Ahead of his third studio album, Still Striving, A$AP Ferg drops unapologetic single, “Plain Jane.”  

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 replaced with the “East Coast Remix.” Additionally, single “Plain Jane” arrives in advance of album number three.

There are a number of pros in regards to “Plain Jane.” First and foremost is the toughness that A$AP Ferg exhibits.  This is first showcased on the chorus, which shines from a first listen.

“Ride with the mob / Alhamdulillah / Check in with me and do your job / Ferg is the name / Ben Baller did the chain / 12 for the watch / Presi Plain Jane.”

No, the hook doesn’t use the simplest language, but the flow is tight which is part of the charm.  He references his crew, A$AP Mob, God, his jeweler, his watch, and Plain Jane.  The Genius annotators may well be onto something, interpreting “Presi Plain Jane” as a reference to the watch. It also doubles as a Plain Jane herself.

On the verses, he continues to showcase that tight flow.  He doesn’t say anything particularly game-changing, but there’s definitely something there. There is a questionable moment, even if it’s fitting for Plain Jane: “Suck a n*gga d*ck or somethin.’” Unapologetic.

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Plain Jane” stack up? All in all, A$AP Ferg is on his game.  This isn’t game changing, but some of the toughness that was missing from Always Strive and Prosper seems like it’ll return on Still Striving.

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

Photo Credit: RCA