FERG, also known as A$AP Ferg, was born Darold Ferguson, Jr. in 1988 in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. He grew up in the Hamilton Heights area, where early influences of music were introduced to him through his father. His father printed logos and apparel for various record labels, allowing young Ferg to interact with notable artists like Bell Biv DeVoe and Heavy D. Following the tragic passing of his father, Ferg initially launched his own clothing line, Devoni Clothing, in 2005 before ultimately pursuing a career in rap.

In the early 2010s, Ferg joined the A$AP Mob, alongside childhood friend A$AP Rocky. The two artists collaborated on various musical projects, and Ferg gained recognition with his debut single, "Work," released in 2012. The song achieved commercial success, bolstered by a strong music video presence. His debut album, Trap Lord, was released in 2013 and featured appearances from artists such as Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, further establishing his reputation in the hip hop scene.

A$AP Ferg continued to rise in prominence, earning nominations for two BET Hip Hop Awards in 2013, including Rookie of the Year, which he won despite not attending the event. His success in the industry led to a series of collaborations with prominent artists, including G-Eazy, Travis Scott, and Ariana Grande.

In April 2016, Ferg released his second studio album, Always Strive and Prosper, which included the hit single "New Level" featuring Future, certified gold by the RIAA shortly after its release. Ferg toured extensively, embarking on the "Turnt & Burnt" tour in 2016, alongside Playboi Carti, which featured multiple dates across North America.

Throughout his career, Ferg has expanded his artistic horizons beyond music; in 2018, he appeared in an advertisement for Tiffany's and narrated an Adidas World Cup commercial. He also contributed to the Run the Jewels track "A Few Words for the Firing Squad" in 2020, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

In September 2020, Ferg's affiliation with A$AP Mob was called into question, leading to speculation about his status within the group. Subsequently, his official YouTube account transitioned to simply "FERG," implying a potential departure. He released his fifth album, Floor Seats II, later that month, featuring collaborations with artists such as Marilyn Manson and Denzel Curry.

In October 2021, FEG announced his decision to drop "A$AP" from his stage name, simplifying it to just FERG for his solo career. Roc Nation clarified his continued part in A$AP Mob while marking his individual artistry. FERG's first single under the new name, "MDMX," was released in May 2024. He then released his sixth album, Darold, on November 8, 2024, featuring contributions from artists like Future and Mary J. Blige.