“SVDDXNLY” chronicles the ascension of one of raps brightest young stars, A$AP Rocky. From home videos and interviews with friends and family, to the very first seminal moments of his career caught on tape, Rocky takes viewers behind the scenes into his life as he takes A$AP from Harlem, to the world.
A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 2
In part two, VICE takes a look around A$AP’s tour bus studio and Rocky opens up about his late brother.
A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 3
In part three, we learn about the genesis of the A$AP Mob and Rocky shows us around his house.
A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 4
In part four, Rocky hangs out with fashion icon Jeremy Scott, learns a “secret handshake” form Kathy Griffin, and soaks up some game from Snoop Dogg himself.
A$AP Rocky: SVDDXNLY Part 5
In the final part of “SVDDXNLY” A$AP reflects on his success and looks to the future. We also hang out with Schoolboy Q, Riff Raff, Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, and Chanel Iman.
NYC-based Mel D. Cole a.k.a.Village Slumshoots mostly black and white, but whatever he shoots, it’s in-your-face and awesome. His work got attention from shooting Erykah Badu and Common in 2001, and since then he’s become known as the “house photographer” for the legendary Roots Crew and has been pinpointed by Questlove as his favorite contemporary photographer.
Wiz Khalifa – In The Cut
Album: Kush & Orange Juice (Mixtape)
Before Wiz blew up with “Black and Yellow”, he was hard at work putting out mixtape tracks for his stoner fanbase. In The Cut is all about chilling and having a good time with your buds (tress and people).
Featuring a neck-breaking beat from Black Milk, the track finds A.Dd+’s Slim Gravy and Paris Pershun detailing the topics that keep them up at night. The whole venting/getting-shit-off-my-chest approach obviously isn’t new to hip-hop, but it’s rare that it’s executed this well. If you’re still sleeping on these guys, you better wake up.
17. Wale ft. Miguel – Lotus Flower Bomb
This mellow track from Wale finds him spitting verses about his lady love while Miguel provides the hook. Lotus flower is named “padma” or “kamala,” which also means vagina.
16. Vic The NorthStar – How I’m Doing
Ottawa-based emcee Vic the Northstar spits about his grind and hard work, a testament to his youth and ambition.
15. J. Cole ft. Trey Songz – Can’t Get Enough
J. Cole and Trey Songz hang with a beach full of babes in their video for Can’t Get Enough. Eventually they’re joined by Cole’s label mate Rihanna, who waves a flag, puffs on a cigar, and plays in the sand in her home country of Barbados.
Rockie Fresh and Casey Veggies were two of the nominees for the XXL Freshmen List, the two bring their summertime, cruise friendly Hip-Hop duet to the forefront with the visual at somebody’s country club.
13. The Black Keys – Lonely Boy
The Black Keys are still hot from the breakout success of their previous album Brothers, and “Lonely Boy” from their latest El Camino proves that the band’s still got a handle on crafting amazing hooks.
12. Miguel – Sure Thing
Every once in a while something comes out of those speakers and catches you off guard. Miguel’s got the same recipe as everybody else, but he’s tweaked it just enough to make his songs distinctive. The bass on Sure Thing sighs in the most soothing way just before the beat drops.
11. The Cool Kids Ft. Bun B – Gas Station
The simple hook, the patient kick drum and snaps, and Mikey’s smooth-talk laziness “Throw it in reverse for a shorty with the works/Write my number on some paper then throw it in her purse/As I ride by, first things first/nine times out of ten that cool shit usually works” all recall vintage Cool Kids.
Click on Page 2 to continue the countdown with Clams Casino, Das Racist and J Cole
