Embrace the Past, Ignite the Future: Ferg's Unstoppable Creative Force
A New Chapter: Embracing Joy in Melody
Earlier this week, during a video conference, Ferg presented a sunny view from his hotel room in Miami. He was in the city for Art Basel, where he was not only celebrating his burgeoning art career but also the recent debut of his seventh studio album, "Flip Phone Shorty," which launched on Black Friday. Ferg expressed his excitement about the album's reception, noting, "The response has been incredible. It feels liberating, especially after the profound introspection of my last album. It's refreshing to simply enjoy making music again."
Reflecting on Introspection: The Depth of "Darold"
Last year's album, "Darold," a tribute to his late father, saw Ferg delve into a period of deep self-examination. He explored his emotions and past experiences to gain a clearer understanding of his identity. The album's sound incorporated gospel and orchestral elements, creating a more solemn and reflective atmosphere. Initially, Ferg debated whether to shift to a lighter tone after such a serious release. He pondered, "Is it acceptable to just create some enjoyable trap music?" Ultimately, he decided to trust his instincts and move forward with his vision.
The Power of Collaboration: Ferg and Lex Luger's Synergy
It was advantageous that renowned trap producer Lex Luger had been sending Ferg tracks throughout the creation of "Darold." By the time Ferg was prepared to begin his next project, he had an abundant collection of material. Ferg recalled, "He was continuously sending me beats for what felt like one or two years. I'm truly grateful for his dedication. There were so many exceptional tracks that fueled my excitement." Ferg estimates that Luger produced approximately 95 percent of his latest album, likening the producer's relentless work ethic to DJ Mustard's well-known approach with Kendrick Lamar, where beats were sent daily regardless of a response. "Lex Luger operated in a similar fashion, constantly providing a wealth of tracks."
Reigniting a Classic Sound: The Detroit Influence
Ferg recounted attending a performance by the energetic experimental group HiTech in Detroit, where the DJ opened with classic Jeezy tracks produced by Lex Luger. "The crowd erupted," he noted. "It made me realize we needed to revive that type of sound and energy." This experience prompted him to revisit the extensive archive of beats Lex had sent. He posed a question to the producer: "What was your creative approach when you crafted tracks like 'Ham' or 'BMF' for Rick Ross, and all those anthems and Waka Flocka beats?" Together, they forged a distinct auditory landscape that honored the past while propelling it forward.
"Flip Phone Shorty": A Journey Through Time
This brings us to the album's title, "Flip Phone Shorty," a clear homage to the retro devices that defined the Y2k aesthetic, a trend that has recently surged in popularity. Ferg was meticulous in ensuring that the album wasn't merely a nostalgic trip but a genuine reflection of his identity. The titular "Flip Phone Shorty" represents a younger version of Ferg, who came of age during the early 2000s. He explained, "This character is essentially my 16-year-old self. The 14, 16-year-old me who wore Girbaud jeans, Pelle Pelle jackets, and fitted caps. It's a journey down memory lane."
Modernizing Nostalgia: Fashion and Sound Fusion
He drew parallels to his current fashion choices – oversized designer t-shirts from Yohji Yamamoto or Telfar, reimagined with practical details – as a metaphor for how he reinterpreted the past for contemporary times. "It's like displaying a 5X t-shirt on a wall at a Gagosian gallery," he mused. "That's what I aimed for with the 'Flip Phone Shorty' album." While the core sound remains classic Lex Luger trap, co-producer Taavi integrated what Ferg described as "Left of center sounds" – electronic textures that updated the familiar sound without abandoning its essence. "It's the quintessential trap sound you recognize and love, yet simultaneously, you encounter fresh sonic elements."
Collaborations and Artistic Bridges: Forging New Paths
The album features collaborations with artists such as Gucci Mane, with whom Ferg had a well-publicized online disagreement in 2013 over the title of his mixtape "Trap Lord," and Lil B, whom Ferg credits as "one of our era's pioneers." For Ferg, Lil B embodied a crucial aspect of the blog era that launched both their careers: the seamless integration of disparate artistic worlds. "He connected with both hipsters and gangsters, and that resonated with me because it was pure art." That period remains fundamental to Ferg's self-perception. "That entire time was extraordinary, marked by an explosion of creativity."
Beyond Music: A Painter's Journey
As Ferg has matured, his creative endeavors have extended beyond music into visual art, drawing upon his formal education and the inspiration of his late father, Darold Ferguson Sr., who owned a boutique called Ferg Apparel in Harlem and designed logos for figures like Diddy and Andre Harrell. Ferg reflected, "I witnessed my father creating art my entire life. For me, it's truly about building upon the legacy of a giant."
Expanding Horizons: Art Exhibitions and Community Engagement
In recent years, Ferg has embraced painting, notably creating the artwork for his last two album covers and hosting his inaugural solo exhibition, "CHOSEN," in New York last spring. He also partnered with UGG earlier this year to transform a three-story Manhattan building into a complimentary, interactive pop-up experience for a week, featuring his own artwork. He described how he has recently been engaging with architects, agency owners, and collectors, expanding his creative community beyond music. "When I held my first art show, families attended, something I never experienced at my rap concerts. To see strollers and babies at my art show, or people from the Harlem Studio Museum come through – it feels profoundly different," he shared. He even sold several pieces in Miami, a city bustling with art collectors. "I literally sold a painting last night," he stated. "I'm delivering paintings to people's homes. The dialogue has shifted."
Reflections and Revival: The Enduring Passion of an Artist
Reflecting on nearly 15 years since the emergence of A$AP Mob, Ferg expressed his astonishment at the many unexpected turns his career has taken. "Looking back, I've collaborated with more than half the industry, both older and younger artists. I believe that's a significant achievement because I never envisioned myself as a rapper." He clarified, "I never expected to pursue it professionally. I always rapped, and I am a rapper simply because I have a deep love for the craft." Still, he admitted there was a moment when he considered stepping away. "I was on the verge of thinking, 'I'm done with this.'" But then came a profound realization: "God has instilled something in me that others cannot find elsewhere. No one else possesses Ferg's unique energy. I am one of a kind." He articulated his desire to revive the vibrant club atmosphere of the 2000s, to remind people of the joy of movement. "We haven't experienced that kind of club energy in a long time," he lamented. "I'm thinking, 'Where's the excitement?' There's an energy missing from music that I want to reintroduce."