Always Strive and Prosper
by A$AP Ferg
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. The A.V. Club
    Apr 25, 2016
    83
    Without succumbing to false sentimentality or restricting himself with the overly linear narrative structure of many of rap’s recent prestige albums, Ferg has crafted a tender tribute to the people he loves most. It’s not often that albums that bang this hard are this moving.
  2. XXL
    Apr 29, 2016
    80
    That title is the rapper’s motto for the project and he accomplishes both. Not only does he strive to become a better, more diverse artist, he definitely prospers in more ways than one as he continues to make a name for himself as one of New York’s biggest talents.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Apr 25, 2016
    80
    Ferg’s pungent wordplay powers this splendidly diverse and dynamic second album.
  5. The New York Times
    Apr 22, 2016
    80
    Always Strive and Prosper is a chaotic, buoyant album, moving at varying speeds and with different textures. But uniting it all is an almost pervasive feeling of warmth, a sense that its creator comes from a world where he’s surrounded by care, even if he doesn’t always return it.
  6. AllMusic
    Apr 22, 2016
    80
    With this solid album, he ain't the A$AP Mob's second banana anymore, either. Cutting-edge production from Clams Casino, Lex Luger, Cashmere Cat, and DJ Mustard help him get the job done.
  7. The Guardian
    Apr 22, 2016
    80
    Eclectic, smart, skilful, occasionally experimental.
  8. HipHopDX
    Apr 27, 2016
    76
    Despite the occasional uncertainty, Always Strive and Prosper answers more questions than it poses. Ferg has clearly stepped up his game by delivering his most well-rounded project thus far.
  9. Pitchfork
    Apr 26, 2016
    73
    Production-value is high, with Ferg enlisting top-tier beatmakers like the aforementioned DJ Khalil but also No I.D., DJ Mustard, and even Skrillex. But the beats take a backseat to the lyrics. The overall sound remains intact, but he’s even more invested in what he’s saying.
  10. PopMatters
    Apr 26, 2016
    70
    With Always Strive and Prosper, we now know about Ferg’s family, his faith, his ambitions, and his past, and his story is more beautiful that anyone ever expected.
  11. Rolling Stone
    Apr 22, 2016
    70
    The follow-up to his acclaimed 2013 debut Trap Lord sees the Harlem rapper open up with more honesty, humor and charm.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 85 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 57 out of 85
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 85
  3. Negative: 6 out of 85
  1. Twbfuture
    Apr 22, 2016
    8
    Asap Ferg is back...

    This album is completly different, with a broad variation in production and remarkble guests. Though not all the    Asap Ferg is back...

    This album is completly different, with a broad variation in production and remarkble guests.
    Though not all the guests on his album are worth noticing.

    Psycho is an absolute banger, bringing the old school back like Asap Nast.
    One bad note: the collaboration with Skrillex and the one with Missy Elliot are a little bit queerly.

    top tracks:
    1. Psycho
    2.Beautiful People
    3. New Level    … Full Review »
  2. israelvg49
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    In 'Always Strive and Prosper', Ferg performs as an experimental artist, this project is almost everywhere. While having some Trap InfluencedIn 'Always Strive and Prosper', Ferg performs as an experimental artist, this project is almost everywhere. While having some Trap Influenced bangers involved, few songs i consider ''real hip-hop'', And overall great features in here. While knowing Skrillex would do his job on production, he did, Clams Casino jumped in, No I.D, AND! as well as Lex Luger! See, Overall this project did not disappoint at all, much more very glad he experimented different vibes in this Sophomore Project. Lastly, VERY GLAD LIL UZI VERT WAS FEATURED IN THIS, HE WILL MAKE IT BIG 2016. UZI GOT ALL THE TALENT.… Full Review »
  3. lordkarmagan12
    Apr 25, 2016
    10
    After Trap Lord (Which I loved) I was waiting on something that had a similar vibe but I could say that I was happily surprised Ferg showedAfter Trap Lord (Which I loved) I was waiting on something that had a similar vibe but I could say that I was happily surprised Ferg showed his versatility but still kept it cohesive If you were still expecting the same old same old you'll bound to get disapointed by this album but have if you an open mind, I'm sure you'll find something to like.… Full Review »
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