Purity (ASAP Rocky song)

"Purity" was produced by Dean Blunt, Finatik N Zac, Hector Delgado, and A$AP Rocky.^[2] The contribution of UK experimental musician Dean Blunt was noted by Dazed Digital as part of Rocky's effort to merge mainstream and underground aesthetics.^[3]

The song samples the acoustic performance of "I Gotta Find Peace of Mind" by Lauryn Hill, which forms the instrumental and thematic backbone of the track.^[4] The song has been discussed as part of a wider trend of artists sampling Lauryn Hill's work in 2018, alongside Drake and Cardi B. Billboard noted this movement as part of Hill's renewed visibility in contemporary hip hop and R&B.^[4] Frank Ocean recorded his verse by improvising over the sample looped in the studio, according to a 2019 interview.^[5]

The lyrics address themes of fame, disillusionment, and loss. Rocky discusses strained family ties and the death of A$AP Mob member A$AP Press.^[6] Rocky described the track as an effort to be more emotionally honest with his audience, stating, "I want to be genuine, I want to be real... As opposed to just being braggadocious all the time." In another interview, he said the song was inspired by "losing people", including family and friends.^[6]

"Purity" was highlighted by critics as a standout on Testing. Pitchfork named it a Best New Track, calling it a "heartfelt and introspective" finale that allowed Rocky to "transcend his reputation".^[2] The FADER referred to it as "vulnerable, soft, and easily the best track off Testing".^[1]

In a track-by-track review for The Independent, the song was described as "soulful and experimental," with the Lauryn Hill sample contributing to its emotional resonance.^[7] A Billboard article praised the track for offering "substance over style", noting Rocky's lyrical transparency about family and loss.^[8]

Esquire also featured "Purity" on its year-end list of best songs, describing it as a track that "takes cues from Ocean's masterpiece" and lauds its meditative tone.^[9]