From Billboard · Michael Saponara · · 2m
A$AP Rocky Targets Grammy Win After 8-Year Hiatus
A$AP Rocky aims for first Grammy after 8-year album gap, signing Playboi Carti to AWGE.
In brief
A$AP Rocky aims for first Grammy after 8-year album gap, signing Playboi Carti to AWGE. A$AP Rocky seeks his first Grammy win after an 8-year hiatus with 'Don’t Be Dumb' and signs Playboi Carti to AWGE. Originally reported by Billboard.
A$AP Rocky’s Grammy Aspirations
A$AP Rocky aims for his first Grammy win after an 8-year hiatus with 'Don’t Be Dumb' and signs Playboi Carti to AWGE.
“it’s mind-boggling that after all these years, i still got this much influence on the culture”
Don’t Be Dumb Tops Billboard 200
Don’t Be Dumb topped the Billboard 2.000, marking Rocky’s first No. 1 album in over a decade.
“released in january, don’t be dumb topped the billboard 200”
Rocky’s Grammy Voting Strategy
Rocky targets Record of the Year, Best Music Video, and Best Alternative Music Performance for his Grammy submission.
“i think it would solidify everything that i worked hard for”
Disc 2 Release Date
Disc 2 launches with 'Shroom Clouds' on Friday, Oct. 16, after a 2021 premiere at a 420 Weedmaps show.
“i’m gonna keep my promises this time”
Rocky Signs Playboi Carti to AWGE
Rocky signed Playboi Carti to AWGE, calling him 'the next generation' in hip-hop.
“he passed me the beam i shoot like the king new choppa new choppa”
Rocky’s 15-Year Music Journey
Rocky’s LIVE.LOVE.A$AP turns 15, with 'Peso' and 'Purple Swag' launching in 2011.
“i was just thinking about earlier how it’s funny that all those nostalgic songs are still bringing on new fans”
Rocky’s Artistic Evolution
Rocky credits Tim Burton for helping him create a hybrid world for 'Don’t Be Dumb' with Danny Elfman.
“i tapped into one of my favorite artists of all time tim burton”
Rocky’s Tour Experience
Rocky performed 60 sold-out shows, carrying a 50-pound RPG microphone for two hours and 15 minutes nightly.
“every night two hours and fifteen minutes on that stage carrying a fifty-pound rpg microphone”
Rocky’s Media Presence
Rocky remains active in media, from Vogue to Billboard, despite peers avoiding press.
“i’m an open book bro i just wear my flaws on my sleeves”
Family Impact on Tour
Rocky uses Instagram to show his backstage as a 'castle' for his family, reducing separation pain.
“get on a face time call with them if they’re not there physically and it kind of numbs the pain”
Rocky’s Performance Philosophy
Rocky views each show as a 'playoff game' requiring precise coordination like a team.
“we’re in the trenches we’re in a battlefield from a sports perspective every night is a playoff game”
Rocky’s Album Comparison
Rocky compares 'Don’t Be Dumb' to his 2018 album 'Testing', noting its artistic relevance after an 8-year gap.
“i think to take an eight-year hiatus and come back and go number one it’s just unbelievable”
Rocky’s Grammy Significance
Rocky says winning a Grammy would honor his 15-year career and solidify his next chapter.
“for me it would be an honor and a blessing to be a part of the academy and actually win an award”
Rocky’s Legacy with Playboi Carti
Rocky credits Carti with evolving the industry, saying 'the whole industry sounds like an artist that derived from my nest'.
“the whole industry sounds like an artist that derived from my nest”
Disc 2 Release Strategy
Disc 2 includes songs that the alter egos from 'Don’t Be Dumb' couldn’t release as full albums.
“disc two is all of the songs that i dropped that those alter egos didn’t get an album to live on”
The bottom line
A$AP Rocky seeks his first Grammy win after an 8-year hiatus with 'Don’t Be Dumb' and signs Playboi Carti to AWGE.
