Is A$AP Rocky Going Pop? Inside the Moody, Genre-Bending World of “Both Eyes Closed”

When A$AP Rocky steps into a recording booth, predictable is the last word anyone uses to describe what happens next. From the hazy, cloud-rap corridors of Harlem that first put him on the map to the high-fashion, psychedelic soundscapes of his recent era, Lord Flacko has always treated hip-hop less like a rigid genre and more like a fluid sandbox.

With “Both Eyes Closed”—a standout track off the Highest 2 Lowest project—Rocky turns the wheel once again. But instead of leaning into heavy bass or double-time bars, he leans directly into atmospheric, guitar-laced pop territory.

If you’ve been following Flacko’s trajectory, this move isn’t a complete shock. Yet, there’s something distinctly raw and hypnotic about “Both Eyes Closed” that sets it apart. It’s a track that feels tailor-made for late-night drives down empty highways, blending alternative pop melodies with the quiet introspection of an artist who has seen it all and survived the fall.

Here is an in-depth breakdown of “Both Eyes Closed,” exploring its sonic identity, lyrical themes, production mechanics, and where it sits in A$AP Rocky’s sprawling musical legacy.

The Sound: Psychedelic Indie-Pop Meets Harlem Swag

To call “Both Eyes Closed” a pure pop song misses the point of what Rocky does best. It doesn’t sound like manufactured top-40 pop designed for fast food commercials. Instead, it pulls heavily from the same indie-psych roots that birthed fan favorites like “Sundress.”

The track trades sharp, aggressive flows for floaty, reverb-soaked vocals. Rather than punching through the mix, Rocky’s voice drifts across it, blending seamlessly into the instrumental like another instrument altogether.

Key Musical Elements

• Glistening Guitar Riffs: The foundation of the track relies on clean, reverberating guitar lines that give the song a dreamy, almost nostalgic feel.

• Warm, Rolling Low-End: While the top half of the mix sparkles with indie-rock textures, the bottom end remains firmly anchored by subtle 808s and a smooth bassline that keeps the track grounded in hip-hop rhythm.

• Layered Vocal Harmonies: Rocky uses pitched-up and pitched-down vocal backings to create a choir-like atmosphere, adding depth to every repeat of the chorus.

It’s a masterclass in mood-building. The track feels spacious, giving the listener room to breathe and soak in the vibe rather than rushing through verses to get to a drop.

Breaking Down the Lyrics: Blind Faith, Surrender, and the Cost of Fame

At first listen, “Both Eyes Closed” sounds effortless and relaxed—almost breezy. But look beneath the shimmering production, and you’ll find a lyricist grappling with surrender, trust, and the disorientation that comes with living under a global spotlight.

The central metaphor of the song hinges on the refrain:

“Goin’ one way down a wide road, both eyes closed / Hope I don’t drown, but the tide’s slow, both eyes closed…”

1. Driving Blind: The Metaphor of Surrender

Steering a car down an open road with your eyes shut is the ultimate act of reckless faith. For Rocky, this line captures what it feels like to navigate high-stakes life decisions—whether in music, fashion, or personal relationships—without second-guessing every turn. In a world full of noise, micro-management, and constant scrutiny, stepping forward blindly is presented as a form of liberation.

2. High Fashion vs. Low Times

Rocky has always excelled at balancing luxury references with street-level grit. On “Both Eyes Closed,” he shifts that balance toward emotional vulnerability. He touches on the isolation that inevitably comes with reaching the top of the mountain. When everyone wants a piece of you, moving through life with “both eyes closed” becomes a defense mechanism against the chaos outside.

Production Secrets: How the Track Was Built

The production on “Both Eyes Closed” deserves a close look. Working alongside long-time collaborators like Kelvin Krash, Rocky built a soundscape that manages to feel both massive and intimate at the same time.

By keeping the drums soft and allowing the melodic instruments to take center stage, the production team created a track that bridges multiple demographic gaps. It appeals to indie heads, pop enthusiasts, and hip-hop purists alike.

Where “Both Eyes Closed” Fits in Rocky’s Career Evolution

A$AP Rocky has never been content staying in one box. When he dropped *LIVE.LOVE.A$AP* back in 2011, he redefined the sound of East Coast rap by incorporating Houston chopped-and-screwed aesthetics and cloud-rap production. When he released TESTING in 2018, he doubled down on industrial, experimental sounds.

“Both Eyes Closed” represents the natural continuation of that experimental streak.

       [ Harlem Cloud Rap ] 
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                 ▼
     [ Psychedelic Experimentation ] 
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[ Melodic Crossover & Alt-Pop ("Both Eyes Closed") ]

1. Broadening the Horizon: Tracks like this prove Rocky isn’t afraid of the “pop” label as long as it’s executed on his own terms. He isn’t chasing trends; he’s pulling pop into his own artistic orbit.

2. Cinematic Adaptability: Coming off the Highest 2 Lowest project, the track has a distinctly visual quality. You can practically see the music video in your head from the first beat—neon lights, blurred city streets, and slow-motion shots.

3. Paving the Way for Future Artists: By fearlessly pivoting between aggressive rap and soft alternative melodies, Rocky continues to give younger hip-hop artists permission to experiment without fear of losing their core fanbase.