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Trap Lord
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| Trap Lord | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | August 20, 2013 | |||
| Recorded | 2012–13 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 51:08 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
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| ASAP Ferg chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Trap Lord | ||||
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Trap Lord is the debut studio album by American rapper ASAP Ferg. The album was released on August 20, 2013, by ASAP Worldwide, Polo Grounds Music, and RCA Records. The album features guest appearances from ASAP Rocky, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, French Montana, Trinidad James, Schoolboy Q, Waka Flocka Flame, Aston Matthews, B-Real and Onyx.
The album was supported by three singles; the remix to "Work" which featured ASAP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Trinidad James and French Montana, the album's most commercially successful single "Shabba" featuring ASAP Rocky, and "Hood Pope". It was met with generally positive reviews from music critics, and debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200.
Background
[edit]The album was originally slated to be released as a mixtape in February 2013.[1] In January 2013, during an interview with XXL, ASAP Ferg explained the significance of the album title, saying: "I feel like it's not just me that represents Trap Lord. I feel like A$AP Rocky is a Trap Lord. I feel like Nast is a Trap Lord. Wale just posted a picture on his Instagram wearing a Trap Lord sweatshirt. DJ Enuff be sending me pictures of his sons wearing Trap Lord stuff. You gonna see a lot of different new faces that represent the brand—not only the brand, but where we come from. A Trap Lord is basically the struggle to do better. It's almost like the theme of Always Strive And Prosper (A$AP). Trap don't necessarily mean you selling drugs. You could be selling clothes, watches, fake watches, gold teeth, hats—anything. You just trapping. And you a Lord of it."[1] He also explained when he would be releasing the album, saying: "I'm looking at the end of February, early March. This is my first demo I'm ever putting out. I never even put out a demo for the labels to hear. This is the first shit I'm even putting together with numbers, with songs. So I wanna make sure it's something special, I'm giving it my all. That's why it's kind of taking long. But trust me, when it comes out, it's gonna be well worth it."[1]
He also explained what it was like working on the album, saying: "It's fun, because I've been piecing together a team that I think I'm gonna be with for a long time as far as mixing, recording, young producers that you probably never even heard of. Sonically, it's gonna be a monster. Straight movie shit. You ain't hearing this shit nowhere—nobody has this sound. After this mixtape drop, you gonna hear everybody sound change. They gonna wanna know who's working on my project 'cause it's gonna sound that crazy. The best part is teaming up with these young rocket scientists that know what they doing. They rebels against anything that's in cycle; they wanna go against the grain and make history. That's all I'm about, is making history. I'm tired of the same hip-hop shit. It's getting corny. All of this jumping around, looking stupid. I hate the term "real hip-hop," but it's real. Nobody can say my shit ain't hip-hop, because I'm being innovative and I'm bringing something new to the table."[1]
On June 3, 2013, while performing at Summer Jam, ASAP Ferg announced Trap Lord would be released as an album on August 20, 2013.[2] In June 2013, during an interview with HipHopDX, ASAP Ferg described the album, saying: "It's going to be all digital...all Internet-based, and I'm definitely excited. This is the first piece of work I've ever put together, like ever. I never attempted to put a mixtape together; I never attempted to put an album together; I never thought I was going to be a rapper. This is the first project I've worked on. I kind of went extra out of my way to make sure it's the best, because I don't know...all I know is go hard, and all I know is how to win. I don't want to be considered weak or a loser. I think it's going to make history."[3] In July 2013, during an interview with MTV, ASAP Ferg spoke about the features on the album, saying: "I got some of the best of the best on there. It just got serious and more serious because my features are like Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. I got Onyx on the same song as B-Real, It's a kind of legendary piece of work, it's like art. You can't really give good art away for nothing."[4] On July 25, 2013, the album cover was released.[5] On July 28, 2013, the final track listing was revealed, revealing 13 tracks and guest appearances on the album from ASAP Rocky, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Maad Moiselle, French Montana, Trinidad James, Schoolboy Q, Waka Flocka Flame, B-Real, Onyx and Aston Matthews.[6]
Singles
[edit]On August 20, 2012, Ferg released his commercial debut single "Work".[7] On January 14, 2013, the music video for "Work" was released.[8] "Work" had peaked at number 100 on the US Billboard Hot 100. "Work" was officially remixed, featuring guest verses from fellow American rappers French Montana, Trinidad James, Schoolboy Q and ASAP Rocky; it was later released on May 14, 2013, the remix was released as the album's first official single.[9] On May 14, 2013, the music video for the "Work" (Remix), was also released.[10] On July 16, 2013, the album's second single "Shabba", featuring ASAP Rocky was released.[11] On July 15, 2013, the music video for "Shabba" featuring ASAP Rocky was released.[12] On July 30, 2013, the third single "Hood Pope" was released along with the pre-order of the album.[13] On November 22, 2013, the "Shabba" (Remix) featuring Shabba Ranks, Migos and Busta Rhymes was released.[14] On December 31, 2013, the music video was released for "Hood Pope".[15] On March 7, 2014, the music video was released for "Let It Go".[16]
Critical reception
[edit]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 72/100[17] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Consequence of Sound | |
| Exclaim! | 7/10[20] |
| Fact | |
| Now | |
| Pitchfork | 7.5/10[23] |
| PopMatters | 7/10[24] |
| Rolling Stone | |
| Spin | 7/10[26] |
| XXL | |
Trap Lord was met with generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 72, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on 18 reviews.[17] Lauren Martin of Fact gave the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying "Whilst Earl may have the lyrical indie corner down with Doris, Trap Lord posits Ferg as the more ambiguous of the two, once again shifting the goal-posts of what rap can achieve in 2013 with its endearing, street-rap-goes-weird mindset."[21] Dan Buyanovsky of XXL gave the album an L, saying "There are a few shining moments on Trap Lord, like the swaying "Hood Pope," which finds Ferg crooning about finding his purpose in bleak surroundings, and "Cocaine Castle," a ruminating, meandering ode to the dark side of drug excess. For a guy who's able to craft such challenging songs, it's a shame to see him waste his talent on a batch of hood anthems, but maybe that's all it takes to become a Trap Lord. On the album's intro, A$AP Mob's leader A$AP Yams proclaims, "The limbs never been so relaxed, ever." You can't help but wonder if Ferg hadn't been so relaxed making Trap Lord, it might've come out a much stronger work."[27] Anthony Asencio of HipHopDX gave the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying "Overall, A$AP Ferg's Trap Lord, is a solid, if an sometimes-uninspired effort. It occupies that zone between the mindless "turn up" music and projects that have gotten a praise for being entertaining enough to at least partially negate a desire for more depth. Ferg is at his best on the handful of songs that reach for something more than male bravado and flossing. But, in the end, listeners don't get enough of those or his agile rhyme cadences to push this into the realm of an upper-echelon album."[28]
David Jeffries of AllMusic gave the album four out of five stars, saying "With the deep, dark, and delicious Trap Lord, A$AP Ferg enters the A$AP Mob's immersive murder music hall of fame, having crafted an album as out there and attractive as A$AP Rocky's official debut Long.Live.A$AP. Big difference here is that while Rocky fits in perfectly with kinetic and weird folks like Danny Brown, Ferg comes off as a tough, cold Bun B or even Notorious B.I.G.-type character, making music that should only be listened to once night falls and cooking up stern, infectious thug anthems like the posse cut "Work."[18] Phillip Mlynar of Spin gave the album a seven out of ten, saying "There's nothing on Trap Lord to suggest Ferg will follow A$AP Rocky onto the pop charts, but it's a rewardingly dark and grounded listen. With its rugged, ribald appeal, it's the sort of album that you'd imagine Big himself happily enjoying. Just don't tell Puff."[26] Julia LeConte of Now gave the album three out of five stars, saying "Trap Lord's production is unrelenting in its gothic intensity. The woozy party-gone-wrong aesthetic of Rocky is back, but Ferg's sound is distinctly his, and, yes, trappy. His deep, smooth singing voice serves him well on Future-like rap-singing hybrids, but he lacks any of that artist's levity."[22]
Mike Powell of Rolling Stone gave the album three out of five stars, saying "This Harlem-bred MC is more an interior designer than a master carpenter, a rapper whose real gift isn't rapping but curating sound. No surprise coming from a member of the A$AP Mob crew, whose fashion choices get as much attention as their music. Slow, silky and menacing, with twists of eccentricity, his debut is a finely constructed mood piece—say it ties the room together."[25] Francesca D'Arcy-Orga of PopMatters gave the album a seven out of ten, saying "Trap Lord won't be for everyone, but it's worth more than one listen, because beneath the trap beats and somewhat cliché storyline is a debut album that's exciting, different, and worth a spot on the shelf."[24] Aaron Matthews of Exclaim! gave the album a seven out of ten, saying "In contrast to comrade Rocky's music, Trap Lord succeeds largely despite its production, fuelled by Ferg's oddball enthusiasm and sincerity. You don't have to accept the Trap Lord as your saviour, but you'll have more fun if you do."[20] Paul Cantor Vibe gave the album a positive review, saying "Trap Lord is an underground rap album for listeners reared on a decade of 808s and melodic variations of John Carpenter's "Halloween" melody. It's the sound of old New York gracefully mixing with the new New York. And it's really good, basically."[29]
Accolades
[edit]Trap Lord was named the eighth best album of 2013 by Complex. They commented saying, "it's not the lyrics that make Ferg worth listening to. It's his delivery that keeps you enthralled. That and his beats. A dark morass of sticky, nasty smoke-out funk."[30] Pitchfork placed Trap Lord on their Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention list.[31] Trap Lord was named the ninth-best hip hop album of 2013 by Rolling Stone. They elaborated saying, "The Mob wingman delivered two of New York's biggest street heaters this year with "Work" and "Shabba"; the rest of Trap Lord expanded the crew's sonic reference points, landing somewhere between Bone Thugs for the Tumblr sect (check his mournful croning on "Hood Pope") and an SNL parody of a Nineties-era Bad Boy compilation."[32]
Commercial performance
[edit]The album debuted at number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 32,000 copies in the United States.[33] In its second week, the album sold 9,000 more copies.[34] In its third week, the album sold 9,000 more copies bringing its total album sales to 46,000 in the United States.[35] On November 8, 2019, the album was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments of 500,000 units in the United States.[36][37]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Let It Go" |
|
| 4:42 |
| 2. | "Shabba" (featuring ASAP Rocky) |
| Snugsworth | 4:35 |
| 3. | "Lord" (featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony) |
|
| 5:17 |
| 4. | "Hood Pope" |
| VERYRVRE | 3:30 |
| 5. | "Fergivicious" |
| Versa Beatz | 3:50 |
| 6. | "4:02" |
| Frankie P | 3:35 |
| 7. | "Dump Dump" |
|
| 3:34 |
| 8. | "Work REMIX" (featuring ASAP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James & Schoolboy Q) |
| Chinza//Fly | 4:43 |
| 9. | "Didn't Wanna Do That" |
| Frankie P | 2:44 |
| 10. | "Murda Something" (featuring Waka Flocka Flame) |
| 3:19 | |
| 11. | "Make a Scene" (featuring Maad Moiselle) |
| Frankie P | 2:57 |
| 12. | "Fuck Out My Face" (featuring B-Real, Onyx & Aston Matthews) | Frankie P | 3:56 | |
| 13. | "Cocaine Castle" |
|
| 4:26 |
| Total length: | 51:08 | |||
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada (Music Canada)[44] | Gold | 40,000‡ |
| United States (RIAA)[36] | Gold | 500,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "A$AP Ferg to Release "Trap Lord" Mixtape in Late February or Early March - XXL". Xxlmag.com. January 28, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg "Trap Lord" Release Date". Complex. June 2, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ Nguyen, Michael (June 6, 2013). "A$AP Ferg Says He & A$AP Rocky Were "Bashed" For Their Trendsetting Fashion". HipHop DX. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg Pulls Onyx And Bone Thugs For Trap Lord - Music, Celebrity, Artist News". MTV.com. Archived from the original on August 4, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "Album Cover: A$AP Ferg – 'Trap Lord'". Rap-Up.com. July 25, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ^ Cooper, Roman (August 14, 2013). "A$AP Ferg's "Trap Lord" Release Date, Cover Art, Tracklist & Album Stream". HipHop DX. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Work - Single by A$AP Ferg". iTunes. January 22, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "Video: A$AP Ferg "Work"". Complex. August 20, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Work (Remix) [feat. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James & Schoolboy Q] - Single by A$AP Ferg". iTunes. May 14, 2013. Archived from the original on August 5, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "New Video: A$AP Ferg Ft. A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James & ScHoolboy Q "Work (Remix)"". Rap Radar. May 14, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Shabba (feat. A$AP Rocky) - Single by A$AP Ferg". iTunes. July 16, 2013. Archived from the original on October 31, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg f/ A$AP Rocky "Shabba"". Complex. July 15, 2013. Retrieved July 26, 2013.
- ^ "Hood Pope [Explicit]: A$AP Ferg: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
- ^ "iTunes - Music - Shabba REMIX (feat. Shabba Ranks, Migos & Busta Rhymes) - Single by A$AP Ferg". iTunes. November 22, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg "Hood Pope" Video Premiere". Complex. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
- ^ Ortiz, Edwin (March 7, 2014). "A$AP Ferg Is Down to "Let It Go" In New Music Video". Complex. Retrieved October 24, 2015.
- ^ a b "Trap Lord Reviews". Metacritic.com. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ a b David Jeffries. "Trap Lord - A$AP Ferg". AllMusic. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ Staples, Derek (September 8, 2013). "Album Review:Ferg-trap-lord". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
- ^ a b Matthews, Aaron. "A$AP Ferg - Trap Lord". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ a b "ASAP Ferg - Trap Lord". Factmag.com. August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^ a b Julia LeConte (August 15, 2013). "A$AP Ferg Trap Lord". Nowtoronto.com. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg: Trap Lord". Pitchfork. August 22, 2013. Retrieved September 8, 2013.
- ^ a b Francesca D'Arcy-Orga (August 27, 2013). "A$AP Ferg: Trap Lord". PopMatters. Retrieved August 28, 2013.
- ^ a b Mike Powell. "ASAP Ferg, 'Trap Lord'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 27, 2013.
- ^ a b Mlynar, Phillip. "A$AP Ferg, 'Trap Lord' Review". Spin.com. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
- ^ a b "A$AP Ferg Isn't Always Godlike On 'Trap Lord'". Xxlmag.com. June 8, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2013.
- ^ Asencio, Anthony. "A$AP Ferg - Trap Lord". HipHop DX. Retrieved August 22, 2013.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Review: ASAP Ferg's 'Trap Lord' LP Merges Old And New NYC Hip-Hop". Vibe. August 20, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ "8. A$AP Ferg, Trap Lord — The 50 Best Albums of 2013". Complex. December 9, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
- ^ "Albums of the Year: Honorable Mention". Pitchfork. December 17, 2013. Archived from the original on October 31, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2013.
- ^ "20 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2013: AAP Ferg, 'Trap Lord'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
- ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/25/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
- ^ "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/1/2013". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on September 7, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
- ^ Tardio, Andres (September 11, 2013). "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/8/2013". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- ^ a b "American album certifications – A$AP Ferg – Trap Lord". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 8, 2019.
- ^ "Upcoming Releases". Hits Daily Double. HITS Digital Ventures. Archived from the original on April 11, 2016.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart UK Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
- ^ "UK Top 40 R&B Albums Chart". Official Charts Company. August 31, 2013. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 2013-09-18.
- ^ "A$AP Ferg Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
- ^ "2013 Year-End Charts – Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved December 13, 2013.
- ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2014". Billboard. Retrieved July 10, 2020.
- ^ "Canadian album certifications – A$AP Ferg – Trap Lord". Music Canada. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
Trap Lord
View on GrokipediaBackground and development
Prior projects
A$AP Ferg, born Darold Durard Brown Ferguson Jr., initially gained recognition in Harlem's creative scene through his work in fashion design, influenced by his father who ran a clothing line called Ferg Apparel and printed apparel for artists like Puff Daddy.[7] Before pursuing music full-time, Ferg designed and sold custom belts and painted jeans, collaborating with local designers and even supplying accessories to Dipset members, which helped build his early profile in New York's hip-hop and streetwear circles.[8][9] In 2011, Ferg joined the AAP Rocky encouraged him to channel his creative energy into rapping, marking his transition from fashion to music within the group.[10] His earliest musical contributions included a feature on AAP*, notably on the track "Kissin' Pink," which showcased his energetic delivery alongside the collective's emerging sound. Ferg's breakthrough came in 2012 with the release of the A$AP Mob's debut mixtape Lords Never Worry on August 28, hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Rockstar, where his debut single "Work"—produced by Chinza and Fly—served as a standout track that introduced his trap-influenced, high-energy style.[11] The song quickly gained viral traction through platforms like WorldStarHipHop, establishing Ferg as a key voice in the Mob and leading to its official single release in October 2012.[12] The success of "Work," which peaked at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2013, propelled Ferg's solo career, culminating in his signing to Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records in January 2013 and paving the way for his debut album.[13][14]Recording and production
In early 2013, AAP Mob's Lords Never Worry (2012) provided the foundation for this shift, allowing Ferg to aim for a more polished retail release.[15] Recording sessions for Trap Lord primarily occurred throughout 2013 at various studios in New York City, where Ferg immersed himself in the process for much of the year, refining tracks amid the AAP Ferg (Darold Brown), AAP Yams (Steven Rodriguez), Bryan Leach of Polo Grounds Music, and Geno Sims, ensuring a cohesive vision that balanced the crew's creative input with professional oversight.[16][1] The production team featured key contributors such as P on the Boards, Snugsworth, Frankie P, Crystal Caines, and Chinza & Fly, who crafted beats rooted in trap aesthetics—characterized by heavy 808s and hi-hats—but infused with experimental twists like unconventional samples and atmospheric layers to distinguish the sound.[16] One standout anecdote from the sessions involved a collaboration with Bone Thugs-n-Harmony on the track "Lord," where Ferg hosted the group in the studio for an impromptu session in March 2013, incorporating their rapid, melodic flows over a trap backdrop to create a hybrid East Coast-meets-Midwest vibe.[17] This approach highlighted Ferg's intent to evolve beyond standard trap formulas while honoring influences from hip-hop's diverse lineages.Musical content
Style and genre
Trap Lord is primarily a hip-hop album rooted in the trap genre, characterized by heavy 808 bass lines, rapid hi-hats, and dense percussion layers that contribute to its energetic and street-oriented atmosphere.[18][3] The production features a stormy, muscular texture that underscores the album's aggressive and punishing vibe, designed for clubs and urban environments.[3][19] The album incorporates diverse influences, blending trap with dancehall elements, as evident in the Patois-infused track "Shabba," which pays homage to Jamaican dancehall legend Shabba Ranks.[3][4] Old-school hip-hop nods appear in "Lord," featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and evoking Cleveland's melodic rap style alongside broader Death Row-era menace and New York radio influences.[3] Spanning 13 tracks and running 51:08, Trap Lord maintains high-energy pacing throughout, delivering an odd twist on traditional trap through Ferg's shape-shifting, animated flows that shift rapidly between speeds and personas for a thrilling effect.[20][3] This approach infuses the album with humor and eccentricity, setting it apart from more formulaic trap releases.[3] While sharing the A$AP Mob's collective aesthetic of Harlem swag mixed with Southern trap elements, Trap Lord distinguishes itself with Ferg's raw, unpolished Harlem flair, prioritizing visceral, club-ready anthems over refined boom-bap structures.[18][19]Lyrical themes
The lyrical content of Trap Lord centers on the trap lifestyle, vividly depicting drug dealing, wealth accumulation, and unyielding Harlem pride through raw, street-level narratives. Ferg frequently references the grind of "trapping"—slang for drug sales—as a pathway to opulence, as seen in "Dump Dump," where he boasts about luxury cars, designer clothes, and sexual dominance amid the hustle, portraying success as both a shield and a spoil of Harlem's unforgiving environment.[21][22] This pride in his roots manifests in recurring nods to Harlem's block culture, framing the neighborhood as a crucible that forges resilience and identity, with Ferg positioning himself as its unapologetic ambassador.[3] Personal vulnerability punctuates these bravado-filled tales, blending introspection with the aggression of street survival. In "Didn’t Wanna Do That," Ferg recounts a robbery gone awry, grappling with the moral weight of violence and its aftermath, including a "body on ice," which humanizes the trap's toll without softening his edge.[21] Similarly, "Cocaine Castle" exposes the grim realities of crack houses—unprotected sex, addiction, and familial disruption—offering a cautionary lens on the lifestyle's seductive dangers, drawn from Ferg's own observations of Harlem's underbelly.[3][23] Humorous and hyperbolic elements infuse Ferg's delivery, often exaggerating his dominance to mythic proportions and injecting levity into heavy subjects. Tracks like "Hood Pope" cast him as a "street messiah," with lines invoking religious imagery—such as chains of "red rubies and the gold"—to blend spiritual bravado with playful irreverence, like shouting out gospel singer Donnie McClurkin amid boasts of hood supremacy.[3][23] This wit extends to absurd, over-the-top disses, underscoring Ferg's charismatic persona while critiquing rivals through satire.[24] Posse cuts emphasize AAP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James, and Schoolboy Q, showcases unified flexing on success and crew solidarity, with each verse building a tapestry of shared trap ethos.[22][23] Likewise, "Murda She Wrote" with Waka Flocka Flame amplifies aggression and allegiance, turning interpersonal bonds into a weapon against outsiders, all while the beats heighten the chaotic synergy.[24]Singles
"Work" (Remix)
The remix of "Work" originated from AAP Mob's 2012 mixtape Lords Never Worry, where the original track marked his debut solo single and showcased his energetic trap style rooted in Harlem street culture. Released on May 14, 2013, as the lead single for Ferg's debut studio album Trap Lord, the remix features verses from A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James, and ScHoolboy Q, transforming the song into a high-profile posse cut that amplified its crossover appeal. Produced by the duo Chinza//Fly, the track retains the original's booming bass and relentless rhythm while incorporating the collaborators' distinct flows to heighten its party-anthem vibe. The remix achieved commercial success, peaking at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 2013 and reaching number 30 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It was later certified 3× platinum by the RIAA on October 21, 2021, denoting 3,000,000 units sold or streamed in the United States.[25] This performance underscored the track's role as a breakout moment for Ferg, bridging underground mixtape buzz with mainstream radio play.[26] Directed by A$AP Rocky, the music video premiered on May 15, 2013, and was filmed at Harlem's iconic Rucker Park basketball court alongside a warehouse in Los Angeles, capturing high-energy choreography, vibrant street fashion, and a sense of communal revelry that mirrored the song's themes of hustle and celebration. The visual's raw, kinetic aesthetic helped solidify the remix's cultural footprint within hip-hop. As Trap Lord's flagship single, "Work (Remix)" generated significant pre-album anticipation, amassing over 10 million YouTube views by the album's August 2013 release and establishing Ferg as a rising force in the genre.[27][28][29]"Shabba"
"Shabba" is the second single from AAP Mob member A$AP Rocky. Produced by Snugsworth, the track fuses trap beats with dancehall riddims, drawing heavily from Jamaican dancehall traditions to create a Caribbean-infused sound that diversifies the album's core trap foundation.[30] This blend highlights Ferg's Harlem roots intertwined with global influences, paying homage to dancehall legend Shabba Ranks through its rhythmic structure and energetic delivery.[31] The song's lyrics revel in themes of partying, luxury, and excess, with Ferg and Rocky boasting about lavish lifestyles over a bouncy, infectious beat reminiscent of classic dancehall anthems.[32] It achieved commercial success, peaking at number 34 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in early 2014.[33] The track's upbeat, global party vibe helped broaden Trap Lord's appeal beyond traditional trap audiences, introducing Caribbean elements that resonated in club scenes worldwide. The accompanying music video, directed by Andrew Hines and released on July 15, 2013, depicts Ferg and Rocky reveling in opulent, exotic settings like a grand castle filled with A$AP Mob members and cameos from figures such as Felicia "Snoop" Pearson from The Wire.[34] This visually extravagant production amplified the song's international allure by evoking a sense of escapist indulgence tied to its dancehall roots.[35] "Shabba" has endured as a club staple, earning a double platinum certification from the RIAA on October 21, 2021, for surpassing two million units in the United States, underscoring its lasting impact.[36]"Hood Pope"
"Hood Pope" was released on July 30, 2013, as a buzz single promoting A$AP Ferg's debut album Trap Lord, following the momentum from earlier tracks like the "Work" remix and "Shabba."[37][38] Produced by VERYRVRE, the song incorporates choir-like vocal samples and a melancholy, singsong cadence inspired by Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, creating an atmospheric trap beat that underscores Ferg's "Hood Pope" persona as a street-savior figure.[39][40] The lyrics fuse religious motifs—such as calls to "sing along" like a hymn—with trap bravado, including boasts about carrying weapons and navigating rivalries ("And I carry the heat/ And I sleep with the chrome/ ‘Cause I’m in some beef"), delivered solo without guest features to emphasize Ferg's individual charisma and Harlem-rooted authority.[39][41] The accompanying music video, co-directed by Shomi Patwary and A$AP Ferg, premiered on Complex on December 31, 2013, after the album's release, depicting Ferg as a preacher delivering sermons from a jeep's sunroof in Manhattan playgrounds and Harlem streets, blended with church interiors to symbolize his dual role as spiritual guide and trap icon.[42][43] Despite limited commercial push and no significant chart placement, the track earned acclaim for its conceptual originality, with Pitchfork designating it a Best New Track for its innovative fusion of paranoia-tinged introspection and melodic delivery.[39][44]Promotion
Music videos
The music video for the "Work" remix, directed by AAP Rocky, captures the raw energy of Harlem through dynamic street scenes and energetic group choreography, emphasizing community and urban vitality.[27][45] Released in May 2013 ahead of the album, it features cameos from A$AP Mob members and other artists like French Montana and ScHoolboy Q, blending high-energy dancing with authentic neighborhood settings to reflect Ferg's roots. For "Shabba" featuring AAP Mob affiliates, including a cameo from Shabba Ranks himself.[46][47] Premiered in July 2013, the video's opulent yet chaotic visuals underscore themes of indulgence and celebration, produced under RCA Records for a more refined look compared to earlier mixtape efforts.[48] The "Hood Pope" video, co-directed by AAP Mob appearances to blend reverence with irreverence.[43][49] Released in early 2014, it highlights the album's exploration of spirituality in hood contexts through symbolic visuals like crosses and crowns integrated into everyday Harlem life.[42] Post-release promotion extended to the "Let It Go" video, directed by Dan the Man and unveiled in March 2014, which features Ferg in introspective yet triumphant sequences against industrial backdrops, reinforcing the track's themes of perseverance and release.[50][51] This solo effort, produced with label support, helped sustain album momentum by showcasing Ferg's charismatic presence in a narrative-driven format. Across these videos, recurring motifs include bold street fashion—such as layered chains, fur coats, and custom AAP Mob cameos that foster a collective crew dynamic.[52][45] By 2025, the combined YouTube views for these key videos exceeded 260 million, amplifying the album's cultural reach through viral dance challenges and fashion influences.[29][53][54] The production style evolved from the DIY aesthetics of A$AP Mob's early mixtapes—characterized by low-budget, guerrilla-style shoots—to more polished, label-backed efforts under RCA Records, though the album's overall tight finances meant some creative decisions prioritized energy over extravagance.[55] This shift is evident in the transition from raw, community-sourced footage in "Work" to the structured opulence in "Shabba," reflecting growing resources while maintaining an authentic, unpretentious edge.[27][46]Live performances and tour
AAP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James, and ScHoolboy Q for a performance of the "Work" remix at the BET Awards pre-show in Los Angeles.[56][57] Following the album's launch, Ferg supported Trap Lord through full sets on AAP Mob members such as AAP Twelvyy, alongside openers like Joey Fatts and 100s, allowing Ferg to showcase the project's energetic tracks in a collective setting. International expansion came later in 2013 with select Europe dates as part of promotional appearances, though his first major overseas appearance was a support slot on A$AP Rocky's Australian tour in June 2013, where he previewed songs like "Shabba" and "Lord" to sold-out crowds in Sydney and Melbourne.[58][59] In 2014, Ferg returned for his first headline Australian tour, performing Trap Lord tracks across multiple cities.[60] Ferg further promoted Trap Lord at key festivals, including a March 15, 2013, showcase at SXSW in Austin, Texas, presented by Mass Appeal at the Austin Music Hall, where early singles energized audiences.[61] His high-energy delivery during these live outings, often incorporating crowd interaction and Mob collaborations, helped establish his reputation as a dynamic performer. Subsequent appearances, such as at the inaugural Rolling Loud festival in Miami in May 2015, continued to highlight the album's tracks amid larger sets. The lasting influence of Trap Lord extended into Ferg's 2015 touring schedule, where songs like "Work," "Shabba," and "Let It Go" became staples in his performances across North America and international dates, including a headline run in Australia and New Zealand.[62][63] This period marked the "Ferg World Tour" era, with setlists drawing heavily from the debut to maintain its cultural momentum through 2015.Critical reception
Reviews
Upon its release in August 2013, Trap Lord received generally favorable reviews from music critics, accumulating a Metacritic score of 72 out of 100 based on 18 reviews.[64] Critics frequently praised the album's high energy and A$AP Ferg's charismatic presence, which infused the project with a lively, party-ready vibe. Pitchfork awarded it a 7.5 out of 10, commending Ferg's skill in curating a dark, muscular sound that blended influences from Cleveland bounce, West Coast menace, and New York grit, while highlighting his versatility and star potential.[3] Specific tracks like "Shabba" and "Work" drew acclaim for their infectious catchiness and dynamic flows; "Shabba," featuring A$AP Rocky, was noted for its gleeful, bendy rhythm, and "Work" for its thrilling, speed-shifting delivery that showcased Ferg's vocal dexterity.[3] However, some reviewers pointed to uneven pacing and an overreliance on guest features and underdeveloped ideas as shortcomings. Rolling Stone gave the album 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing Ferg as more of an adept sound curator than a masterful lyricist, with the project occasionally feeling skeletal despite its creative flashes.[65] Outlets like XXL emphasized how Trap Lord distinguished Ferg from A$AP Rocky through its rawer, trap-centric focus on gritty street narratives, sex, drugs, and braggadocio, rather than Rocky's more polished and diverse approach.[66] The album's humorous lyrics also emerged as a standout element, adding levity to its otherwise intense themes, as seen in playful, exaggerated boasts on tracks like "Dump Dump." Overall, the consensus positioned Trap Lord as a solid debut that captured Ferg's energetic persona but fell short of revolutionary status due to repetitive elements and lack of deeper introspection.[3][66]Accolades
Upon its release, Trap Lord earned several year-end accolades from music publications. It ranked at number eight on Complex's list of the 50 Best Albums of 2013.[67] The album also placed ninth on Rolling Stone's 20 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2013.[18] A$AP Ferg received a nomination for Rookie of the Year at the 2013 BET Hip Hop Awards, which he ultimately won.[68][69] The project garnered votes from critics in The Village Voice's annual Pazz & Jop poll, though it did not crack the top 100 albums.[70] The album's singles also achieved commercial certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The "Work" remix was initially certified gold on October 3, 2016, and later certified 3× platinum on October 21, 2021, denoting three million units sold or streamed.[71] "Shabba," featuring A$AP Rocky, was certified 2× platinum on October 21, 2021, denoting two million units sold or streamed.[72]Commercial performance
Chart performance
Trap Lord debuted at number 9 on the US Billboard 200 chart dated September 7, 2013, marking A$AP Ferg's first entry on the all-genre ranking. The album also achieved strong genre-specific performance, entering at number 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 2 on the Top Rap Albums chart in the same week. Internationally, it reached number 85 on the UK Albums Chart and number 51 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart. The album's singles also garnered chart attention in the US. The remix of "Work" featuring AAP Rocky reached a high of number 34 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.| Chart (2013) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 9 |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums | 4 |
| US Top Rap Albums | 2 |
| UK Albums (OCC) | 85 |
| Australian Albums (ARIA) | 51 |
| US Hot 100 ("Work" remix) | 100 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ("Shabba") | 34 |
Sales and certifications
Upon its release in August 2013, Trap Lord debuted with first-week sales of 31,830 copies in the United States.[5] The album received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on November 8, 2019, for combined sales and streaming equivalent units of 500,000 in the United States.[77] This milestone incorporated streaming data under RIAA guidelines, where 1,500 on-demand audio and/or video streams equal one album unit; by 2023, equivalent album units had surpassed 500,000, driven primarily by increased streaming consumption.[6] On Spotify alone, the album has garnered over 746 million streams as of November 2025, contributing to its ongoing commercial longevity without reaching platinum certification.[78]Track listing and formats
Track listing
The standard edition of Trap Lord features 13 tracks with a total runtime of 51:08.[4]| No. | Title | Featuring artist(s) | Length | Producer(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Let It Go" | 4:42 | Razjah | ||
| 2 | "Shabba" | A$AP Rocky | 4:35 | Snugsworth, Marvel Alexander | Samples "Busy Morning" by Roger Roger.[79] |
| 3 | "Lord" | Bone Thugs-n-Harmony | 5:17 | Ian "Napolian" Davis, Crystal Caines, Ozhora Miyagi | Features vocal contributions from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, incorporating their signature melodic rap style.[2] |
| 4 | "Hood Pope" | 3:30 | P on the Boards | ||
| 5 | "Fergivicious" | 3:50 | Chinza & Fly | Samples "Pompeii 76 A.D." by Gail Laughton.[80] | |
| 6 | "4:02" | 4:02 | A$AP Ferg | ||
| 7 | "Dump Dump" | 3:36 | P on the Boards | ||
| 8 | "Work (Remix)" | A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Trinidad James, ScHoolboy Q | 4:20 | French Montana, DJ Rel1 | |
| 9 | "All I Know" | Pusha T, Billy | 4:12 | Lee On the Beats | |
| 10 | "Murda Something" | Waka Flocka Flame | 3:20 | Finatik & Zac | |
| 11 | "I'm a Star" | 3:35 | A$AP Ferg | ||
| 12 | "Psychic" | ScHoolboy Q | 4:32 | Hector Delgado | |
| 13 | "Crooked" | ScHoolboy Q | 3:39 | Bink! |
