Manhattan, New York emcee & songwriter A$AP Ferg finally releasing his 3rd studio LP. One of the most prominent members of the A$AP Mob, his 2013 solo debut Trap Lord & the debut mixtape Ferg Foreverboth cemented that further although the sophomore effort A.$.A.P. (Always $trive And Prosper) received mixed responses for its more commercial heavy-sound. Still Striving & Floor Seats both marked a return to form for Ferg although Floor Seats II got divided feedback during the 2020 COVID lockdowns, Darold based on the singles had me hoping it would be another step in the right direction artistically.
“Light Work” featuring Bloody Osiris & DD Osama starts off by dabbling with the New York drill sound telling everyone to go get their lights whereas “Thought I Was Dead” produced by Lex Luger & Mike WiLL-Made It works in some horns & hi-hats to talk about his return to music after so long. “Alive :(“ has a passionate tone altogether admitting he’s been trying to his find his passion for this rap shit lately prior to the lead single “Allure” featuring Future taking it live from Atlanta.
Denzel Curry joins Ferg on the energetic “Demons” to talk about being on the corner, making the hood go brazy just before “Messy” take the trap out talking about everything being disorderly & keeping it that way. “French Tips” has a bit of a boom bap vibe instrumentally keeping it hot, but then “Dead Homies” brings a soulful flare to the table remembering all of his friends who unfortunately can’t be here with us today.
“Casting Spells” hooks up a classy beat from Mario Winans, Lil Rod & disgraced Bad Boy Entertainment founder awaiting trial next spring Puff Daddy a.k.a. P. Diddy or Diddy keeping the hate away from him wanting to live & take care of his family while “Pool” strips the drums completely hoping that one never changes on him. “Chosen” maintains a drumless edge pushing towards the final moments of Darold showing a bit of introspection, which the bombastic title track expands on boasting that he’s been outside.
A rich auditory experience, Ferg’s first full-length in nearly a decade echoes his enduring impact on hip hop combining seasoned artists & rising stars offering something for everybody. This goal is achieved by the production drawing inspiration from boom bap, trap, neo-soul, contemporary R&B, pop rap, hardcore hip hop & the New York Drill scene refining the personal themes of A.$.A.P. (Always $trive And Prosper).
Score: 3.5/5
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