A$AP Nast: The Eclectic Hip-Hop Stylist
A$AP Nast is an American rapper and fashion icon, a core member of the influential Harlem collective A$AP Mob. Hailing from New York City, his musical journey is defined by a distinct, genre-blending sound and a pivotal role on the Mob's acclaimed 2013 compilation Lords Never Worry.
Early career
Born Tariq Devega in 1989, he grew up in Harlem, New York. His entry into music was facilitated by his close friendship with A$AP Yams and A$AP Bari, founders of the A$AP Mob collective. Nast's early visibility came through appearances on the Mob's seminal 2012 mixtape Lords Never Worry, where his unique vocal tone and sharp lyricism stood out.
Breakthrough
A$AP Nast's major breakthrough arrived with the A$AP Mob's 2013 compilation Lords Never Worry, released under RCA Records and Polo Grounds Music. The project, which peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, featured his standout solo track Trillmatic, a song that perfectly showcased his laid-back yet intricate flow over a classic boom-bap beat.
Key tracks
Trillmatic — This solo cut from the Mob's 2013 compilation became his signature early track, sampling Nas and defining his nostalgic yet fresh hip-hop style.
Shabba — As a featured artist alongside A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, and others, this 2013 single was a commercial smash, achieving platinum certification and reaching number 17 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Plane Jane — A key track from his 2017 debut mixtape The Lost Tapes, it highlighted his growth and the psychedelic, sample-heavy production he favors.
Zoovie — Featuring fellow Mob member A$AP Ferg, this track from his 2020 album Triflin' exemplifies the collaborative spirit and gritty New York energy central to his work.
Pressure In My Palms — This single from his 2020 album Triflin' features a notable collaboration with veteran rapper Slick Rick, bridging hip-hop generations.
His official debut studio album, Triflin', arrived in 2020 via Polo Grounds Music and RCA, featuring production from Kaytranada and contributions from Slick Rick and A$AP Ferg. Beyond music, A$AP Nast is equally recognized as a fashion muse, having fronted campaigns for major brands like Gucci, further cementing his status as a multifaceted cultural figure. His style continues to evolve, blending abstract lyrics with eclectic, often sample-based production that draws from soul, funk, and electronic music.
Fans of A$AP Nast's eclectic approach to hip-hop often appreciate the work of A$AP Rocky for his similar high-fashion fusion and psychedelic rap tendencies. The raw energy and Harlem roots of A$AP Ferg provide a direct parallel within the Mob collective. Listeners drawn to intricate, sample-based production might also explore The Alchemist, a producer who has crafted beats for similar avant-garde rappers. The abstract lyricism and atmospheric sounds of Earl Sweatshirt also resonate with Nast's more experimental output.
The music of A$AP Nast receives regular airplay across a spectrum of online radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion modern hip-hop's cutting edge. His tracks, from the classic Trillmatic to newer album cuts, are featured on stations dedicated to underground rap, experimental beats, and contemporary urban music formats.
You can discover the diverse catalog of A$AP Nast, from his early Mob contributions to his solo projects, by tuning into the hip-hop and alternative urban radio stations available on onairium.com. Listen to his genre-blending tracks as part of the regular rotation on our featured stations.
