A$AP Ferg is on the cusp of something big. In between dates on his “When It’s Dark Out” tour with G-Eazy, the Trap Lord stopped by Rap-Up to discuss his upcoming sophomore album, Always Strive and Prosper, which he describes as “a merge between Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On and some Wu-Tang shit.”
“This album is my best work thus far and I know everybody will love it,” the Harlem MC told Rap-Up TV. “It’s more personal. It’s telling my rags-to-riches story, where I come from, how I wound up in front of y’all right now.”
In addition to working with Future on the first single “New Level,” he’s drafted a dream team of collaborators including Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, and Missy Elliott.
“I’ve got a song called ‘I Love You’ with Chris and Ty Dolla $ign,” he said. “Every girl I play that song for, they just basically melt. That’s the melter right there. … I also have a song called ‘Strive’ with Fatman Scoop and Missy. [DJ] Mustard produced the beat with Stelios, an in-house producer of mine. It’s a dance record that’s amazing.”
Beyond the stars, A.S.A.P. is a family affair. Of course, A$AP Mob appears on “Yammy Gang,” which Ferg described as a “turnt up joint.” And even Ferg’s grandmother shows up.
“I’ve got a song called ‘Beautiful People’ with Chuck D and my grandmother that’s amazing, out of this world,” he said. “All live instrumentation…It’s one of the more conscious records, just talking about my views on everything that’s going on in society.”
Additionally, A$AP Yams’ mother attended a studio session, and so did Ferg’s own mother, who gave him tips while he worked with Skrillex.
Always Strive and Prosper, the follow-up to Ferg’s 2013 debut Trap Lord, is due this spring.