ASAP Ferg Makes Mayonnaise Sandwich, Crowns Himself the “Grilled Cheese Messiah” in Struggle Plates
A$AP Ferg started from the bottom, but now, he keeps it cozy courtside at NBA games and front row at major fashion shows. Committed to leveling up, the Trap Lord from the streets of Harlem is known to always strive and prosper, which is why he's celebrating his come up with his newest album, Floor Seats. The platinum-selling rapper behind hits like “Plain Jane,” “New Level” and “Work” has grown accustomed to many of the finer things in life, but he’s never forgotten his humble beginnings. “I didn’t always have a silver or gold spoon in my mouth,” admits Ferg, who chefs up Cup Noodles, a grilled cheese, mayonnaise sandwich and rice with ketchup in XXL’s new series, Struggle Plates. The series features artists discussing the struggle plates they grew up eating while reflecting on their journey to the five-star meals of today.
The self-proclaimed "Grilled Cheese Messiah" offers his expertise on crafting the perfect sandwich. “You can’t be stingy with the cheese, but you can’t overdo it either.” He also reveals how to salvage a burnt sandwich and how to do so in a creative fashion. “One time I tried to scrape my name out of that shit,” he admits. When the final product is ready for consumption, it's clear the New York rapper stays true to his word. “I make the best grilled cheeses,” Ferg says.
These not-so-fancy dishes he prepared before becoming acquainted with the five-star meals he enjoys today brought back memories for A$AP Ferg. He recounts several struggle plate-related stories from back in the day. The Hood Pope recalls a time when he was interrupted by a couple of unwanted visitors while attempting to eat rice with ketchup. “It takes me back to a time where I saw two big ass rats in my grandmother’s house,” remembers Ferg.
Coming from rags to riches, A$AP Ferg learned how to master the art of balling on a budget at an early age. “We made it do what it do,” says the rapper that once survived off instant noodles while on tour with Drake. According to the Harlem hustler, who supported Drizzy on stops throughout 2012’s Club Paradise Tour, he eventually flipped the money he saved from not splurging on lobster and shrimp to manufacture more merch for his debut album, Trap Lord.
Inspired by his current lifestyle, A$AP Ferg, who experienced his first-ever professional basketball game from a courtside view, crafted his new Floor Seats album as a way to showcase his growth. Anchored by the singles “Pups,” “Wigs” and “Jet Lag,” the A$AP Mob member’s eight-song EP features collaborations with A$AP Rocky, Asian Da Brat, Ty Dolla $ign, MadeinTYO and 2019 XXL Freshman Rico Nasty.
Take a walk down memory lane with A$AP Ferg in XXL's first episode of Struggle Plates.
See Photos of A$AP Ferg's Different Looks Over the Years