Label: SRC/Universal Records

Reviewed by: Raa Daddy

If you were one of the heads who loved The Greenhouse Effect mixtape, you’ve got big expectations for Asher Roth and his major label debut. Already a bonafied star amongst fans and peers alike, Ash is out to show and prove on Asleep In The Bread Aisle. The first single, I Love College, sold a million copies and was the perfect set-up to pop off. But the comparisons to the other white rapper begin the second you hear him open his mouth. The cocky swag, the vocal tone, the dope lyrics and rhyme patterns, all of it. With all that on his shoulders, Ash delivers a well rounded first outing. The production is absolutely incredible and those who believe he's the next big thing, give him their best shit to work with. From grimy to glistening and everything in between, the canvas (mainly provided by Oren Yoel and David Appleton) is perfect for Ash to splash on. After showcasing his witty wordplay on the opening few cuts, the buttery La Di Da sets the pace of the project. Don Cannon laces an ill retro infused jam. Hooks can make or break a song and with Cee-Lo on Be By Myself you can’t go wrong. If you’re not singing along, there is something seriously wrong with you. Ash continually gets into the heads (and heels) of his target demographic and spits another relatable tale on She Don’t Wanna Man about that girl in the club who does not wanna fuck you just ‘cause she is dancing close to you…until you convince her otherwise. The wordplay is flawless and love him or hate him, you gotta give it up to the Wonderbread Wonderkid. On the aptly titled As I Em he dedicates a whole track to the Marshall Mathers comparisons and kills it with fellow hipsters Chester French belting out the hook. He’s got the funny shit, he’s got the straight up wordplay jams, but how 'bout substance? Asher Roth closes out the album with two incredible numbers. His Dream will silence the critics and Fallin is an autobiographical piece about the incredible journey this kid from the middle of nowhere took to get to where he’s at, and it’s just the beginning. When an emcee's words seem effortless, yet results in something poignant, you need to pay attention.