A$AP Rocky Talks Playing JFK in Lana Del Ray’s “National Anthem”

Fans continue to buzz about singer Lana Del Ray’s “National Anthem” video, which features A$AP Rocky as former President John F. Kennedy and herself as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in a cinematic 7:40 clip.

In an interview with NOISEY, explained the thought process behind the video.

“Lana wrote the treatment with me in mind,” he said. “She wanted me to be the lead guy. Shit is like, everybody knows we got a thing for each other and we wanted to show that on screen. She’s a genius like…. nigga look at this bitch, I wanna fuck the shit outta her. Look at her she’s gotta be in her late 30s and shit… Err, Hello?”

“I got in character like, “Fuck that like, I’m gonna be the black, trill JFK,” he added. “But basically I was just me, I don’t really think I did JFK no justice, [laughs]. I was just me and it was like, ‘What if JFK met A$AP Rocky?’ And that’s what you got. She looked like Jackie O, and I was kissing the shit out of her all day and shit.”

The video, whether perceived good or bad, became a trending topic on Twitter yesterday (June 27) and will likely add to A$AP’s burgeoning star power.

It’s a good time for the extra spotlight, as A$AP recently announced September 11 as a release date for his highly-anticipated album, LongLiveA$AP. Before that, he’s kept his name and sound sizzling via his “Goldie” video and guest appearances on Swizz Beatz’ “Street Knock,” and Usher’s “Hot Thing.”—Jakinder Singh