Music Review: Asher Roth: Asleep In The Bread Aisle

Asher Roth: Asleep InThe Bread Aisle
7/10

He's no Eminem, he's definitely not Vanilla Ice, and he isn't conscious enough to be a part of 3rd Bass, but Pennsylvania born MC Asher Roth has made his mark in creating what could be best described as "rascal rap."

"Asleep In The Bread" aisle makes no qualms about it's subject matter and listening to the first song, the infectious "Lark On My Go-Kart" has Roth name dropping Teddy Rumpkin and exclaiming that his "Mario Kart skills are outrageous." The album is knee deep in marijuana and alcohol fueled fun. "Blunt Cruisin" has Roth and some buddies doing just what the song says ("who got the munchies? I got the dutches"), while they crash into trees. Innocent fun.

Perhaps the most standout track on the album is undoubtedly the eye-opening "As I Em," where Roth speaks on his elephant in the room--the comparison to Eminem. Asher manages to thank Em, and also forsake the naysayers who say he sounds a little too much like him.

Roth will probably always be known for the ballad to education institutions; "I Love College." Asher's close friend and producer Oren Yoel produces this (and most of the album) Weezer sampling ode to women,drinking and parties (but not learning! that's so passe right?).

The problem with "Asleep" is that Roth isn't yet strong enough of an MC to carry an album by himself (listen to him get lyrically eviscerated by Busta Rhymes on "Lion's Roar"). His flow on some songs is sometimes questionable, and the lyrics are above average at best. Asher has a long way to go, but his debut album is at least a step in the right direction, he has the tools to possibly be just as good as the other blonde haired rapper people compare him to.