A$AP Ferg

FERG, previously known as A$AP Ferg, broke through with “Work (Remix),” a 2013 reworking of his 2012 debut single featuring A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Schoolboy Q, and Trinidad James. The track gave the Harlem rapper his first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 and went triple platinum through the Recording Industry Association of America. It also introduced the hard-edged “Trap Lord” persona that would anchor his first album.

Born Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr. on October 20, 1988, he was raised in Harlem’s Hamilton Heights area, also known as the Hungry Ham. Before concentrating on music, he worked in fashion, creating Devoni Clothing and designing high-end belts worn by Chris Brown, Swizz Beatz, and Diggy Simmons. In 2012, he founded the streetwear brand Traplord, whose name became the title of his debut studio album.

Ferguson is a lead member of the hip-hop collective ASAP Mob, alongside childhood friend A$AP Rocky. He adopted the A$AP name through the group and secured a recording deal with Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records. His debut album, Trap Lord, arrived in 2013 to positive reviews. That same year, he was named Rookie of the Year at the BET Hip Hop Awards.

His second album, Always Strive and Prosper, followed in 2016. Both it and Trap Lord reached the top ten of the Billboard 200. In 2017, “Plain Jane,” later remixed with Nicki Minaj, became his first song to enter the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. He returned to the upper reaches of that chart with 2020’s “Move Ya Hips,” featuring Nicki Minaj and MadeinTYO, which peaked at number 19 and remains his highest-charting entry.