In the latest episode of ‘My Expert Opinion’, Ferg joins Math Hoffa and the crew to talk about his journey through hip-hop, including how Houston’s iconic sound helped shape his musical direction. Early in his career, Ferg connected with Houston artists who played pivotal roles in his development. He recalls his first visit to Houston, where he collaborated with OG Chess and met influential artists like Bun B, Travis Scott, and Maxo Kream. These relationships grounded him in the city’s culture and solidified Houston’s support for his work.
Ferg also opened up about using Houston’s “Chopped and Screwed” style—a hallmark of Texas hip-hop—in his music, even though he isn’t from Texas. Instead of facing backlash, he found overwhelming support from Houston artists, making him feel welcomed rather than questioned. The conversation turned to how the internet has blurred geographic boundaries, making once-regional sounds accessible and influential worldwide.
The interview dives into hip-hop’s sampling roots, referencing pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, who famously sampled Kraftwerk, and how this set the stage for sampling as a core element of hip-hop. Ferg notes that in the genre’s early days, sampling wasn’t understood or accepted by the mainstream music industry, which saw hip-hop as a fleeting trend. Today, it’s become a widely respected art form and integral to hip-hop’s identity.
Ferg explains his approach to music, aiming to blend various sounds and influences into a distinct, high-energy style. Collaborating with innovative producers like Clams Casino and Beautiful Lou, he focuses on creating anthemic tracks that stand out. His style, which combines luxury fashion with street culture, brought a fresh, trendsetting energy to hip-hop.
Ferg and his group took cues from artists like Dipset, Wu-Tang, and Kanye West, fusing these influences into a bold, new synthesis that mixed high-end fashion with genuine street appeal. By combining style and authenticity, they helped carve out a unique lane in the hip-hop landscape, presenting a new vision of what hip-hop could look and sound like.
