A$AP Ferg’s ‘Always Strive And Prosper’: A 10-Year Look Back

Can you believe it’s been a whole decade? April 22, 2016, marked the release of A$AP Ferg’s sophomore album, ‘Always Strive And Prosper,’ and it’s safe to say this project has cemented its place as a classic in his discography. Back then, he was known as A$AP Ferg, a name synonymous with vibrant energy and undeniable bangers. This album wasn’t just another release; it was a significant commercial success and a deep dive into the true meaning behind the A$AP acronym.

A Star-Studded Collaboration List

What made ‘Always Strive And Prosper’ so special was its incredible lineup of guest features. Ferg brought together a diverse range of talent, from electronic music pioneer Skrillex and the legendary Missy Elliott to trap king Future and many more. This eclectic mix of artists contributed to the album’s unique sound and broad appeal.

With its release date on April 22, 2016, and a genre firmly rooted in Hip-Hop, the album offered a rich listening experience. It’s definitely a project worth revisiting, especially now that it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the journey and the impact this album has had.

The Tracklist: A Journey Through Sound

The album’s tracklist is a testament to Ferg’s artistic vision, featuring a compelling mix of introspective moments and high-energy anthems. From the opening track ‘Rebirth’ to the closing ‘Grandma,’ each song plays a role in the overall narrative. The inclusion of skits like ‘Meet My Crazy Uncle’ and ‘Damn Not Again’ adds a personal touch, making the album feel like a cohesive story.

• Rebirth
• Hungry Ham [ft. Skrillex and Crystal Caines]
• Strive [ft. Missy Elliott]
• Meet My Crazy Uncle (Skit)
• Psycho
• Let It Bang [ft. Schoolboy Q]
• New Level [ft. Future]
• Yammy Gang [ft. A$AP Mob and Tatianna Paulino]
• Swipe Life [ft. Rick Ross]
• Uzi Gang [ft. Lil Uzi Vert and Marty Baller]
• Beautiful People [ft. Chuck D and Mama Ferg]
• Damn Not Again (Skit)
• Let You Go
• World Is Mine [ft. Big Sean]
• Phone Call With Breezy (Skit)
• I Love You [ft. Chris Brown and Ty Dolla $ign]
• Grandma (Skit)
• Grandma

Commercial Performance and Critical Reception

Commercially, ‘Always Strive And Prosper’ made a solid debut, landing at number eight on the Billboard 200 chart and selling 35,000 units in its first week. While it didn’t rack up major awards in 2016 and currently holds no certifications, its impact is undeniable. It’s interesting to look back at how it was received by critics and fans alike.

Interestingly, the reception from HotNewHipHop commenters back in the day was quite divided. Some readers expressed skepticism, questioning if the album was worth a listen, while others defended its artistic merit. Our initial review gave it a strong 80 out of 100, with one commenter noting, ‘This album was cool, lot of introspective tracks from fergenstein.’ This polarization highlights the album’s depth and its ability to spark conversation.

This album was cool, lot of introspective tracks from fergenstein. — HotNewHipHop Reader

A Decade Later: Still Striving and Prospering

Ten years on, ‘Always Strive And Prosper’ remains a significant work in A$AP Ferg’s (now known as FERG) career. It showcased his growth as an artist and his ability to blend diverse sounds and themes. The album’s exploration of ambition, identity, and the hustle continues to resonate with listeners.