A$AP Ferg - Ferg Forever

Ferg Forever is one of the most off-the-wall mixtapes I've heard this year.

A$AP Ferg - "Doe-Active"

It's official: A$AP Ferg has gone insane. The New York rapper and A$AP Mob member has been dropping singles relentlessly since last week, but the output has been relatively underwhelming thus far. However, "Doe-Active" seems to break that boring streak.

This track looks like it'll be dropping on Ferg's forthcoming mixtape, and it features an electro-trap instrumental with a hard-hitting finish. As far as Ferg's rapping goes, these are some of the oddest flows I've ever heard him deliver. His wild inflections and screams put him just shy of the energy level on a track like "I Can't Wait." There's even some unexpected Adam Levine name-drops in the 2nd half.

The only thing that separates him from ODB--or maybe even Lil Wayne at this point--on this track is Ferg seems to be conscious of how little sense he's making. While I love the explosive character of the track, there isn't much in terms of a song at the core of this thing. I can't see myself returning to it anytime soon. Maybe it'll sound better in the context of this forthcoming tape. I can only hope and assume that the Trap Lord works in mysterious ways.

A$AP Ferg - "This Side" ft. YG

A$AP Mob's resident Trap Lord A$AP Ferg comes through with a new single featuring West Coast up-and-comer YG. I think it's safe to assume we're gonna have an album cycle soon, but I can't say this track here has gotten me excited for it.

For one, YG doesn't do the track any favors. Without a catchy hook and a DJ Mustard beat, he's rendered completely uninteresting. He's like a hype man whose part went on too long. I don't mind Ferg's verses at all, which are loaded with personality and his typically wild inflections--especially on the last verse. However, the hook here is a real dud. The fact the beat redundantly hangs around the same melody during the chorus doesn't exactly make the transition from the verse exciting either.

All in all, it's a pretty underwhelming introduction to Ferg's next project. Hopefully, his future material is more explosive. Check a review for Ferg's last album right here.

A$AP Ferg - "Let It Go"

OK, A$AP Ferg's "Let It Go" music video: Mutants! Ninjas! Teleportation! Damsel! Distress! Rocket arms! Explosions! AAHHHH! All of the explosions! TRAPLORD to the freaking rescue! Praise his name!

The videography here calls to mind any number of crummy (in the best way) 80s sci-fi crime films, mostly Scanners for some reason. But that movie could have benefited from more rockets and this video could have benefited from a head explosion. Then it would have been perfect.

Scope this thing above via VEVO. Also, a reminder that Trap Lord is a grand ol' time:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFTUk2n9QCU

A$AP Ferg - "Hood Pope"

An odd set of visuals grace A$AP Ferg's infamous "Hood Pope" single, which dropped last year in promotion of the New York rapper's commercial debut, Trap Lord.

Ferg's unmistakable "ohhhh-oh" calls are met with images neighborhood kids, and some of 'em are horrifically scarred. It sort of depicts the song's theme of kids running wild in the streets, getting into trouble. They must "need nurturin'," I guess.

Given the song's title, of course there's plenty of religious imagery, but not all of it is tastefully executed. I mean, Ferg ascends into heaven at the very end of the video, and his fat gold chain goes with him. It looks like he's spitting his lyrics from some kind of holy book as one point as well. It all plays into the idea that Ferg himself is a religious figure. He wishes to lead his disciples away from senseless violence, but simultaneously knowns he's far from perfect himself.

Check a review for Trap Lord below: