Mark Ferg’s FIRST TO SAY I LOVE YOU LOSES? is a 14-track project that digs deep into the essence of love, the trauma of heartbreak, the difficulties of displaying vulnerability and the overall human experience that interconnects with everything.

“UNCONDITIONAL LOVE?”  sets the tone with a discussion on what love is in a romantic setting and offers audiences a viewpoint on where the artist stands. “SERIAL” is a reflective piece that explores the many potential relationships Ferg fostered over the years. Ferg looks deeply at his flaws and that being emotionally unavailable made it difficult to commit. He doesn’t shy from admitting the truth and says it as it is. Next is the retro R&B/soul-infused tune “SAY IT FIRST” featuring Eric Penn. Here, Ferg and Penn deliver heartfelt vocal performances and share their trepidations on blossoming love and the building up of walls to protect their hearts. Next is the lofi-soul piece “GHOST” where Ferg sees himself as that old-time rolling stone or the phantom who breezes in and out of love. Saekyi joins the fray on “BAGGAGE,” where both artists look at the effects of emotional baggage, unavailability and the trauma that comes with a one-sided relationship. On the atmospheric “ONE WAY” which comprises soft but rousing drums and ethereal textures, Ferg finds himself struggling with unreciprocated affection from a distant lover who drives him up the wall.

The interlude “THE MISEDUCATION OF MARK FERG”  is a short piece that discusses masculinity, manhood and emotions from the perspective of a black man in a world where they are stereotyped to be just one way. It also looks at the effects of the monolithic box society has put black men into. “CLICHE” starts with a plucky bass line and warm tones that form the perfect canvas for Ferg’s insightful bars that dive into the tug-and-pull motion involved between lovers. The future-soul “AIN’T SHIT NIGGAZ” is an unapologetic self-assessment laced with a touch of degradation and a dash of acceptance.

The project closes out with the heartfelt love ballad “DO IT OVER” and the picturesque “CANVAS” which sees Ferg gushing over the lucid memories created with that special someone. Other tracks include “BITCH I’M EXHAUSTED,” a playful track that looks at the changing dynamics of friends with benefits, the reflective “REBOUND” featuring London Mckoy and jazz-soul infused “DARIUS LOVEHALL.” These tracks give audiences a wide range of emotions and perspectives as we get to see Ferg divulging intimate details about love, heartbreak and emotional stress.