A$AP Ferg on trapping, drugs & why rap beefs 'aren't real'

Rapper A$AP Ferg talks to MSNBC anchor Ari Melber about music, trapping, hustling, criminal justice and what many people don’t understand about rap beefs -- including the long-running feud between Drake and Pusha T. Ferg recounts how his mind was “blown” by the arrest and imprisonment of rapper Meek Mill, a friend and collaborator, days after they filmed a music video together. Ferg discusses how artists can best push for criminal justice reform, including addressing reports that Meek Mill considered meeting with the Trump administration about reform. Ferg also opens up about his mother’s advice to avoid drugs. When asked by Melber if he recommends his fans avoid using drugs, Ferg, also known as The Hood Pope, explains he does not seek to be a “preacher” and tell people what to do, but people can see he does not live a drug lifestyle. Ferg also discusses where the name of his debut studio album and clothing line, “Trap Lord” came from, telling Melber it was given to him by fellow musician and friend A$AP Yams, a founding member of the group A$AP Mob, before he passed away. This digital exclusive grew out of A$AP Ferg’s appearance on Melber’s news program, “The Beat with Ari Melber” on MSNBC, where Ferg appeared with attorney Maya Wiley on a “Fallback” segment.Dec. 26, 2018