Ab-Soul

Ab-Soul Demands Fans Stop “Pretending” To Overlook His Talent

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Ab-Soul is a great rapper. Anybody who has listened to a single verse from the TDE veteran can attest to it. Soul has struggled to attain the icon status of Kendrick Lamar, however, or even the crossover success of fellow Black Hippy members Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q. He’s the odd man out, and he’s tired of being nice about it. Ab-Soul took to Twitter on December 16 and stakes his claim to be taken seriously as an artist. He urged fans to give his talent, and his latest album, the attention they deserve.

Ab-Soul is nothing if not articulate, and he knew his statement was going to come off as arrogant to many. “This may be distasteful for me to say to say on my own,” he posited. “Given the insatiable state of social media.” The rapper then let followers and onlookers have it. “F*cc it,” he wrote. “Soul Burger is a phenomenal body of work. I put it all on the table.” The statement then switched from the album to his perception as an artist in general. “Stop pretending to overlook me,” he demanded. “It’s unbecoming of the culture.”

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Ab-Soul Previously Dubbed Himself The “B.O.A.T.”

Some fans may be taken aback by Ab-Soul’s bold claim, but the rapper has always been confident in his abilities. Soul received arguably the most flattering shoutout of any Black Hippy member on the Kendrick Lamar “heart pt. 6.” Lamar claimed that he honed his rhyming style by trying to copy Ab-Soul, and was blown away by the Carson City rapper’s wordplay. Soulo went on Instagram Live to address his feelings on the song and his impact. He gave props to Lamar and admitted he learned from Lamar as much as K. Dot learned from him.

Ab-Soul did, however, claim that he was the better rapper. Not only better than Kendrick Lamar, but any other person walking the planet. “I am the B.O.A.T,” Ab-Soul explained. “I am the best rapper, that’s it. Ask anyone.” The rapper assured fans that he’s not just talking to talk. Soul genuinely feels he can take out anybody who dares challenge him. “I say that humbly,” the rapper concluded. “It’s not from a place of arrogance. I really do this.”

Read More: Ice Cube Opens Up About His New Album “Man Down,” Legacy, And The Future Of West Coast Hip-Hop

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Ab-Soul Demands Some Attention For His New Mixtape, Saying Overlooking Him Is ‘Unbecoming Of The Culture’

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For all the attention that has been lavished on Top Dawg Entertainment products Doechii, Schoolboy Q, and SZA this year (not to mention former TDE signee Kendrick Lamar), there’s one member of the South LA crew who feels that his work hasn’t gotten the love it deserves. Ab-Soul’s new mixtape, Soul Burger, dropped in November, just ahead of the unofficial annual entertainment industry shutdown for the holidays, but he’s still given it impressive support, with videos for “All That” and “California Dream” promoting the project before and after its release.

But he wants more, as he wrote on Twitter, sharing his disappointment with rap fans for not talking it up more — especially since it includes some historical moments for longtime participants, such as the collaboration between Lupe Fiasco and TDE after Lupe’s less-than-favorable commentary about Kendrick Lamar.

“THIS MAY BE DISTASTEFUL FOR ME TO SAY ON MY OWN, GIVEN THE INSATIABLE STATE OF SOCIAL MEDIA,” he wrote. “BUT, F*CC IT. “SOUL BURGER” IS A PHENOMENAL BODY OF WORK. I PUT IT ALL ON THE TABLE. STOP PRETENDING TO OVERLOOK ME. ITS UNBECOMING OF THE CULTURE.”

Soul was one of the many TDE artists and special guests who took the stage during the label’s annual holiday concert in Watts this year, where he reminded attendees that there’s more to TDE than the big hitmakers. Ab-Soul may not have the accolades, but he certainly has the artistry, and it’s high time (heh) he gets some credit for his work.

Ab-Soul And Vince Staples Grab A Real Soul Burger In Their ‘California Dream’ Video

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Ab-Soul’s new mixtape is called Soul Burger, so it’s fitting that he, Vince Staples, and Kamm Carson linked up at Los Angeles burger joint Love Hour to shoot the video for “California Dream.” Love Hour has become a fixture of LA nightlife; the bar has become one of Koreatown’s hottest event spots, while the food service window sees booming business slanging burgers and fries. The video is simple: the three rappers and their crew post up in the parking lot and rap their verses, which include a reminder from Staples that “I’m in the trenches, but I grew up walkin’ distance from the beach.”

Meanwhile, Soul’s wordplay-packed verse sees him reminiscing about his come-up alongside the TDE family: “Me and D was in the doghouse on top of the VIP / So it’s no coincidence my insignia in TDE.” Kamm Carson closes out the song with an acapella verse, elaborating on the trio’s shared South LA upbringing and nodding to the inspiration behind Soul’s new mixtape. “Age thirteen, used to think murder was make-believe / Role models Crippin’ like DoeBurger and Killa Dee / Play football or you bangin’, you signed to the streets.”

Watch Ab-Soul’s “California Dream” video featuring Vince Staples and Kamm Carson above.

Soul Burger is out now via Top Dawg Entertainment.

GloRilla Was The Secret Special Guest For The TDE Christmas Concert

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For the 11th year, Top Dawg Entertainment gave back to the community of its founder’s origin with the TDE Christmas Concert in Watts, California. Originally billed to include the label’s roster of artists which includes Ab-Soul, Doechii, Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Ray Vaughn, Schoolboy Q, SiR, SZA, and Zacari, the label announced just days before the concert that former TDE member and forever family Kendrick Lamar would also take the stage, along with some special guests. The secret special guest in question turned out to be GloRilla, the other breakout rapper of the year, who performed her smash “TGIF.”

Another surprise guest was Lefty Gunplay, the mega-affiliated rising Compton who had his star turn this year on Kendrick Lamar’s surprise album GNX‘s meme-spawning fan favorite, “TV Off.” He’s the guy yelling “crazy, scary, spooky, hilarious” at the end of the song. He yelled his way through his set, too, proving how raw he really is. Hopefully, with the right polish on his performance, he can truly capitalize on the moment, because the fans in attendance seemed very enthused by his presence.

During Kendrick’s set — during which he performed 2017 hit “Humble,” and new hit “Squabble Up” — he was joined onstage by a small army of local kids, who danced to the latter. SZA, meanwhile, played “Kill Bill” and “Snooze,” Doechii performed “Boom Bap,” “Nissan Altima,” and “What It Is.” You can check out some fan footage below.

Ab-Soul & DJ Hed Claim Kendrick Lamar Still Isn’t Done Yet

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Kendrick Lamar impressed everyone with not just his slew of explosive moves against Drake earlier this year, but also with the massive success of his new album GNX. Moreover, close affiliates DJ Hed and Ab-Soul recently chopped it up and discussed the incredible run that K.Dot is on right now, speaking to his current mindset and what his energy feels like. Specifically, Hed claimed that Kendrick “ain’t done,” which could mean a whole bunch of different things. Does this mean we will get even more 2024 treats? Maybe, and maybe not. Either way, fans are very excited to find out, but also perfectly pleased with what we have.

Of course, we know for sure that Kendrick Lamar isn’t done thanks to his Super Bowl LIX halftime show coming up soon in New Orleans on February 9. A lot of folks can’t wait to see what he brings to the table, whether that has to do with this new album’s material or paying homage to the Louisiana city in one way or another. So there’s at least that on the horizon keeping die-hards focused.

Read More: LeBron James Slights Drake By Rapping To Kendrick Lamar’s “TV Off”

DJ Hed & Ab-Soul Speak On Kendrick Lamar’s Next Moves

Elsewhere, Ab-Soul’s remarks on the new Kendrick Lamar album turned humbly confident during a recent Instagram Live that reacted to his shoutout on the track “heart pt. 6.” “I’m very honored,” the TDE MC expressed. “That’s my brother. I guarantee he didn’t study me as much as I studied him. He taught me the most as a professional recording artist. I just wanted to make that very clear. I am the B.O.A.T, I am the best rapper, that’s it. Ask anyone. I say that humbly. It’s not from a place of arrogance. I really do this.”

As for what Kendrick Lamar’s plans look like, it’s anyone’s guess. There are new album rumors already, plus a lot of speculation on what a Lil Wayne battle would look like and what the implications of Drake and his Universal Music Group/Spotify petition could result in. All in all, too many options exist for us to predict with any certainty. But that’s what keeps things exciting, so we’ll see if Ab-Soul and DJ Hed are correct.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar’s “good kid, m.A.A.d. city” Sold More Than Kanye West’s “VULTURES 1” In 2024

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Ab-Soul Shares Complicated Feelings On Kendrick Lamar’s “Heart Pt. 6”

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Ab-Soul and Kendrick Lamar are TDE legends. They were half of Black Hippy, the label supergroup that never got a proper album. Lamar shed light on Soul, TDE, and the Black Hippy falling out on his new song “Heart Pt. 6.” Dot waxes poetic on the past over a lush SWV sample, and admits to studying Ab-Soul as a means of improving his own rapping skills. The internet was thrilled by the Soulo shout out, and the TDE rapper took to Instagram Live on Thanksgiving to give his two cents on the song.

Ab-Soul started out by showing love to his Black Hippy brother. “I’m very honored,” he asserted. “That’s my brother.” The rapper showed humility by claiming that the talent Dot referenced on “Heart Pt. 6” was something Soul recognized in him at the same time. “I guarantee he didn’t study me as much as I studied him,” Ab-Soul admitted. “He taught me the most as a professional recording artist. I just wanted to make that very clear.” Soul has always been referential to Lamar. This was evidenced by his performance at the “Pop Out” concert on Juneteenth. Instead of performing one of his own songs, Soul crooned the intro to one of Lamar’s Drake disses.

Read More: Ab-Soul Delivers Hard-Hitting “Soul Burger” Bars On “A COLORS SHOW”

Ab-Soul Claims He’s A Better Rapper Than K. Dot

“Heart Pt. 6” is interesting, though, because Kendrick Lamar implies that Black Hippy’s dissolution was his fault. “I jog my memory, knowin’ Black Hippy didn’t work ’cause of me,” he spit. “Creatively, I moved on with new concepts in reach.” Some fans have interpreted this to mean that Kendrick Lamar outgrow Black Hippy in terms of ability and artistry. The thing is, Ab-Soul does not think Lamar has been able to surpass him. Soulo maintained that he was still untouchable when it comes to rhymes.

“I am the B.O.A.T,” he asserted. “I am the best rapper, that’s it. Ask anyone.” It’s a bold statement, but Ab-Soul maintains that he is not being egotistical. He simply believes that nobody is touching his pen, Kendrick Lamar included. “I say that humbly,” he noted. “It’s not from a place of arrogance. I really do this.” Ab-Soul has repeatedly stated that he is the best rapper of all time. Lamar’s co-sign may help to support this claim, but Lamar’s assertion of “wanting it all” on his new album suggests there may be a difference of opinion between brothers.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Praises Ab-Soul’s Lyrical Abilities On New Album

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Kendrick Lamar Praises Ab-Soul’s Lyrical Abilities On New Album

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On the track “the heart pt 6” from his buzzing new album, Kendrick Lamar acknowledged the influence his Black Hippy group member Ab-Soul had on his lyrical development. As he reflects on the early days of Top Dawg Entertainment, Kung Fu Kenny recognizes Soulo’s creative process, rapping, “Ab-Soul in the corner mumblin’ raps, fumblin’ packs of Blacks / Crumblin kush ’til he cracked a smile / His words legendary, wishin’ I could rhyme like him / Studied his style to define my pen.” The new verse follows Kendrick supporting Soul’s new album a couple of weeks ago on social media with a screenshot of the tracklist.

Kendrick Lamar and Ab-Soul performed together over the summer as Black Hippy at the iconic Pop-Out concert. K. Dot has spoken on Soul’s music on multiple occasions. Since 2011, Ab-Soul has released six albums to critically acclaimed reviews with Top Dawg Entertainment. Black Hippy, which also includes Jay Rock and Schoolboy Q, was mentioned in Kendrick’s new track as he takes accountability for the group’s breakup. On the track, K. Dot blames the halt of their anticipated album on his desire to pursue other creative endeavors. 

Read more: Kendrick Lamar Shouts Out Ab-Soul’s New Album On Social Media

Kendrick Lamar Remembers Idolizing Ab-Soul’s Rhymes

While none of Black Hippy appears on the new album, TDE’s SZA collaborates with Kendrick on several tracks, including “Luther.” Others to appear on the album are emerging Los Angeles artists AZChike, Lefty Gunplay, Wallie The Sensei, and Hitta J3. GNX has soared to number-one on Apple Music in less than 24 hours. The surprise album is a trending topic across social media for a variety of topics. Their are rumors of a second album from Lamar on the way before his anticipated Super Bowl performance.

Early TDE fans remember Ab-Soul being the label’s original superstar. Known for his Longterm mixtape series, Soulo was praised for his original, introspective raps. The style was unheard of by a West Coast rapper. His latest album, Soul Burger, includes guest features by J.I.D., Vince Staples, Lupe Fiasco, and Ty Dolla $ign. The album is led by the hit single “Crazier.”

Read more: Ab-Soul Changes Up His Style On Moody New Album “Soul Burger”

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TDE’s Annual Holiday Concert Returns For 2025 With Doechii, SZA, Schoolboy Q, And Surprise Guests

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Top Dawg is for the kids. For the past 12ish years (give or take a pandemic shutdown), TDE, the South Los Angeles-based label that homes music from rap stars like Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q, R&B queen SZA, and breakout artist of 2024, Doechii, has held a holiday concert at the Nickerson Gardens housing project in Watts for the community. Top Dawg has announced the date for this year’s iteration (December 12), which will feature the above-mentioned artists, along with fellow TDE signees Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, Kal Banx, Ray Vaughn, SiR, and Ray Vaughn, as well as surprise guests.

In the past, that latter category has included stars like A$AP Ferg, Big Sean, Rihanna, and Travis Scott, as well as former TDE golden boy Kendrick Lamar. The best part about the concert isn’t that it’s basically free, though; it’s that the price of admission is an unwrapped toy, which will be distributed in Nickerson Gardens (where Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith grew up) the next day. So, if you want to see a great concert, all you have to do is something nice for the community! It’s a good deal!

In addition to the performances, the event also usually includes food trucks and other activities, while the next day will be Community Giveback day, with barbering services, family holiday photos, raffles, sports activities, and of course, the toy giveaway. There’s also a job fair with onsite employment opportunities. Top Dawg is for everybody.

You can find more information about the 11th annual TDE Christmas Concert + Toy Drive below.

TDE

Ab-Soul Cooks Up On Our New “Fire Emoji” Playlist Update: Stream

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If you’re in the United States and are looking for some new music to cool you down after the election, then look no further than our latest Fire Emoji playlist update with the best new hip-hop this week. To kick things off, we want to shout out the new album from Ab-Soul, Soul Burger, for its variety, resonance, and dizzying lyricism. There’s a little something for everyone on here, whether that’s more icy and hard-hitting West Coast bangers, moments of patient introspection, and more lively and quirky melodic shimmers. As far as specific highlights, we’d recommend “Righteous Man” as a very solid first taste for you to see if you’re interested to dive in.

Speaking of new albums on Fire Emoji this week, we’d be remiss not to mention Ferg’s new LP DAROLD, which is a curious mix of his old and new styles. Some cuts, like the nasty “Demons” featuring Denzel Curry, exemplify the larger-than-life trap and street rap that the Harlem MC has always done so well. But further on into the tracklist, some revealing, somber, and more thoughtful records reveal another side to that bravado in a blunt but effective way.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar Shouts Out Ab-Soul’s New Album On Social Media

HNHH Fire Emoji Playlist: Stream

Moving on, we’ve got one more album to talk about this week, and that’s SahBabii’s latest, Saaheem. For fans of simple plugg and charismatic vocal deliveries, this is a big rec on Fire Emoji, especially the wavy and minimal “All The Way.” As far as new singles, Cordae offered a soulful, muted, but still impressive collaboration in the form of “Syrup Sandwiches” with assistance from Joey Bada$$. The guitar loops are very watery and reverb-heavy, but each spitter’s focused and effortless flows do a lot to elevate that atmosphere.

Rounding out our list is Young Nudy and Pi’erre Bourne’s latest woozy trap single for their upcoming Sli’merre 2 project, “Right Now.” Finally, Kenny Mason continued to prove his genre-fusing and versatile prowess with the ethereal but nonetheless gritty song, “HOODRAT.” Let us know what your favorite Fire Emoji pick was this week, as well as what else we missed, down in the comments section below. Check the playlist out above and, as always, come back to HNHH for the latest killer rap drops around the clock.

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Kendrick Lamar Shouts Out Ab-Soul’s New Album On Social Media

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Kendrick Lamar returned to his burner Instagram account, @jojoruski, to shout out his Black Hippy partner Ab-Soul’s new album, Soul Burger. This took a lot of fans by surprise thanks to K.Dot’s not-so-active social media presence, and because of the conversation around his support of other artists. If you weren’t already aware, the whole Drake battle situation caused many to criticize how Kendrick seemingly doesn’t do much to promote the music and moves of his peers. There’s a whole debate around that which we don’t need to get into here, as you probably already know what’s up. Still, to make a long story short, it depends on how much stock you put into social media activity to begin with.

Nevertheless, Kendrick Lamar actually fought back against these narratives thanks to his shoutout of Doechii’s new album, Alligator Bites Never Heal. As such, this marks the second TDE-affiliated nod on his social media as of late, although that album appeared on his main page rather than his Finsta. That opened up a conversation as well, but its exhausting nature made both sides land on pretty much the same conclusion.

Read More: DJ Akademiks Drags Kendrick Lamar For Talking To Non-Hip Hop Publications

Kendrick Lamar Salutes Ab-Soul’s Soul Burger

Regardless of all that Kendrick Lamar discussion, you shouldn’t need him to tell you that you should listen to the new Ab-Soul album, Soul Burger. It’s a very solid and compelling effort from the veteran lyricist, pairing dizzying rhymes and melodic curiosities with stark, varied, and engaging production across various hip-hop styles. In fact, the aforementioned Doechii makes an appearance on the cut “I, Myself & Me,” which is a surefire highlight on the project. If you need a superstar to determine your listening habits, that’s on you. But if you want these artists to get the most attention they can, then it’s understandable to want more from the pgLang creative.

Of course, Kendrick Lamar barely has to do anything to get praise of his own. Two of his Drake diss tracks from this year, “Not Like Us” and the Future and Metro Boomin collab “Like That,” made for seven Grammy nominations for next year. But some folks hope the Compton legend would open his mouth more for his other colleagues, so this Ab-Soul shoutout is a welcome practice.

Read More: Juvenile & Mannie Fresh Are Down To Join Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Performance

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