Always Strive and Prosper
by A$AP Ferg
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
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  1. thethoughthere
    Apr 23, 2016
    5
    I was wholeheartedly let down by this album.

    With a sparse offering of legitimately good tracks, a handful of mediocre ones and a majority of terrible songs, Always Strive and Prosper is a poor effort from an artist I quite like, A$AP Ferg. The opening tracks start this record off on a sour note, as the intro track is a surprisingly weak offering, the Skrillex-produced joint is    I was wholeheartedly let down by this album.

    With a sparse offering of legitimately good tracks, a handful of mediocre ones and a majority of terrible songs, Always Strive and Prosper is a poor effort from an artist I quite like, A$AP Ferg.

    The opening tracks start this record off on a sour note, as the intro track is a surprisingly weak offering, the Skrillex-produced joint is downright terrible and the Missy Elliot song (though admittedly more enjoyable in the context of the album than as a single) is a great example of why Ferg has a poor track record with experimentation that doesn't involve "trap" flavorings. The first quality songs come in at #5 and #6 with Psycho and Let It Bang ft. Schoolboy Q, respectively, which are both great, as Psycho is a surprisingly mellow and well-put story-telling effort and Let It Bang is a veritable "banger" of a song.

    Following these, "New Level" is decent, but nothing to write home about, and comes off as a B-Side to EVOL or Ferg Forever, "Yammy Gang" is similar, but the feature of A$AP Mob seems shoehorned, as the only one to really show his chops is A$AP Ferg prior to A$AP Yams' mother hopping in to briefly touch in on her son's untimely death, which is extremely heartfelt.

    "Swipe Left" comes with a shockingly listenable feature from the usually-inept Rick Ross, but overall the overall reaction is that the song is amazing due to its not being terrible, and if you compensate, it's really just a simplistic and boring song. Similarly, "Uzi Gang" is a great example of why Lil Uzi Vert is a joke in the industry and it's admittedly disappointing to see an artist as talented as Ferg working with someone so undeniably campy and unoriginal.

    "Beautiful People" is the first return to quality songs after a lull of 4 mediocre entries, with a well-appreciated Chuck D feature (good god, Ferg, how did you get Chuck D to make an appearance?) and a kind word at the end from Ferg's grandmother. The song is lovely, energetic and lyrically appealing. It's quickly followed by one of 4 unnecessary skits on the record, before the song "Let You Go", which is an interesting song, which has a similar feel to "Beautiful People" in terms of production, but tackles a completely different (and unique) topic. Great songs.

    However, the blessing of these two songs is quickly put to rest with the Big Sean-featured "World Is Mine", which is by and far the worst song on the project. I am appalled that Ferg left this on the project. Terrible singing, a completely generic instrumental, god-awful lyrics, lazy song structure, etc. ****

    "I Love You" is not quite as bad as "World Is Mine" but the features drag what might have been a solid track down into the abyss. Not many redeemable qualities, but it doesn't test your willingness to sit through a song quite as malevolently as "World Is Mine" which is the only plus here.

    "Grandma" is beautiful, and a great close to the project, I wish this project had maintained a stronger sense of focus, in terms of each of the big three: Lyrics, Production and Theme. Ferg still demonstrates that he is a force to be reckoned with in the industry, but not for the same positive reasons as when we were first introduced to him with Trap Lord.    … Expand
  2. Cypher_ATL
    May 28, 2016
    6
    I was very hesitant coming into this album due to the history of hype rappers’ sophomore efforts, and alas I was right about my hesitation. This album is just so mediocre and so average that I was to personally help Ferg, but I can’t do anything about it. The first half or so is very good and enjoyable, but immediately after A$AP Yam’s mother tells us to continue her son’s legacy, FergI was very hesitant coming into this album due to the history of hype rappers’ sophomore efforts, and alas I was right about my hesitation. This album is just so mediocre and so average that I was to personally help Ferg, but I can’t do anything about it. The first half or so is very good and enjoyable, but immediately after A$AP Yam’s mother tells us to continue her son’s legacy, Ferg does the exact opposite. I feel that specific line was such bad timing in the track listing, and it could now be made into somewhat of a mockery in context of the whole project. The production has its moments, but I feel that if Yams had his hands all over this, it would’ve sounded way better sonically. It doesn’t help that ScHoolBoy Q has the best verse off of an entire 18-track album. I feel that this album is just somewhat of a joke, but it’s entirely just a huge disappointment.… Expand
  3. swagkonyjohnson
    May 12, 2016
    6
    A very different album from his debut Trap Lord, both sonically and lyrically. While the more personal lyrical approach Ferg took was generally admirable, it was the very obvious reach for the mainstream that disappoints, often substituting his riveting, off-the-wall trap brand for cliche pop sounds.

    Best tracks: "New Level", "Let It Bang", "Psycho"
    Worst track: "I Love You"

Awards & Rankings

71
#71 Most Discussed Album of 2016
95
#95 Most Shared Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Apr 29, 2016
    60
    The problem is that Ferg fails to provide a coherent musical vision to go with these compelling reminiscences.
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  2. Spin
    Apr 29, 2016
    50
    Some songs function well as singularities, particularly “New Level” and “Grandma,” which showcase a few of Ferg’s best qualities in spurts, but as a complete work, Always Strive and Prosper is a misfire that presses to be greater than the sum of its parts.
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  3. 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.
    Read full review
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