics often take a backseat to vibes, production, and aesthetic. While that approach works in places, it’s still a bit disappointing given how sharp his bars had been on previous projects. Overall, TESTING is a fascinating listen. The album is an acquired taste that rewards patience and relistens.

3. LONG.LIVE.A$AP – 2013

Standout Tracks: LVL, Angels, 1 Train

Coming in at number three is Rocky’s debut studio album, LONG. LIVE. A$AP. This project was a phenomenal introduction that solidified Rocky’s status as a mainstream star. Building off the momentum of LIVE.LOVE.A$AP, the album delivered hits, high-profile collaborations, and a more polished cloud rap production that once again made Rocky stand out from his peers. Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, LONG. LIVE. A$AP officially launched Rocky from a buzzing internet sensation into a global rap star, positioning him as the new face of New York hip-hop. What’s especially impressive is how the album stays true to Rocky’s roots despite its mainstream ambitions. A track like LVL taps back into his signature cloud rap sound and remains one of the best songs in his catalog. Rocky also showcases his love for hip-hop with the boom-bap posse cut 1Train and the lyrically packed Ghetto Symphony, which blends classical influences with trap elements. Where the album stumbles slightly is in its pursuit of radio success. At the time, the formula for a hit was clear: catchy hooks, big-name features, and electronic influences. Songs like F**kin’ Problems (still a classic) and Wild for the Night feel somewhat forced and out of place within the tracklist. Even with those missteps, LONG. LIVE. A$AP remains a strong debut and an effective follow-up to an iconic mixtape.

2. AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP – 2015

Standout Tracks: Canal St, Wavybone, Jukebox Joints

AT. LONG. LAST. A$AP is amazing and narrowly misses the top spot. This album feels like Rocky’s most mature body of work. From introspective tracks like Holy Ghost to braggadocious records like Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2, the album captures every side of Rocky’s artistry. In many ways, it feels like a grown-up version of LIVE.LOVE.A$AP. Rocky delivers some of his best verses here, proving that when he locks in, he’s capable of rapping at a very high level. This was evident from the jump as the intro Holy Ghost sees Rocky critique organized religion and draws parallels between churches and clubs. The storytelling present on a song like Canal St. paints a vivid picture of Rocky’s upbringing while creating a vibe that really makes you feel like you’re in Lower Manhattan shopping for counterfeit goods. The only real knock against A.L.L.A. is its length and occasional filler. Parts of the second half don’t quite live up to the album’s early highs. While those tracks aren’t bad, they prevent the album from being a true no-skip project. Still, AT. LONG. LAST. A$AP is an outstanding project and would easily be his best if not for one undeniable classic.

1. LIVE.LOVE.A$AP – 2011

Standout Tracks: Peso, Wassup, Keep It G

Was there ever any doubt? LIVE.LOVE.A$AP is an undeniable classic and one of the greatest mixtapes of all time. The project that started it all for Rocky was groundbreaking the moment it hit the internet. Many were shocked to hear a New York MC rap over Southern-inspired production rooted in Houston’s chopped-and-screwed sound. Alongside artists like Lil B, Rocky helped lay the foundation for cloud rap. By bringing Houston’s influence to New York, he delivered a breath of fresh air at a time when the city was losing its grip as hip-hop’s mecca. LIVE.LOVE.A$AP proved that artists were no longer limited to regional sounds and that New York still had exciting artists ready to push boundaries. The amount of timeless records this project has is insane. Rocky’s charismatic delivery and variety of flows, combined with stellar production from Clams Casino and SpaceGhostPurrp, gave the mixtape its signature otherworldly feel and created a sound that may never be matched. No skips. No debate. This is, without a doubt, Rocky’s best.