Ab-Soul

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.

Read More: Proof’s Son, Nasaan, Admits He’s Jealous Of Cordae’s Relationship With Eminem

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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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Ab-Soul Muses About Self-Confidence, Fame, & Expectations On Powerful Doechii Collab “I, Myself & Me”

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Ab-Soul’s whole mission was to embody the spirit of his late friend “Doe Burger,” who tragically lost his life in 2021 on Soul Burger. It’s the latest album from one of the longest tenured TDE members and in speaking with Billboard, he explains just how important Doe was and still is to him and this tape. “We were yin and yang in a lot of ways. I just really wanted to channel him the best I could to keep him with me. I say this often, but I don’t know how I’m doing this without him. My only logical explanation is that he must be with me,” Ab-Soul said. “This is an album I feel like he wanted me to make. He was a true tastemaker. I valued his opinion. A real artist in his own right. I just really hope he would be proud of it.” 

We think “Doe” would be ecstatic if he heard this, especially because Ab-Soul crushes it on his collaboration with Doechii, “I, Myself & Me.” His non-related brother always wanted him to create more danceable tunes, which there are on Soul Burger. However, it still sticks true to Ab’s roots with thought-provoking and detailed listening experiences. “I, Myself & Me” is one of those, with the California native spilling his pain and thoughts onto this powerful and emotional cut. He expresses a lot of self-doubt, stresses about the industry and its vices, and wrestles with the expectations laid upon him. However, perhaps through the spirit of “Doe Burger” he shows some signs of resiliency. It’s maybe the best track of the week and one of the best of the year, so please spin it below.

Read More: Cardi B Drops New Song Snippet To Celebrate Grammy Nomination

“I, Myself & Me” – Ab-Soul & Doechii

Quotable Lyrics:

The camera flash I say wait
I won’t, I ain’t
Then the pressure build like construction sites and
I feel all reluctant like
Questioning what’s become of my life
D-dashing from all the noise and the lights

Read More: DJ Akademiks Accuses Young Thug Of Telling Various Rappers Gunna Is A “Snitch”

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Ab Soul Releases ‘Soul Burger’ Album Featuring Vince Staples, Lupe Fiasco, Doeburger And More

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TDE artist Ab-Soul has released Soul Burger, his first album since 2022’s acclaimed Herbert. The album features DoeBurger, Vince Staples, Doechii, JID, Lupe Fiasco, Ty Dolla $ign, Jason Martin, Thirsty P, Kamm Carson, Fre$h, Punch, and Asia Holiday with production from 9th Wonder, ScHoolBoy Q, Kal Banx, Terrace Martin, Rascal, TaeBeast, Devin Malik, Beat Butcha and more. With Soul Burger, Ab-Soul pays tribute to his childhood best friend, DoeBurger, who passed away in 2021. Doe always encouraged him to create more upbeat music for fans to dance to at shows, so this project is both an homage to him and a reflection of the music he inspired Soul to make. Throughout the mixtape, Doe serves as a narrator, urging Soul to persevere despite his challenges.

Ab-Soul is known for challenging rap’s conventional narratives with his deep, thought-provoking lyricism and distinctive style. Joining Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007, he became part of the revered Black Hippy collective alongside Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and Kendrick Lamar. His music often delves into personal hardship, philosophy, and social issues. His journey has been marked by significant struggles, including being diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome at age 10, which severely impacted his vision and skin. The 2012 loss of his best friend and longtime girlfriend also deeply influenced his music, inspiring his breakout track “The Book of Soul” on his sophomore album Control System. After a six-year hiatus, Ab-Soul returned with Herbert (2022), an album that showcases his vulnerability as he reflects on mental health, grief, resilience, and self-discovery—earning praise from both fans and critics for his growth and authenticity.

Soul Burger Tracklist

9 Mile

Paiday

All That ft. Jason Martin, Thirsty P

California Dream ft. Vince Staples, Kamm Carson

B.U.C.K.O. Jr

I, Myself & Me ft. Doechii

DND ft. NOTORIOUS N.I.Q.

Don Julio 70 ft. Fre$h

Go Pro ft. Ty Dolla $ign

Saudi Sweats

Squeeze 1St 2

Crazier ft. JID

Peace ft. Lupe Fiasco, DoeBurger, Punch

The Sky is Limitless ft. BLXST, Asia Holiday

Righteous Man

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Ab-Soul Drops New Album ‘Soul Burger’ in Tribute to Late Friend DoeBurger

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TDE’s Ab-Soul has returned with Soul Burger, his first album since 2022’s Herbert. This project is a tribute to his childhood friend DoeBurger, who passed in 2021 and encouraged Ab-Soul to make upbeat music for fans to enjoy live. Throughout the album, Doe narrates, inspiring Ab-Soul to push forward.

The 15-track album features a lineup of high-profile collaborators, including Vince Staples, JID, Lupe Fiasco, Doechii, Ty Dolla $ign, and Thirsty P. Production comes from 9th Wonder, Kal Banx, TaeBeast, Terrace Martin, and ScHoolboy Q, among others. Soul Burger blends Ab-Soul’s lyrical depth with dynamic beats, promising a celebratory experience that reflects Doe’s influence.

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

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Ab-Soul is quietly the most impressive lyricist on TDE. He was in contention with Kendrick Lamar for years, but now that Dot has started pgLang, the crown is inarguably his. Nobody raps like, or about the same things as Ab-Soul. Soul Burger contains his usual mixture of heady metaphors and juvenile humor, but it also branches out in way that previous Solo albums have not. This album has West Coast bangers, jazzy freakouts, and collaborations with non-TDE wordsmiths. It maintains Ab-Soul’s esoteric appeal and makes it more palatable than its been in years.

This unique balance in struck within the first couple songs. “9 Mile” and “Payday” pay tribute to the icons that influenced Ab-Soul, with the former being an obvious 8 Mile riff. The rapper is in rare form on these songs, dropping bars that will take a rewind or at least a few repeat listens to fully sink in. The solo Soulo tracks vary in terms of tone. Some are more aggressive, others more reflective, like “Peace” and the Soul Burger closer, “Righteous Man.” The variety of collabs is definitely helpful in keeping things moving, with emcees like Punch, Lupe Fiasco, and Vince Staples taking center stages and delivering stellar work. Soul is never outshined, however. Soul Burger is a triumph. Check it out.

Let us know what you think of this brand new album, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.

Read More: TDE Punch Clears Up Ab-Soul And J Cole Rumors With Important Clarification About “Pi”

Ab-Soul Expands His Musical Boundaries

Soul Burger tracklist:

  1. 9 Mile
  2. Payday
  3. All That (featuring JasonMartin & Thirsty P)
  4. California Dream (featuring Kamm Carson & Vince Staples)
  5. B.U.C.K.O. Jr.
  6. I, Myself & Me (featuring Doechii)
  7. DND (featuring Notorious N.I.Q.)
  8. Don Julio 70 (feat FRE$H)
  9. Go Pro (featuring Ty Dolla $ign)
  10. Saudi Sweats
  11. Squeeze 1st 2
  12. Crazier (featuring JID)
  13. Peace (featuring Lupe Fiasco & Punch)
  14. The Sky Is Limitless (featuring Asia Holiday & Blxst)
  15. Righteous Man

Read More: Ab-Soul Slices And Dices His “On The Radar” Freestyle Ahead Of “Soul Burger”

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