Featured image courtesy of Drew Rosario
Music and cannabis share a remarkable ability to enhance our experiences, inviting us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us. Collectively, they create a space for reflection, creativity, and pleasure.
High Notes explores the intersections of music and cannabis, highlighting the records that elevate the moment.
Asher Roth is a name synonymous with both carefree college anthems and a laid-back, introspective approach to hip-hop. From his breakout hit I Love College to his deeper, more experimental work over the years, Roth has always made music that invites listeners into his world—a place where reflection, nostalgia, and good vibes meet.
As part of our High Notes series, we caught up with the rapper to talk about the soundtrack to the ultimate smoke session, his creative process, and how cannabis plays a role in his music. Whether he’s vibing to D’Angelo’s Voodoo or freestyling with friends, Asher Roth’s journey through sound and smoke continues to inspire both old fans and new listeners alike.
The Emerald Magazine: What’s the one album you’d recommend for the ultimate smoke sesh, and what makes it the perfect choice?
Asher Roth (AR): Wow. Only one!? I guess I’m going with D’Angelo’s Voodoo album. No skips. Playa Playa is the perfect song to roll up to and begin a session. By the time the DJ Premier-produced Devil’s Pie comes on, everything is right in the world. So many sonic treats as well as contributions from some of Philly’s finest musicians. An album for all seasons, any time of day, and every type of setting.
Emerald: How do you find inspiration when writing new music? Do you have any go-to rituals?
AR: No real go-to rituals besides just sitting down and doing my best not to over-edit myself. I take long breaks in between writing [and] recording so the process can feel fresh. I’m usually inspired by just the desire to create something new.
Emerald: What role does the setting play for you when you’re creating or listening to music?
AR: I think the setting has an inadvertent role in recalling the album or song I heard or made. I don’t typically alter my setting to a specific criteria. Although I do love me some low lighting.
Emerald: What’s the best way to truly immerse yourself in a record?
AR: Cannabis certainly helps with immersion. And the opportunity a car ride provides for focus lends itself well to fully experiencing an album. Considering a lot of car stereo systems are pretty good, I think stoned while riding in the passenger side of a vehicle is a way to truly immerse yourself.
Emerald: Has cannabis influenced your music or creative process over the years? If so, how?
AR: I think it’s fair to say yes. Smoking weed and freestyling is a favorite suburban pastime. As I’ve gotten older, however, I’ve mainly used cannabis to edit. So, I’ll listen back to recordings or mixes after smoking and I feel like it helps me be a rigorous editor and find subtleties within the recording that I’d like to re-do, remove or possibly find charming.
Emerald: Your hit I Love College defined a moment. Some would call it timeless. What do you think makes certain albums timeless for enjoying with friends?
AR: Wow! That’s a compliment. I was thinking about songs that become part of the pop culture zeitgeist not too long ago. It’s definitely interesting. But I guess a lot of it has to do with the timing of the release itself. I Love College specifically speaks to a lot of people who were coming of age in 2008-09. Right after a global financial crisis that we were so happily oblivious to while listening to that song. So, whether you were a freshman in high school or college you may (or may not) have found the themes in that song relatable—and in a lot of ways we ended up growing up together. People can share stories around when and where they first heard it. So, maybe timeless records ironically capture a specific time—and transport you back to it—making it timeless.
Emerald: If you had to set the mood for a sesh using three tracks from your own catalog, which ones would you choose?
AR: Oof. Probably start with Parties at the Disco from RetroHash followed by Flowers on the Weekend from the Flowers on the Weekend album, then finish with Charlie Chaplin off of Pabst & Jazz.
Emerald: Lastly, where can we keep up with you / what you’re working on right now?
AR: We’re heavy into creating collaborative albums on the Retrohash Discord which anyone can join. It’s also the best way for me to have a much more personal relationship with my audience as more traditional social media platforms are too noisy. My IG stories (@asherroth) are fairly consistent and I’m new to TikTok but I’ve accepted the Chinese spyware into my life for the time being while I document life on the road and learning how to use a 6 iron. As always, the best way to stay in touch is to subscribe to my Substack where I sporadically send out detailed updates on what I’m up to or into.
CHECK OUT D’ANGELO’S VOODOO HERE:
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