Podcast Summary: Toure Show – Episode "Ferg - I Am The Streets"

Host: DCP Entertainment
Guest: A$AP Ferg
Release Date: December 1, 2024
Podcast Title: Toure Show
Website: dcpofficial.com/toureshow

1. Introduction to A$AP Ferg

The episode opens with Toure introducing A$AP Ferg as not just a prominent rapper but also a multifaceted creative individual involved in fashion design. Toure hints at an expansive conversation covering Ferg’s hit song "Plain Jane," his support for A$AP Rocky, insights into modern art, and more.

2. The Making of "Plain Jane"

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Ferg’s creation of his breakthrough track "Plain Jane."

• Inspiration and Creation Process:
  Ferg describes how the song "Plain Jane" was born from listening to Juicy J's "Slop on My Knob." He had an epiphany that the song didn’t follow the conventional structure, particularly starting with the hook.

  [05:22] Ferg: "Nobody did the song over. And I was like, why doesn't this happen?"

• Collaboration with Kirk Knight:
  Ferg collaborated with producer Kirk Knight to infuse fresh sounds into the track, aiming to make it resonate with younger audiences.

  [07:07] Ferg: "Kirk is amazing... I recorded the whole thing on my laptop in the studio."

• Creative Process:
  The duo worked intimately on the beat, with Ferg focusing on maintaining a laid-back vocal delivery over a hype beat, ensuring the track felt anthemic for the youth.

  [08:30] A$AP Ferg: "I wanted to do it laid back so everybody could feel like it's their tone."

3. Personal Struggles and Emotional Growth

Ferg delves into personal experiences that shaped his emotional landscape and artistic expression.

• Coping with Loss:
  Ferg shares poignant moments of attending the funerals of his first girlfriend and his father, highlighting his initial inability to express vulnerability.

  [01:05] Ferg: "I didn't think I could cry... I wasn't able to feel."

• Embracing Vulnerability:
  Over time, Ferg learned to embrace his emotions, finding freedom and relief in allowing himself to feel and express sadness.

  [01:58] Ferg: "I'm human. Yeah. And I felt better."

4. Ferg’s Foray into Fashion and Design

Beyond music, Ferg is passionate about fashion, aiming to establish his own clothing line.

• Early Beginnings:
  Inspired by his father, who designed iconic logos like Bad Boy and Uptown Cats, Ferg started experimenting with graphic design and silk screen printing in his youth.

  [18:09] Ferg: "My father did the Bad Boy logo... I was designing, doing graphic design, doing silk screen printing."

• Building a Business:
  Ferg discusses the entrepreneurial lessons learned from his father, emphasizing financial independence and smart business practices.

  [23:47] Ferg: "Don't take loans or borrow money. Use your own money."

• Current Ventures:
  Presently, Ferg is expanding his brand "Traplord" by collaborating with Adidas and designing exclusive merchandise, including footwear and home goods.

  [70:02] Ferg: "I'm signed with Adidas... I want to make my own silhouette."

5. Artistic Inspirations and Influences

Ferg shares his admiration for various artists across different mediums, drawing parallels between their creative processes and his own.

• Influence of Modern Artists:
  He cites Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst, appreciating their ability to innovate and delegate within their creative enterprises.

  [56:35] Ferg: "What I learned from Jeff Koons is having a team and delegating."

• Legacy of Hip-Hop Legends:
  Ferg respects rap giants like Jay Z, Biggie, and Eminem, highlighting their vulnerability, business acumen, and lyrical prowess as benchmarks for his own artistry.

  [33:15] Ferg: "I think about Eminem a lot just on like, vulnerability."

• Visual Arts Appreciation:
  He expresses a deep appreciation for visual artists like Picasso, Basquiat, and Kehinde Wiley, noting how their work influences his own artistic vision.

  [59:47] Ferg: "Kehinde Wiley's work... and I have to buy some of his names."

6. Meditation and Mental Health

Ferg discusses the importance of meditation in maintaining his mental well-being amidst a hectic lifestyle.

• Practice and Benefits:
  Although meditating isn't a daily habit, Ferg recognizes its value in resetting and rebalancing his mental state.

  [37:37] Ferg: "I started to reset myself, refocus, sit in silence, sit with my own thoughts."

• Overcoming Skepticism:
  Initially skeptical about meditation, Ferg adopted the practice after learning its benefits from influencers like J. Cole and reading Russell Simmons' book.

  [39:21] Ferg: "I used to think meditation was stupid... But it works wonders."

7. Reflections on Vulnerability in Black Men

The conversation touches on the broader societal expectations placed on black men regarding emotional expression.

• Cultural Shifts:
  Ferg acknowledges the progress in the black community towards embracing vulnerability, inspired by figures like Jay Z openly discussing therapy.

  [42:27] Ferg: "Jay Z saying he took therapy, that's our biggest rapper ever."

• Personal Expression:
  He emphasizes the liberation that comes from expressing vulnerability, both emotionally and artistically through fashion and music.

  [43:00] Ferg: "That's freedom. And I think we're getting better with that as a people."

8. The Impact of Personal Loss on Artistic Direction

Ferg shares how the loss of his brother, Yams, profoundly affected his perspective and drive.

• Life Lessons:
  The tragic loss reinforced the importance of making positive choices and staying clear of destructive paths.

  [47:35] Ferg: "You could die from making the wrong decisions."

• Changing Life Priorities:
  This event led Ferg to become more conscious of his actions and the influence he wields as an artist.

  [49:16] Ferg: "It made me more conscious of it, of the possibilities of just as easier to get into shit."

9. Future Aspirations and Legacy

Looking ahead, Ferg outlines his ambitions to expand his creative empire beyond music.

• Expanding Creative Horizons:
  Ferg aims to delve deeper into fashion design, furniture, and home goods, aspiring to create a holistic brand that encompasses various aspects of art and lifestyle.

  [70:28] Ferg: "I want to make my own silhouette... I could create a sound. I'm trying to evolve."

• Sustaining His Musical Career:
  Despite his entrepreneurial ventures, Ferg remains committed to music, asserting that as long as he has something meaningful to say, he will continue to create and perform.

  [73:54] Ferg: "I will always be rapping as long as I got something to say."

10. Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of vision and creativity in both personal and professional endeavors. Ferg emphasizes his dedication to pushing boundaries and inspiring others through his multifaceted career.

• Vision as a Superpower:
  Ferg identifies his ability to envision and execute creative projects as his defining strength, enabling him to traverse diverse creative landscapes.

  [71:03] Ferg: "My superpower is vision... I have the vision for myself and others."

• Closing Remarks:
  Both host and guest express mutual respect, celebrating the depth and honesty of Ferg’s journey. Toure encourages listeners to pursue their dreams with the same passion and resilience exhibited by Ferg.

Notable Quotes:

• Ferg on Emotional Growth:

  [01:58] "I can't believe it. Like I feel something and I let it out. I'm human. Yeah. And I felt better."

• Ferg on Business Principles:

  [23:47] "Don’t take any loans or borrow money from people. Use your own money."

• Ferg on Vision:

  [71:03] "My superpower is vision... I have the vision for myself and others."

Key Takeaways:

• A$AP Ferg embodies a blend of musical talent and creative entrepreneurship, drawing inspiration from a wide array of artists across different mediums.
• Personal hardships have significantly influenced his emotional depth and artistic expressions, fostering a sense of vulnerability that he advocates for within the black community.
• Ferg's commitment to innovation extends beyond music into fashion and design, aspiring to create a lasting legacy that touches various facets of culture and lifestyle.
• His emphasis on vision, resilience, and authenticity serves as a blueprint for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs seeking to make their mark.

This episode of the Toure Show offers an in-depth look into A$AP Ferg’s multifaceted career, personal growth, and artistic philosophy, providing listeners with valuable insights and inspiration to fuel their own journeys toward success.