German hip-hop/rap duo Ferge X Fisherman release their fourth album today.‘Good Mother’ is a concept work about embracing various life stages and sees them deploying gospel choirs, vintage strings, soulful Rhodes chords and wah-wah guitar pedals to give their jazz-infused music a distinctly ‘70s soundtrack vibe.

The album includes the melancholic current single, ‘What Have We Become’, which features the Chicago-based rapper Mick Jenkins on a slice of gorgeous alternative hip-hop. It also contains the pulsating ‘Adults’ (featuring the soulful voice of London-based R&B singer Jerome Thomas and unique jazz trumpet playing of Takuya Kuroda), the uptempo ‘Racing’ (which draws inspiration from BLK ODYSSY, Goldlink and Kendrick Lamar) and the laid-back vibes of ‘Lace Up’.

FXF are deeply influenced by jazz, with their casual, subtle complexity allowing the freedoms of this genre to shine through in their music. Every sound element lands precisely where it belongs: a piano figure suddenly fills the gaps; a clever chord change momentarily shifts the harmonic structure; a snare hit arrives a millisecond late, creating the unmistakable laid-back feeling of FXF. As is often the case, it is the small details that transform something good into something magnificent.

Above it all is Fritz Fisherman, rapping like a jazz instrumentalist would solo. With his fresh approach to the English language and introspective lyrics (as well as his slightly smoky, slightly nasal voice), he forms the lyrical core of the band. The project began with him and producer Ferge meeting as teenagers while skateboarding in their home city of Nuremberg. An immediate chemistry between the two swiftly extended to involve crack jazz quartet Nujakasha, who have become an integral part of the FXF set-up both live and in the studio.

From this circle of friends, their own record label emerged with the six musicians handling almost everything themselves (videos, merchandise, finances and more). This team spirit is also evident in the music made by FXF: the delightful crackling of old vinyl samples blends with crisp drums, smooth E-piano chords and adventurous basslines. It is a partnership that has already seen the release of ‘Gone Fishing’ (2018), ‘Blinded By The Neon’ (2020) and ‘Duality’ (2022), on which the likes of Noah Slee, Black Milk, Takuya Kuroda and Hunter Rose have also guested.

‘Good Mother’ now kicks things up to another level, boasting a reappearance from Kuroda plus features from Mick Jenkins, Jerome Thomas and Ceeopatra on a multi-dimensional coming-of-age album that explores the complexities involved in the process of growing-up; formative experiences, evaluation of past decisions, sexual insecurity, financial and emotional concerns, as well as the acknowledgement of universal fears as time ticks by.

Ferge X Fisherman sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Fisherman had a basketball coach from New Orleans in elementary school who was a huge hip hop head and influenced his love for the genre from an early age on. For Ferge it was the record collection of his father, which reached from rock and soul to jazz classics and groove music.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

We are big fans of all kinds of genres and would love to work with artists such as Ivan Ave, Jay Prince and Charlotte Day Wilson in the future.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Since we are just dropping our new album „GOOD MOTHER“ we are planning on playing live shows for the summer. You can catch us in London on May 16th or at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Of course new music is also in the making.

4. How would you describe your sound?

A soulful blend of jazz and hip hop.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

The moment we realised that some of our musical idols know and like our music.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Be patient and trust in your vision.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Becky Sikasa, NEONE the Wonderer, Ayzon

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

The Yussef Dayes Experience - Live From Malibu, Okvsho - Orange Wine, Roc Marciano - The Elephant Man’s Bones.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Fisherman loves to play basketball in his free time, Ferge loves to hike and spend time in the outdoors.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Our band Nujakasha, good food, a sketchbook.