If you haven’t heard of him yet, ASAP Rocky is an up and coming Harlem rapper who, with his mix of east coast flow, down south trill, and imagery rich music videos is hitting the music scene big time. His video for the single “Goldie” was recently nominated for a MTV VMA. The video depicts Rocky coasting through the streets of Paris decked in all black that is set off by his gold teeth, glasses and jewelry with cutscenes of beautiful woman and risque activities. It’s a must see for any hip hop fan.

Rocky’s video for “Wassup” off of the mixtape Live.Love.A$AP- which Rocky says is self directed- really takes his knack for bold imagery to a new level. The video which is said to have been modeled off of such classic films as Belly, Enter the Dragon, and, Scarface opens to Rocky performing what appears to be some type of magic spell or incantation. He has drawn what appears to be a ritualistic circle, and the video cuts to a book with a knife laying atop of it. This video has garnered Rocky some negative press from those who say he worships satan.

The video goes on to depict Rocky and his friends dressed again in all black. It also shows Rocky living quite lavishly with women, money and expensive toys scattered throughout the cinematography. Although the video is said to be based upon other films it really takes me back to the 1991 movie New Jack City starring Wesley Snipes. In New Jack City Snipes plays Nino Brown, a self made leader of the New York drug syndicate. The character Brown is known for his lavish lifestyle, his affinity for a wardrobe consisting of black and gold, and his brutal ruthlessness.

Rocky gives a great feel as a new era Nino Brown in the video for “Wassup”. He is a self made Harlem rapper with a nose for flashy living that often leads to flashy videos to show for it. Rocky has the perfect persona and musical styling to corner the rap game at the current moment. If hits like “Goldie” are any suggestion, his career surely is yet to hit full steam just yet.