Ahead of his third studio album, Still Striving, A$AP Ferg drops a star-studded banger with his “East Coast Remix.”

Early indications seem to suggest that A$AP Ferg is returning to the sound that made him gain a respectable following.  That sound was captured on his debut Trap Lord, while his sophomore album, Always Strive and Prosper was more experimental. Still Striving arrives August 18, 2017, a pretty quick release turnaround.  While single “East Coast” arrived well in advance of Still Striving, it’s the “East Coast Remix” that made the final cut.

A$AP Ferg excels in the remix department.  “Work Remix” was one of the gems of Trap Lord.  It was also one of the reasons why his profile was elevated.  Here, “East Coast Remix” doesn’t quite have the same effect (he’s more established), but it hearkens back to what made him worth checking out.  He gets everybody on the track: Busta Rhymes, A$AP Rocky, Dave East, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg. Now that’s putting in work.

Naturally, the Busta Rhymes feature is a highlight.  Why? Busta hasn’t released an album in years and hearing his signature fast-paced flow is refreshing.  Another sound musical decision is A$AP Ferg following up Busta.  Two idiosyncratic MCs one right after the other? Hot. While Ferg doesn’t trump Busta, his own unique style complements him. A$AP Rocky adds his brilliance on verse three, contrasted by Dave East on the fourth.

French Montana arrives for the fifth verse. As a rapper, he has had his fair share of moments as well as misses.  Here, he’s okay at best.  To his credit, his verse is short which doesn’t require him to drop anything substantial.  He’s followed by Rick Ross, who’s also okay, but has delivered more memorable, notable verses.  After the A$AP Ferg hook, the treat comes with a full-length Snoop Dogg verse.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “East Coast Remix” is an enjoyable banger.  A$AP Ferg and company definitely don’t tread new ground. Still, this is indeed the definition of a banger. “Run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up!”

A$AP Ferg • Still Striving • RCA • Release: 8.18.17

Photo Credit: RCA