Baltimore is a city that has gained recognition through its portrayal in award-winning television shows, but it is also home to a diverse and thriving community of artists. While many may know about Tupac’s brief time living in Baltimore as a teenager, the city’s music scene encompasses a wide range of genres, including its own unique style known as “Baltimore Club.” This creative energy and fresh perspective can also be seen in Baltimore’s cannabis culture, as exemplified by rapper, fashion entrepreneur, and cannabis tastemaker A$AP Ant, also known as YG Addie.
Ant’s upbringing in Baltimore, a city that is both “north and south,” has influenced his musical style and helped him connect with A$AP Mob, a prominent New York City rap group. This observation not only speaks to Baltimore’s geographical and cultural diversity, but also highlights Ant’s ability to seamlessly blend different influences into his music. This approach has been key to the success of A$AP Mob and its members, especially in a time when Southern-style beats dominated the airwaves and East Coast rappers struggled to gain recognition.
Ant’s evolution as a cannabis consumer is also reflective of his progressive mindset. From smoking street weed in his youth to now enjoying high-quality strains from brands like Shopping Carts and Mount Burnin, Ant’s taste in cannabis has evolved alongside his music. But for Ant, it’s not just about what he’s smoking, it’s also about how he rolls it up. As a native of the DMV region (DC, Maryland, and Virginia), Ant is well-versed in the art of “sheets and funnels,” a unique rolling style that has gained popularity in the area.
While some may credit Baltimore as the birthplace of sheets and funnels, Ant is quick to clarify that it actually originated in DC and Maryland. He may not know the exact location where the style was born, but he is proud to have played a role in its popularization. And for those unfamiliar with this rolling technique, Ant is happy to share some knowledge. “In Baltimore, we have good weed,” he says, “but if you want the fire, you have to go to DC.” This explains why Ant and many others from Baltimore make the trip to DC to find the best cannabis.
In conclusion, A$AP Ant’s story is not just about his music or his love for cannabis, but also about the unique culture and influences that have shaped him as an artist. From Baltimore’s diverse music scene to the DMV’s distinct rolling style, Ant’s experiences and perspectives have contributed to his success and made him a tastemaker in both the music and cannabis industries.
