A$AP Rocky // Testing

A$AP Rocky

Testing

RCA Records

4/5 Stars

Testing, the third studio album from Harlem-based rapper Rakim Mayers — better known as A$AP Rocky — is a largely experimental project that arrives after nearly three years of work. It may be overshadowed by other hip-hop releases this season, but it is absolutely worth visiting in its own right; Rocky does his best to cover an array of new territory, from the grimy noise of the album's opening track, "Distorted Records," to the Frank Ocean-influenced crooning (who later appears on Testing's closing track, "Purity"). Rocky makes it his priority to not just dabble in these different sonic spaces, but to envelop himself within them, and for the most part, he's successful. Perhaps the most thrilling part of the project is the guests he's brought along with him; outside of an ill-advised Kodak Black cameo (complete with a disheartening plea to "Free Kodak"), the features here are skillfully placed, from Moby, T.I. and Kid Cudi on the second track (the energetic single "A$AP Forever"), to FKA Twigs just a couple tracks later. Testing is the product of an artist confidently stepping outside of their comfort zone, and in that respect, it's absolutely refreshing to hear. — Aaron Mook