Asher Paul Roth’s career as a hip-hop artist is a bit of a catch-22 situation. Outside of the hardcore hip-hop community Roth is best known for the hit single “I Love College” off his debut album “Asleep in the Bread Aisle.” If you went to a house party in 2008 it was inevitable that you would hear, and sing along to, Asher rapping about beer pong, beer bongs, and your mom. The song was catchy, it was simple and fun. It was a total turn-your-brain-off-and-enjoy type song. That song is everything that Asher Roth is not today, and his second studio album “RetroHash” is his proof.

Since AITBA Ash has been consistently working, not drawing attention to the party song that has 20 million more YouTube hits then any other in his catalogue, but rather shying away from the public’s perception of his as a “frat rapper”. He has since released at least one full-length project in 2010, 2011, 2013, and now 2014. They are all solid pieces of work, with 2011’s “Pabst and Jazz” possibly being his strongest. Each having a sound less and less like a simple party-rapping “I Love College Guy.”

Retro Hash consists of 10 tracks all of which are produced by Chicago duo Blended Babies and includes features from Curren$y, ZZ Ward, Vic Mensa and more. Ash and Blended Babies are no strangers working together as BB handled the majority of production responsibilities on “Pabst and Jazz.”

Like other Roth projects, such as Seared Foie Gras with Quince and Cranberry, RetroHash is best absorbed when listened to from start to finish. Which is how this review will break down the tracks.

Track 1 – Parties at the Disco Feat. ZZ Ward

It is apparent that Retro Hash is going to have a lot more to offer then your average hip-hop album from the opening track “Parties at the Disco.” The song is not a few simple 16’s slapped between a hook. ZZ ward has a beautiful voice and she compliments the track in a great way. The introductory tune is smooth and dreamy and will have the listener thinking about flying away to party at the disco.

Track 2 – Dude Feat. Curren$y

Just in case anyone was getting too relaxed and dazing off from Parties at the Disco Blended Babies and Roth come back with Dude, the Spitta assisted, most authentic hip-hop song on the entire album. Roth and Spitta Andretti both shine in their own different ways. Ash is fun and playful ““ TED talks on the iPad/ Old search says Bang Bros., My Bad” While Curren$y touches on difficult social issues such as weed, bitches, and gigantic bathrooms.

Track 3 – Tangerine Girl

I do not understand why this song did not blow up. It is the most fun track on the album and is accompanied by an amazing retro roller skating music video. I dare you not to clap your hands along with the beat.

Track 4 – Pull it

“One finger in the air just like this.” Aaaand we are slowing things down again. This song has a slow beat, and features Roth’s singing. Around the two minute mark Ash changes his flow up a bit which overall makes for a cool song.

Track 5 – Something for Nothing Feat. Coyle Girelli

I find it incredible how Roth can rap over any beat. Fast or slow he can change his flow up to not only be suitable for a beat, but to enhance it, and make it his own. If you are one of the people who remember Asher as the “Do something crazy, do something crazy” guy then this is not a song you would expect to hear from him at all. The song is slow and deliberate and overall it is silky smooth.

Track 6 – Fast Life Feat. Vic Mensa

This was originally my least favourite track on the album. I felt it was kind of a filler track to transition to the second half of the album (minus the Vic Mensa verse which is very solid) until I saw the video. I will not spoil it for anyone who has not yet seen it, but definitely check it out if you’re feeling a little blue and could use a boost. It made my mom cry.

Track 7 – Last of the Flohicans Feat. Major Myjah

This track is so polished and clean sounding. The Major Myjah chorus comes in nice and cleanly after Roth’s verses. This is arguably Roth’s best flow on the entire album and there are shades of younger Roth on this track while at the same time showing his evolution as a rapper.

Track 8 – Be Right Feat. Major Myjah

This is the track that shows Ash has come full circle as an artist, he pays homage and even pokes fun at the public image of him as a, party-rapping, basic rapper “Don’t you remember “Do something Crazy?”” You will not find four smooth minutes like Be Right on Asleep in the Bread Aisle. Ash talks about moving to Atlanta and starting his career as a rapper on this track. It is one of the many high points on RH.

Track 9 – Pot of Gold

Toe-tapping, hand-clapping goodness. Roth sings his own hook to accompany the strong flow on his verses. Another great song with the chill hippy vibe put out by the album.

Track 10 – Keep Smoking Feat. Chuck Inglish

“Until it goes away, until it goes away, until it goes away I’m smokin’” is the hook Roth sings on the albums final cut. The hook is kind of up to the listeners interpretation is Asher smoking until his problems go away? Or is he just smoking until his weed is gone? Former cool kid Chuck Inglish provides a strong guest feature with the usual chemistry him and Roth have together (see “In the Kitchen” for further proof).

Asher has evolved as a rapper and as a person. His subject matter has gone from blunt cruisin’ to appreciating the gifts of everyday life. For anyone who still pictures Asher Paul Roth as that “I love College” guy should pick up a copy of Retro Hash and enjoy the trip. You won’t regret where it takes you.

Overall Rating: 7.5/10

Best Played: At a backyard BBQ on a hot summer day with good food, cold drinks, and positive vibes.

Listen to the RetroHash in its entirety below… FO’ Free!