A$AP Rocky Speaks On $3 Million Record Deal And The New York Rap Scene

ASAP Rocky – Bass

Pitchfork: A lot of rappers are moving away from big record deals and, as recently as last month, it seemed like you didn't want to sign with a major, either. What changed your mind?

A$AP Rocky: About three million dollars. [Other rappers who don't sign] are smart, but I feel like Sony/RCA is a family and the people there actually care about me. When I came to meet [Polo Grounds Music founder] Bryan Leach, I got to know him on a personal level-- he would set up car service for me to go to other labels. He wanted to see me make it. He's from Harlem.

I'm going to have creative control; there's no bullshit. The situation is almost unrealistic. I mean, five months ago I had about $3,000 in my bank account. Now I'm worth $3 million. Nobody's gotten a deal like that since 50 Cent.

Pitchfork: It seems like there's a lot of pressure on you to represent and rejuvenate New York hip-hop. How do you feel about other rap coming out of the city right now?

A$AP: [makes thumbs-down gesture] It sucks-- it's cliché shit. Diamonds, cars, aviator shades, Gucci, half-naked bitches, wack-ass beats. When Jay-Z was the only one rapping about that stuff, it was cool. Now it's just so fucking old. Who gives a fuck?

Full Interview: ASAP Rocky

Would you as a label invest $3 million on ASAP Rocky? What are your thoughts on his music? If you not familiar with his work check the slideshow.