Podcast Summary: Toure Show Episode Featuring A$AP Ferg – "I Am Darold"

Title: Toure Show
Host: Torre
Guest: A$AP Ferg
Release Date: January 1, 2025
Website: dcpofficial.com/toureshow

1. Introduction and Reaffirming Identity in ASAP

The episode kicks off with Torre welcoming A$AP Ferg, laying the foundation for an in-depth discussion about Ferg's journey, his new album, and his evolution as an artist outside the ASAP Mob collective.

Key Discussions:

• ASAP Mob Legacy: Ferg clarifies his relationship with ASAP Mob, emphasizing that while the collective itself may no longer be active, the legacy and influence remain integral to his identity.

  “I made ASAP me along with Rocky and, you know, the founders who built it... ASAP Worldwide is not a record label. I think it's a thing of the past.” ([01:03])

• Transition to Individual Branding: Ferg discusses his shift from being identified as part of ASAP Mob to embracing his personal brand, "Ferg," highlighting his growth and the desire to present a more authentic self to his audience.

  “It's Ferg now. You're not A$AP Ferg anymore.” ([19:03])

2. Deep Dive into the Album "Darold"

Ferg introduces his latest album, "Darold," explaining its personal significance and the processes behind its creation.

Key Discussions:

• Album Title Significance: The name "Darold" is Ferg’s birth name, symbolizing a more transparent and personal narrative in his music.

  “I just wanted to have a transparent moment and, you know, get into the guy behind the guy, which is Daryl.” ([02:42])

• Creative Process and Influences: Ferg elaborates on his journey of self-discovery through practices like reading "The Artist's Way" and collaborating with influential figures such as Kanye West and Jay-Z. These interactions helped him refine his artistic voice and integrate diverse musical elements into his work.

  “I had to evolve and learn how to articulate what I was going through... synergizing with different musicians helped me find my footing.” ([03:56])

• Physical and Mental Preparation: Ferg emphasizes the importance of detoxing and maintaining mental clarity, balancing intense studio work with social activities to channel genuine experiences into his music.

  “Physically, detoxing and drinking juices and doing a 25-day juice detox, running, clearing my vessel, my mind just so I could receive the message.” ([08:00])

3. Personal Stories and Vulnerability

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Ferg’s personal experiences, particularly a traumatic incident from his childhood and its long-term effects.

Key Discussions:

• Childhood Trauma: Ferg recounts an incident from when he was ten years old, where he was groped in a pool. This event led to lasting impacts, including developing a homophobic stance that he later sought to overcome through therapy and personal growth.

  “For a long time, I would, like, see gay people and, like, be like, oh, he's gay... I had to seek therapy and just talk through things.” ([14:24])

• Impact on Personal Growth: He speaks candidly about the struggle between maintaining hyper-masculine personas in the industry and striving for personal authenticity and mental well-being.

  “I just wanna be normal. I just wanna be Daryl, whatever that means.” ([14:48])

4. Music Creation and Artistic Influences

Ferg provides insight into his artistic process, highlighting his approach to songwriting, flow, and the integration of diverse musical influences.

Key Discussions:

• Songwriting Approach: Unlike his earlier days where flow dictated his lyrics, Ferg now starts with the topic or theme of the song, allowing the subject matter to guide his creative process.

  “Now I think about the topic. I think about the type of songs I want to write.” ([21:25])

• Flow and Rhythm: He describes his rap style as being similar to drumming, emphasizing a natural, uninhibited flow that often aligns with the beat subconsciously.

  “I think I can rap like a snare or like, I could rap heavy like a drum.” ([24:32])

• Influences: Ferg cites legends like Big Pun, Busta Rhymes, and contemporary artists like Drake as inspirations, blending their styles with his unique flair to create dynamic and engaging music.

  “I'm like, Biggie was like a tough dude, but at the same time, he could crack jokes at himself.” ([26:07])

5. Perspectives on Current Hip Hop Scene

The conversation shifts to Ferg’s views on the evolving landscape of hip hop, critiquing the commercial pressures and advocating for artistic authenticity.

Key Discussions:

• Commercialization vs. Creativity: Ferg criticizes the industry's focus on quantity over quality, urging artists to prioritize creativity and meaningful content over merely producing music for profit.

  “They made it a thing to sell art, when art ain't even really supposed to be sold... it's supposed to be made and supposed to be given.” ([55:26])

• Golden Era Nostalgia: He reminisces about the diversity and depth of the 1990s hip hop scene, yearning for a resurgence of that creative spirit and cultural richness in today’s music.

  “I love the golden era of hip hop... It was so many different flavors and so much different energies.” ([33:41])

• Encouraging Artistic Exploration: Ferg encourages contemporary artists to explore new themes and styles, moving beyond clichés to reflect their true selves and diverse experiences.

  “What can I do to create a record that challenges the listener or reflects my inner self?” ([36:57])

6. Future Projects and Ongoing Evolution

Ferg discusses his plans for future projects, emphasizing continuous growth and the importance of staying true to his artistic vision.

Key Discussions:

• Next Album Plans: Already working on his next album, Ferg mentions having completed around ten records, with the flexibility to create more based on inspiration and creative flow.

  “I'm ready to wrap up the next one... I have 10 records done for the next album.” ([49:21])

• Artistic Integrity vs. Industry Demands: He reiterates his commitment to producing quality art over succumbing to industry timelines and financial pressures.

  “I just go with the flow. Let me do what I do.” ([51:38])

• Balancing Art and Hustle: Ferg reflects on the necessity of balancing artistic pursuits with practical hustling, striving to align his actions with his true self as an artist.

  “I had to align myself with my true self, which is an artist.” ([53:02])

7. Reflections on Harlem and Cultural Influence

Ferg shares his deep-rooted connection to Harlem, highlighting its historical and cultural significance as a source of inspiration and identity.

Key Discussions:

• Harlem’s Cultural Legacy: Describing Harlem as the "Mecca of fashion, culture, music," Ferg underscores its rich history from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary influences in hip hop.

  “Harlem is the Mecca of fashion, culture, music. Harlem Renaissance... we have a lot of pride.” ([45:55])

• Mentorship and Community: He speaks about guiding new artists like Joe West, fostering a sense of community and continuity within Harlem’s vibrant cultural scene.

  “He's an Internet baby... he's got a lot of character and charisma, but he knows his history.” ([49:09])

8. Closing Thoughts and Personal Well-Being

Concluding the episode, Ferg shares his personal growth journey, expressing satisfaction with his current state of well-being and readiness for future endeavors.

Key Discussions:

• Personal Well-Being: Ferg conveys a sense of fulfillment and mental clarity, attributing his current success to the disciplined practices and self-reflection discussed throughout the episode.

  “I'm amazing. Like, this is the best feeling and place, mentally, spiritually, physically, I've been ever.” ([56:52])

• Artistic Satisfaction: Emphasizing the importance of personal satisfaction over external validation, Ferg reaffirms his commitment to genuine artistic expression.

  “This is what growth would do. Good for you.” ([57:11])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Creating "Darold":

  “I just wanted to have a transparent moment and, you know, get into the guy behind the guy, which is Daryl.” ([02:42])

• On Childhood Trauma:

  “For a long time, I would, like, see gay people and, like, be like, oh, he's gay... I had to seek therapy and just talk through things.” ([14:24])

• On Artistic Process:

  “Now I think about the topic. I think about the type of songs I want to write.” ([21:25])

• On Industry Pressures:

  “They made it a thing to sell art, when art ain't even really supposed to be sold... it's supposed to be made and supposed to be given.” ([55:26])

• On Harlem’s Influence:

  “Harlem is the Mecca of fashion, culture, music. Harlem Renaissance... we have a lot of pride.” ([45:55])

Conclusion

In this compelling episode of the Toure Show, A$AP Ferg offers an unfiltered glimpse into his artistic evolution, personal struggles, and unwavering dedication to authentic expression. From dissecting the legacy of ASAP Mob to unveiling the deeply personal narratives within his album "Darold," Ferg articulates a journey of growth, resilience, and creative integrity. His reflections on the current state of hip hop and his aspirations for future projects underscore a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while staying true to his roots in Harlem’s rich cultural tapestry. This episode serves as both an inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of self-discovery and artistic authenticity.