A$AP Ferg, East Coast | Track Review 🎵

A$AP Ferg returns to form on “East Coast,” presumably a promo single from his forthcoming album.  Remy Ma guests on the second verse. 

Many folks probably forgot that A$AP Ferg dropped an album in 2016.  The name of the album was Always Strive and Prosper.  While yours truly was initially a fan, looking back, Always Strive and Prosper was quite different than the MC’s debut, Trap Lord.  Trap Lord had an edgier sound, amplified by his distinct voice.  Arguably, some of the magic from Trap Lord was missing on Always Strive and Prosper, an album that ultimately fell flat on its… Anyways, Ferg returns, assisted by Remy Ma on “East Coast.”

From a first listen, it’s clear that A$AP Ferg is aiming for the sound that won him fans on Trap Lord.  The production work resembles some of his best moments from his debut – “Work” comes to mind.  While Always Strive and Prosper had its malicious-sounding gems, “East Coast” sounds indigenous to project numero uno. This familiarity, rather the return to this sound ultimately makes “East Coast” more interesting than it would’ve been.

The hook is fire:

“Run it up, run it up, run it up, run it up...
Fuck that shit, we get turnt ‘til the sun is up
All of you n*ggas get burnt when the gun is up
This that East Coast, mothafucka
Call me Mr. East Coast, mothafucka.”

Sure, A$AP Ferg isn’t saying much, but the toughness coupled with the repetitiveness and East Coast sound is enough.  On verse one, he gets to work, never in a rush rhyming, but spitting respectably.  Remy Ma arrives on the second verse, matching the toughness with her usual unapologetic attitude.  Safe to say, she’s confident AF:

“The bar’s low, I brung it up
And y’all hoes just stunk it up
I been one, you been done
You ben shoulda just hung it up
You was hatin’ when I was comin’ up
You fake bitch, you need to woman up
You a wack bitch, you a rat bitch.”

Seems like Remy Ma is taking more shots at Nicki Minaj, as if “Shether” wasn’t enough.

Final Thoughts 

A$AP Ferg takes the third and final verse, which is considerably lengthier than his initial verse.  Essentially, it’s a flex-fest.  But then, isn’t “East Coast” a flex-fest for both Ferg and Remy Ma? Yes, and a good flex-fest at that.  Does Ferg win over new fans or those who didn’t show up for Always Strive and Prosper? Eh.  Regardless, “East Coast” is worth listening to.

A$AP Ferg • East Coast – single • RCA • Release: 4.14.17

Photo Credit: RCA