XXL Recruits Asap Ferg, Ab-Soul, & Sauce Walka For Their New Cypher Lab Series

XXL‘s Freshman cypher’s have been legendary and iconic. However, over the last few years, fans have not been too pleased with the talent selection. But the publication seems to be finding ways to rebuild their reputation in regard to this dilemma. Around this time last year, they brought on Latto following her feature and they allowed her to bring on her favorite female talents. Flo Milli, Monaleo, Maiya The Don, and Mello Buckzz appeared, and it turned out to be a success. XXL is dubbing this their Cypher Lab series and not too long ago, they dropped the second installment of it.

This time around, it’s all guys from three of the hottest regions in hip-hop. A$AP Ferg is representing the East Coast, Ab-Soul puts on for the West, and Sauce Walka pops out to put people on to the South. You can watch their Cypher Lab with the first link below, and they all kill it. Fans are especially championing Ab-Soul’s verse as he preps for his next album, Soul Burger.

Read More: Lil Durk Update: Alleged Co-Conspirators To Be Brought To L.A. For Detention Hearings

Who Had The Best XXL Cypher Lab Verse? Ferg, Soul, Or Sauce?

In addition to the performance, the three artists got together for a discussion surrounding the importance and lack of respect for lyricism. Each veteran MC laid out some terrific and astute points about the current climate. In Ferg’s eyes, the vibe is greater than the words being delivered in most cases. “”More people are driven by the feeling and the emotion of the beat and the vibes and the melodies rather than the lyrics. So, sometimes lyrics can feel like it can be a lost art.” For Ab-Soul, he’s got a more open view on it, as it depends on everyone’s individual perspective and interpretation. Finally, Sauce that lyrics are required for you to be considered elite in the game. Hopefully, this Cypher Lab continues because the insights and performances are all terrific.

What are your thoughts on this XXL Cypher Lab featuring A$AP Ferg, Ab-Soul, and Sauce Walka? Who had the strongest verse in your opinion? Do you agree with each rapper’s statement about lyricism in hip-hop? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding A$AP Ferg, Ab-Soul, and Sauce Walka. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.

Read More: Lil Durk’s 10-Year-Old Son Releases Passionate Statement Of Support Amid His Father’s Arrest

[Via] [Via] [Via]

The post XXL Recruits Asap Ferg, Ab-Soul, & Sauce Walka For Their New Cypher Lab Series appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ab-Soul And JID Put On A Lyrical Clinic For New Single “Crazier”

Ab-Soul has always released quality albums. Underrated, or perhaps even slept on albums, but quality nonetheless. The TDE veteran is doing something a little different for his upcoming release, though. The quality remains, but Ab-Soul is trying different sounds and working with different artists to showcase that he can make music every bit as attention-grabbing as his peers. “Squeeze 1st 2” was for the old heads, then “All That” was a bop for the West Coast fans. “Crazier” is the third single from DOE BURGER, and it sees Ab-Soul go toe-to-toe with another lyrical master, JID. It delivers.

The beat sparse and unrelenting. There’s nothing flashy about “Crazier.” There isn’t even a build up, JID just kicks things off with an extended guest verse. The wordplay and the flow are razor sharp. JID may be a standout on Dreamville, but the TDE influence on his style is undeniable. He acclimates naturally to this soundscape. Then it’s Soulo’s turn. Ab-Soul is actually the more expressive of the two emcees, and uses his signature blend of puns, esoteric references and trash talk. “Crazier” is the most subdued single that Ab-Soul has released for DOE BURGER so far. That said, there’s something quietly intense about it that will keep fans coming back.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, 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: Ab-Soul Addresses J Cole Beef Rumors

Ab-Soul Continues To Build Up DOE BURGER Hype

Quotable Lyrics:

No sh*t, I wrote this sittin’ outside the psych ward
Cashin’ out, I be blackin’ out ’cause it keep the lights on
I’m the illest, it’s in the air, you should get the Lysol
Lots of trauma from drama I saw, I need new eyeballs

Read More: Ab-Soul May Have Dissed Drake’s Associate, Chubbs, During A New Funk Flex Freestyle

The post Ab-Soul And JID Put On A Lyrical Clinic For New Single “Crazier” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ab-Soul Was ‘A Little Upset’ With J. Cole Over ‘Pi,’ But Not For The Reason You Might Think

A week after Top Dawg Entertainment President Punch Henderson debunked rumors of beef between rappers on his label and J. Cole, TDE’s Ab-Soul has admitted that he was upset with Cole over their collaboration “Pi“… but not for the reason fans might think.

“Pi,” which appeared on Cole’s April mixtape Might Delete Later, raised fans’ antennae for potential beef, as it appeared on the tape with “7 Minute Drill,” Cole’s response to Kendrick’s incendiary verse on Future and Metro Boomin’s “Like That.” After K. Dot called out J. Cole and Drake for supposedly “sneak dissing” him on their collab “First Person Shooter,” Cole was the first to accept the challenge. However, featuring K. Dot’s former labelmate and Black Hippy band member Ab-Soul on “Pi” had some listeners wondering if there was some petty gamesmanship on Cole’s part.

As it turns out, no, there wasn’t. Cole decided his heart wasn’t in it, deleted “7 Minute Drill” from streamers, and moved on eventually addressing things on “Port Antonio” early this month. However, at the same time, Soul dropped his own new song “Squeeze 1st 2,” with lyrics listeners believed were shots at Cole for involving him in the “beef” with Kendrick. However, Punch clarified on Twitter that all the involved verses and songs had been recorded before the “beef,” and that “Squeeze 1st 2” had little to do with “Port Antonio.”

Yesterday, Ab-Soul appeared on DJ Hed’s SiriusXM show, Effective Immediately, and reflected on his real issue with “Pi” — that he wasn’t informed by Daylyt, the third collaborator on the song, about Cole’s involvement until after the fact. “I’m lowkey hot,” he joked. “I’m like, ‘Lyt, bro, this is one of the best rappers in the world… I’m on his head like, ‘Bro, you have to let me know if you’re gonna send this shit off. He ate us up.’” Soul also made absolutely clear that “Cole is the homie, for real,” but that he was only upset because he wanted the North Carolina rapper to appear on his song “F*ck Out My Face [FOMF],” but rather than delivering the 12-bar verse that needed, issued 48 bars on “Pi.”

You can watch the full interview above to get Ab-Soul’s hilarious story.

Ab-Soul Announces New Mixtape ‘Soul Burger,’ Drops Video for “All That”

unnamed (1)

unnamed (1)

TDE artist Ab-Soul has officially announced Soul Burger, his first project since his acclaimed 2022 album Herbert. Along with the announcement, he released a new single and video titled “All That,” featuring Jason Martin (formerly known as Problem) and Thirsty P. Produced by frequent TDE collaborators Rascal and TaeBeast, the track delivers the thoughtful lyricism fans expect, set to a more upbeat, danceable vibe.

The accompanying video features captivating cultural photography interspersed with scenes of Ab-Soul and his collaborators. It visually and sonically represents a shift in tone, as Soul Burger reflects a more energetic and celebratory side of Ab-Soul’s artistry.

The project is a tribute to Ab-Soul’s childhood best friend, Doe Burger, who passed away in 2021. Doe encouraged Ab-Soul to create more lively, show-stopping music for fans. This mixtape is both an homage to Doe’s memory and a reflection of the music he inspired, with Doe narrating throughout, pushing Ab-Soul to persevere through his challenges.

Soul Burger will also include the previously released single, “Squeeze 1St 2.” Fans can expect this new project to reveal another layer of Ab-Soul’s multifaceted talent.

The post Ab-Soul Announces New Mixtape ‘Soul Burger,’ Drops Video for “All That” appeared first on .

Ab-Soul And JasonMartin Give A Lesson In LA Politics In Their Menacing ‘All That’ Video

It’s been remarked by both visitors and residents of Los Angeles that South LA is like a completely different country. The language, the customs, and the people are miles away — socially and geographically — from the glitz of Hollywood. As such, Ab-Soul and JasonMartin give a quick lesson in LA politics (with some help from Thirsty P) in their new video for “All That,” explaining the ins and outs of the culture. If you get it, you get it, and if you don’t… stay north of Pico.

Produced by frequent TDE collaborators Rascal and TaeBeast, “All That” features a rumbling beat and some head-spinning examples of LA slang and the two rappers’ always excellent wordplay. “All That” is the first single from Ab-Soul’s recently announced mixtape, Soul Burger, which has a November 8 release date. Soul Burger is a tribute to Soul’s childhood best friend, Doe Burger, who died in 2021. While Soul was normally known for introspective concepts and murky, slow-paced beats, Burger pushed Soul to make more upbeat music for fans to dance to at his shows.

Soul Burger will be Ab-Soul’s first full-length project since 2022’s Herbert, which itself was a return from a nearly six-year hiatus. It’s due on 11/8 via TDE.

You can watch Ab-Soul’s “All That” video featuring JasonMartin above.

Ab-Soul Enlists JasonMartin And Thirsty P For Thumping “All That” Single

Ab-Soul is not playing around. The rapper earned some of the best reviews of his career for this 2022 comeback album Herbert, and he’s running it back. Soul Burger is going to drop in November, and the rapper is not playing around when it comes to the promo singles. “Squeeze 1st 2” was a smooth and jazzy showcase for the rapper’s lyrical dense skillset. “All That,” the rapper’s second offering, is a hard hitting switch-up. Ab-Soul taps fellow California emcees JasonMartin and Thirsty P for a slick offering that proves he’s far from a one trick pony.

Ab-Soul has been derided by some fans for being too heady with his music. “All That” proves that Soul Burger will not run into this problem. The instrumental is simple, snappy, and helps to anchor his tricky wordplay and turns of phrase. He flips the title of the song to refer to the classic Nickelodeon show All That and cast members Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell. JasonMartin and Thirsty P do their thing on the back end of the song. It’s fun to hear Ab-Soul branch out and work with different artists outside of the TDE camp. We can’t wait to hear how this newfound versatility translates to a full album.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, 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: ScHoolboy Q & Ab-Soul Have A Fan-Favorite With “Foux”

Ab-Soul Delivers A Menacing West Coast Banger

Quotable Lyrics:

Comme des garcons converse on my feet
Yeah, I just ate b*tch
Bon appetit, young refugee, are you ready for it
We be to rap what key be to lock

Read More: Jay Rock And Ab-Soul Collab For The First Time In Eight Years On “Blowfly”

The post Ab-Soul Enlists JasonMartin And Thirsty P For Thumping “All That” Single appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Punch Dispelled Rumors Of Beef Between TDE And Dreamville Artists After A Viral Fan Theory About J. Cole’s ‘Pi’

j. cole
Getty Image

Ever since Future and Metro Boomin added Kendrick Lamar to their combative single “Like That,” the rap game has been in shambles, with bloodlust among rap fans fueling pernicious rumors of beef between their favorite entertainers. Case in point, the song “Pi” from J. Cole’s new mixtape, Might Delete Later, has been the center of rumored beef between rappers affiliated with Kendrick’s former label, TDE, and J. Cole’s label, Dreamville. However, TDE President Terrence Henderson — aka Punch — stepped in to dispel that myth before it spread any further.

After a rap fan on Twitter (never calling it “X”) wrote, “Ab-Soul threw jabs at J. Cole after Cole did him dirty by adding him & Daylyt to a song with a verse dissing Kendrick on ‘Pi’,” Punch did some fact-checking on the inaccurate speculation. “I hate to clear up rumors,” he wrote in response. “I usually let them fester and see how far they go, but ALL verses on ‘Pi’ were recorded long before ‘Like That.’”

It’s fair to say that fans have let their excitement get the best of them in the past. That, combined with the vagueness of some rappers’ battle raps, gives plenty of room for conspiratorial thinking and jumping to conclusions. However, there’s a big difference between fan theories on the internet and what really goes on behind the scenes — and Punch’s tweet is a reminder that many of those theories are usually missing key pieces of information. In this case, the fans in question appear to have overlooked the fact that Daylyt and J. Cole have collaborated since on “Plate Of Collard Greens,” and that even Ab-Soul appears to be rooting for Drake to have a soft landing.

Ab-Soul Drops New Single “Squeeze 1st 2,” First Release Since 2022’s ‘Herbert’

unnamed (2)

unnamed (2)

Los Angeles-based rapper Ab-Soul has released a brand-new track, “Squeeze 1st 2.” The song showcases Soul’s introspective flow over a laid-back, mid-tempo beat, enriched by soulful horn arrangements. This marks his first solo offering since 2022’s critically acclaimed album Herbert, which ended his six-year hiatus.

The post Ab-Soul Drops New Single “Squeeze 1st 2,” First Release Since 2022’s ‘Herbert’ appeared first on .

Ab-Soul Is Esoteric As Ever On Jazzy New Single “Squeeze 1st 2”

Ab-Soul is a lyrical wizard. He considers himself to be the best rapper alive, and when he’s on his A game, it’s easy to see why. He packs his verses with dense references and a devilish sense of humor that sometimes actually verges on devilish. Soulo did drop an album that was inspired by occultist Alastair Crowley, after all. “Squeeze 1st 2” is a more direct offering from the TDE veteran, but that doesn’t mean it’s light on the wordplay. Ab-Soul puts on a clinic over a catchy horn sample that anchors his vocals and gives some shape to his otherwise stream of consciousness bars.

“Squeeze 1st 2” is presumably the first offering from an upcoming Ab-Soul album. TDE has teased a new release from their headiest member, and as far as building up hype goes, this single does a good job. It’s catchy without compromising what ultimately makes Soulo such a memorable rapper. “The best rapper alive or not,” he spits. “Was laced by the greats. I just had to tie the knot.” There are memorable rhymes about quesadillas, Miles Davis horn solos, and wanting smoke despite not being a Cuban cigar maker. Ab-Soul takes his craft very seriously, but he doesn’t take himself too seriously, and this new song is a prime example. We can’t wait to hear more.

Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, 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: Ab-Soul Has New Album Hyped By DJ Hed, Who Says It Has “Slaps”

Ab-Soul Gets Heady Over A Hypnotic Horn Loop

Quotable Lyrics:

Gettin’ still, it’s still a course I’m
Carryin’ my uncle a senior bishop
My god mom an apostle, I’m solo, ho
The prophet, it’s in my heritage

Read More: Ab-Soul Poses With Kendrick Lamar Grammys Performance Photo In 2Pac Shirt

The post Ab-Soul Is Esoteric As Ever On Jazzy New Single “Squeeze 1st 2” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Kembe X & Ab-Soul Tackle Duality On New Single “INTROVERTED EXTROVERT”: Stream

TDE affiliate Kembe X is continuing the label’s many great related releases in 2024 thanks to his new single “INTROVERTED EXTROVERT” featuring Ab-Soul. Whereas the “DEATH & TAXXXES” rapper employs a more measured delivery, Soulo contrasts and complements it perfectly with a more passionate delivery. On top of that, the instrumental itself sounds quite emblematic of its title, with a slightly muffled string sample that is as luxurious as it is understated.

Also, the light trap drums embody that duality as well, and the Chicago-born, Los Angeles-bred MC goes into this theme through confident bars and a simple chorus. Ab-Soul doubles down on Kembe X’s themes with his trademark wit, with a particular martial law line that might resonate with fans of a certain Detroit hip-hop legend. It’s Kembe’s latest link-up with TDE after “Rolling Stoned” with Isaiah Rashad and Hippie Sabotage. Also, it seems like Soulo will come back with a new album very soon, which is very exciting news for rap fans. Maybe we will hear them team up again on another record in the future…

If you’re looking for more from Kembe X, we’d recommend the gorgeous single “More Than Never” to kick your journey off. Conversely, you can start here by finding “INTROVERTED EXTROVERT” on your preferred streaming service or by checking out its music video below. Down there, you can also find the comments section for you to leave your thoughts on the track. As always, come back to HNHH for more of the best new music drops around the clock.

Read More: Kembe X Drops New Single “Duh!”

Kembe X’s “INTROVERTED EXTROVERT” With Ab-Soul: Stream & Watch The Music Video

Quotable Lyrics
Aye, so many styles and too many swag, I make it look simple,
Aye, she like vibe, so she let me crash, that make me a cymbal,
Hit from the back, heard she look happy, that’s back dimples,
Eat her for dinner, she f**k with the toys, she brought some utensils

Read More: Ab-Soul Poses With Kendrick Lamar Grammys Performance Photo In 2Pac Shirt

[via]

The post Kembe X & Ab-Soul Tackle Duality On New Single “INTROVERTED EXTROVERT”: Stream appeared first on HotNewHipHop.