At a Glance
- A$AP Rocky says he was “bothered” by Ferg’s dropping the “A$AP” prefix.
- Ferg’s name change came with a Roc Nation deal, not a breakup of the collective.
- Rocky’s new album, Don’t Be Dumb, debuted on Jan. 21.
Why it matters: The split reflects shifting dynamics within the A$AP Mob and the evolving identities of its members.
A$AP Rocky, 37, and his longtime brother A$AP Ferg, also 37, have been central figures in the A$AP Mob since its early days. Their relationship has always been framed by a shared history of collaboration, rivalry, and mutual respect. The latest tension between the two stems from Ferg’s decision in 2021 to drop the “A$AP” prefix from his stage name.
The A$AP Mob Roots
The A$AP Mob began as a collective of New York-based artists who released two Cozy Tape mixtapes in 2016 and 2017. The project showcased the group’s early chemistry and set the stage for future solo careers. While the collective never formalized a record label or office, the brand remained a symbol of unity for its members.
Ferg’s 2021 Name Change
In 2021, Ferg announced he would no longer use the “A$AP” prefix for his solo work. The change coincided with a signing to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation management company. Roc Nation clarified in a statement that:
> “Ferg is very much still part of the Mob, and is A$AP Ferg within A$AP Mob… Ferg as an individual artist and with his solo career is Ferg.”
This announcement clarified that the collective was not dissolving, but that Ferg was rebranding his solo persona.
Rocky’s Reaction
During a recent interview with Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, Rocky admitted he felt “bothered” by the decision. He said:
> “I haven’t seen Ferg in a minute, man,” said Rocky. “I’mma be totally honest. I haven’t even been living in New York. I always love Ferg. Ferg, he got a good heart. I saw a couple interviews where he was just like, he ain’t A$AP and he dropped A$AP from his name. That s— bothered me, but I ain’t gon’ hold it against him, and I wish him the best.”
Rocky also emphasized that the relationship between the two is still fixable. He added:
> “But I’m just really locked in and focused on me right now, as I should be. I’m trying to put out a great masterpiece, a body of work. The rollout has been amazing. The focus is there. It’s a very focused album and I want all components related to it to be cohesive.”
He expressed hope that when time allows, the two could talk:
> “So I feel like when I get some time, me and my brother, we could talk. Because that’s what we always been, we always been brothers.”
Rocky also noted that Ferg’s actions have not caused him to feel betrayed by the collective, unlike other A$AP members.
Current State of the Collective
In an interview with rap journalist Touré earlier this year, Ferg reflected on the status of the A$AP Mob. He stated:
> “Well, I don’t think there is A$AP anymore. There’s not a Cozy Tape out; a new one. There’s not an office, there’s not a record label, A$AP Worldwide. I think it’s a thing of the past.”
Ferg went on to explain that the legacy of the group still lives in the music produced by its founders:
> “I think people hold onto the legacy that we created and those things, but when you think about A$AP – I think from the music point – you think about me and Rocky who did the music and all of that. Of course, it was built off the backs of Bari and Yams and all of that, but we’re the faces. I feel like if we’re not making no new music or putting out no new timestamps, then there’s no A$AP.”
These comments suggest that while the brand may have faded, the individual members continue to carry its influence.
Rocky’s New Album
Rocky’s latest project, Don’t Be Dumb, dropped on Jan. 21. The album showcases his continued focus on crafting a cohesive body of work, a point he emphasized in his interview with Darden. The release timing also underscores Rocky’s commitment to his solo career, even as he navigates personal relationships within the A$AP Mob.
Key Takeaways
- Ferg’s 2021 name change was a rebranding effort linked to a Roc Nation deal, not a split from the collective.
- Rocky admitted feeling “bothered” but does not hold resentment and wishes Ferg success.
- Both artists acknowledge the A$AP Mob’s legacy but see it as a past era, especially after the absence of new Cozy Tape releases.
- Rocky’s new album, Don’t Be Dumb, reflects his ongoing dedication to solo artistry.
These developments illustrate how former collective members are redefining themselves while still honoring their shared history.
