In the aftermath of 2013’s Trap Lord, A$AP Mob’s second breakout act, A$AP Ferg, spent a bulk of 2014 touring and making his rounds on the spring/summer festival circuit, before delivering the Ferg Forever mixtape in late November.
To say that Hip-Hop music was dismal in 2014 essentially tells me that your musical palette has mainstream limitations.
Ferg Forever was among a bevy of free projects released by both major label-affiliated and underground artists that warrant a few spins. Waving the A$AP Mob flag in a year the clique produced little more than freebie tracks and broken promises of a compilation album that was scrapped, Fergenstein’s intentions were to show growth on his latest full-length release.
And that he did, though not without an array of new experiences and tutelage from industry veterans like Pharrell Williams, who’ve given the young rapper tons of game that’s become ammo for future releases.
Giving Hip-Hop Wired access, Ferg dishes on creating mixtapes vs. albums, his experiences with Skateboard P, which A$AP Mob member he’s most eager to see release a project and more.
—
Hip-Hop Wired: You’ve developed your sound since Trap Lord, and it shows on Ferg Forever. What was your mission statement for your latest project?
A$AP Ferg: The project was created so I can bridge the gap between Trap Lord and my debut album. It’s been a while since people heard original material from me, and I’ve learned a lot musically since my last project.
HHW: You get deeply personal on Ferg Forever tracks like “Uncle.” Why not save a song like that for your debut album?
A$AP Ferg: “Uncle” was supposed to be on Trap Lord, but I couldn’t because of logistics.
HHW: Oh okay. I was actually asking how you decide to place a track on a mixtape as opposed to your actual album?
A$AP Ferg: I actually don’t save anything; I put my all into all of my releases. I never say, “Yo! I’m going to save this for my album.” If a song is dope, it can make my album as well.
—
Photo: Instagram
HHW: 2014 was a year of firsts for you. What are some moments that stick out?
A$AP Ferg: Madonna called me and invited me out to chill and listen to music. That was one of them. I also worked with a lot of the producers I grew up admiring. I just had dinner with Pharrell the other day, and we spoke about life. When you’re able to kick it with people that you look up to on some regular day-to-day sh*t, that’s where’s I’m getting at now with my life.
It’s dope, because now I can call Swizz [Beats] and ask for advice. Busta Rhymes, we bumped into each other in Miami. Or being with Puff, and him telling me he’s proud of me. Those moments solidify your stardom.
HHW: Speaking of Pharrell, he’s known to give artists gems. What’s one thing he said to you that resonated?
A$AP Ferg: P gives so many gems, but one thing he told me was, “You look up to me and what I do. Imagine what you’re about to do.” That told me that no matter how much you respect history and legends, you gotta aspire to be better than that.
HHW: A$AP Mob scrapped the project you were set to drop last year. What will become of those records?
A$AP Ferg: I’m pretty sure it will, because we had a lot of good songs. I think it was the sequencing and getting hits, some more dope songs [that halted the project]. Some sh*t may go on my album, or Twelvyy’s album, or Rocky’s album.
HHW: Speaking of albums, I know you’re excited for the world to hear what you’re cooking up. But which of your A$AP Mob brethren are you most excited for listeners to hear?
A$AP Ferg: I’m excited for all of our projects to be heard, but [A$AP] Nast has to be one of my favorites out of everyone. We’re all true artists and work at our own pace. But when you get something out of Nast, it probably took forever, yet it’s fire.
