Harlem Rapper Fergie Baby Builds Cannabis-Fueled Music Career

Harlem rapper Fergie Baby is turning his firing from a day job into a full-time music career that blends cannabis culture with the neighborhood's storied hip-hop tradition.

The artist, who recently appeared on Fox's Empire, told High Times that losing his job became the catalyst for pursuing music seriously. "Getting fired was the best thing that happened to me," Fergie Baby said in the interview, adding that it forced him to commit fully to his craft.

Fergie Baby's rise comes as Harlem experiences a cultural resurgence, with artists increasingly vocal about cannabis's role in their creative process. The neighborhood that gave the world Big L, Cam'ron, and A$AP Rocky now sees a new generation of rappers embracing both the borough's legacy and the evolving legal cannabis landscape in New York.

Cannabis and Creativity

The rapper doesn't shy away from discussing how weed influences his music. In his conversation with High Times, he described cannabis as integral to his creative sessions and live performances—a common thread among Harlem's current hip-hop scene.

New York's adult-use cannabis market, which launched retail sales in December 2022, has given artists like Fergie Baby new opportunities to openly discuss their relationship with the plant. The state issued over 460 conditional licenses in its first wave, with several going to Harlem-based operators.

For Fergie Baby, the connection between cannabis culture and hip-hop isn't new—it's foundational. But the legal market's arrival has shifted how artists can talk about and potentially monetize that relationship.

Carrying the Torch

Fergie Baby positions himself as part of what he calls a "new Harlem Renaissance," referencing both the 1920s cultural movement and the neighborhood's 1990s hip-hop golden era. His live shows, he says, aim to capture the energy of classic Harlem venues while incorporating modern production and cannabis-friendly atmospheres.

The Empire appearance gave him mainstream visibility, but Fergie Baby told High Times he's focused on building an authentic fanbase through performances and consistent releases. His approach mirrors other New York artists who've leveraged television appearances into sustained music careers.

Harlem's music venues have increasingly embraced cannabis-friendly policies where local laws permit, creating spaces where artists can perform and fans can consume in designated areas. Several venues near the Apollo Theater now offer consumption lounges alongside traditional concert spaces.

What's Next

Fergie Baby plans to release new music throughout 2025, with a focus on collaborations with other Harlem artists. He's also exploring potential partnerships with New York cannabis brands—a growing trend as musicians seek alternative revenue streams beyond streaming and touring.

The intersection of hip-hop and cannabis continues to evolve in New York, with artists like Fergie Baby representing a generation that came of age as legalization became reality. Whether he's part of a true renaissance remains to be seen, but his willingness to bet on himself—and his neighborhood—reflects the entrepreneurial spirit driving both Harlem's music scene and its emerging cannabis industry.

This article is based on original reporting by hightimes.com.