A$AP Rocky sets solid release date

Buzzing hip-hop artist A$AP Rocky's debut major label full-length studio album, "Love.Long.A$AP," has had its release date pushed back multiple times since summer. But it looks like January 15 is the real deal. Promotional copies were sent out today and the album is available for pre-order.

In November when The Observer interviewed A$AP Rocky prior to his concert at The Fillmore, he mentioned that the anxiously awaited album had already been completed. Meaning it could come out any time. He and his record label were just watching his buzz build thanks to an appearance with Rihanna at MTV's Video Music Awards in September and his hits "Goldie" and "F*****' Problems" with Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar (2012's other new hip-hop golden boy). That little nugget of info - that he was no longer still tweaking the album or collecting name collaborators thanks to his growing popularity - was picked up by a string of hip-hop publications, including rap Bible "The Source."

The 12-track "Long.Live.A$AP" features a slew of guests including Santigold, Big K.R.I.T., and Yelawolf while the deluxe version features four additional tracks, including one with Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch. His co-producers include Danger Mouse, Skrillex, Hit-Boy, Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, and Clams Casino. Both versions as well as vinyl will be available on his new official merch store.

A$AP Rocky will spend a portion of 2013 on the road with Rihanna as a special guest on the singer's "Diamonds World Tour." He's scheduled to appear at dates March 8 through May 5. The closest one to Charlotte is in Atlanta, April 22.