Ab-Soul, a prominent figure in the rap industry, has made a significant mark with his lyrical prowess and unique style. Ab-Soul’s career trajectory has been remarkable, from his early mixtapes to his critically acclaimed albums. His distinct lyrical style and collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar have solidified his place in hip-hop. These milestones have not only increased his popularity but have also been pivotal in building his financial portfolio.
Ab-Soul’s net worth in 2023, as reported by RappersMoney, stands at an estimated $2 million. This wealth stems from various sources, including album sales, streaming royalties, and revenue from live performances, showcasing his multifaceted income streams. Additionally, Ab-Soul’s affiliation with the supergroup Black Hippy and his collaborations with other artists have played a unique role in his financial success. These partnerships have expanded his reach and contributed to his standing in the rap community.
Comparison To Peers & Industry Standards
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 06: (L-R) Elliott Wilson and Ab-Soul attend backstage at Irving Plaza on October 6, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Ab’s discography is a beacon of intellectual rap, with albums that challenge and provoke thought. The 2012 release, Control System, is often cited as a turning point in his career, an intricate tapestry of social commentary woven with personal narratives that solidified his place in the genre. Following this, These Days… continued to push the envelope, showcasing Ab-Soul’s versatility and depth. His 2016 album, Do What Thou Wilt., further delved into esoteric themes and showcased his evolution as an artist, intertwining complex ideologies with the raw realities of his own life, cementing Ab-Soul’s reputation as a thinker’s rapper and a maestro of conscious hip-hop.
Ab-Soul’s net worth is a testament to his success in a competitive industry when placed alongside his peers. His financial achievements reflect his status as a respected artist in the rap genre. Further, beyond music, Ab-Soul’s savvy investments and business ventures have contributed to his net worth. While details of these are private, they signify his acumen and foresight in growing his wealth.
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 16: Rapper Ab Soul attends the Elliott Wilson hosts CRWN with Ab-Soul for WatchLOUD.com, presented by vitaminwater after party at the Chelsea Pub on September 16, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Electus Digital)
Looking ahead, Ab-Soul’s net worth is poised for potential growth with upcoming projects and collaborations. His continued influence in the industry suggests a promising financial trajectory. Overall, Ab-Soul’s net worth of approximately $2 million in 2023 reflects his successful career in the rap industry. His journey from underground hip-hop to mainstream success illustrates the potential for growth and prosperity in the music business.
If we told you that two collaborators who are part of a rap group together hardly ever put out music, would you believe us? Well, hopefully, you did because that is the case with Jay Rock and Ab-Soul. The posse they are in is Black Hippy and it includes Kendrick Lamar and ScHoolboy Q as well. Jay and Ab have not hit the studio since Rock’s 2015 record, 90059.
Ironically, it was the track that Jay got his other three members together for “Vice City.” Since then, he and Ab-Soul have not made a song. Now, the drought finally ends with another single from Eastside Johnny*, “Blowfly.” Jay announced this on his Instagram a couple of days ago. “Me and my brotha @souloho3 coming with some heat this Friday Y’all better get ready for this!! #ESJ#TDE#Blowfly.”
We did propose that this could be one of the best singles of the year. The reason is, that both of them can rap and bring unique flows. However, at least on first listen, it does not totally live up to expectations. One of the biggest downsides to the track is that Ab-Soul performs the hook and that is it. Jay handling the verses is fine, but it would have been great to hear both have verses. Let us know what you think by giving it a spin.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single from Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, “Blowfly?” Is this the best single from Rock’s upcoming album, Eastside Johnny*? Are you happy or disappointed with how Rock and Ab-Soul made this song, especially after a long gap of no collaborations? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Jay Rock and Ab-Soul, as well as all of the hottest song drops.
Quotable Lyrics:
I guarantee to get you what you need, just believe in me We finna be countin’ up somewhere in a Airbnb After we smoke, we gon’ meditate for the energy I promise not to give you a hard time like the DMV Just hard rock all up in them guts, make your heart stop Bring it back to life in the backseat of this hard-top
Two parts of the Black Hippy rap group are gearing up for a big-time single coming very soon. The members we are talking about are Jay Rock and Ab-Soul. Both artists are known to be fairly infrequent when it comes to pushing out new material. However, that has not been the case as of late. Just last year Ab put out his first record in six years with HERBERT. Then, just a few weeks ago, he and T.F joined up for a single, “Hidden Stages.” For Jay Rock, he is getting closer and closer to ending his album drought.
The Los Angeles, California rapper’s last effort was in 2018 with Redemption. Since then, he has been a part of a single with REASON called “At It Again – Remix.” Following that he put out two tracks that are expected to land on his upcoming LP, Eastside Johnny*. There is no word on the release date, but hopefully, the time is near. Jay teamed up with Kal Banx on “Eastside,” and then with Anderson .Paak and Latto on, “Too Fast (Pull Over).” Finally, just a few weeks back he dropped some personal bars on a YouTube exclusive freestyle.
Now, we might be getting another taster from Rock’s project this Friday, October 20. He took to Instagram to reveal the news. He posted a picture with him and Ab-Soul with a caption. It reads, “Me and my brotha @souloho3 coming with some heat this Friday Y’all better get ready for this!! #ESJ#TDE#Blowfly.” This has potential to be one of the best drops of the year so be ready to tune into HNHH for our reaction to it.
What are your initial thoughts on this upcoming brand-new song from Jay Rock and Ab-Soul? Will this track wind up on Jay’s forthcoming record, Eastside Johnny*? Will this be one of the best songs of the year? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Jay Rock, Ab-Soul, as well as the rest of the music world.
DaBaby hasn’t slowed down the speed with which he’s released new material. Last year he dropped two new albums starting with BETTER THAN YOU a full-length collaborative project with NBA Youngboy. He followed it up with Baby On Baby 2 a sequel to his breakout project. Now, he’s back in the studio working on some new material with an unpredictable cast of collaborators. Nas and his frequent producer Hit-Boy, as well as Big-Hit and Top Dawg Entertainment member Ab-Soul were all together in the studio. While it’s unclear specifically what they’re working on, that much talent in one room was sure to draw attention.
Given that none of the three rappers involved have collaborated before and that they occupy such different styles of the genre, fans aren’t really sure what to make of the new videos. Some online are already claiming that Nas would wash Dababy in any song they made together while others are confused how Ab-Soul’s word-bending lyrical style would fit in with either artist. On top of that, none have expressly announced new music coming soon so it’s unclear what they could be working on. Regardless, others expressed excitement at the potential for some unexpected collaborations to emerge from the studio sessions.
Recently, DaBaby has been trying his hand at a new medium entirely. The rapper has taken a spin at directing music videos this year. Just last week Lil Duval dropped a music video for one of his new songs that was directed by Baby. That was just a month after clips of the rapper directing a different music video for Moneybagg Yo first hit the internet.
Earlier this year DaBaby released a new hit song in “SHAKE SUMN.” The track has stuck in the Hot 100 for months since it first dropped. Along it the way it got a remix from up-and-coming star Sexyy Red. What do you think of DaBaby hitting the studio with Nas and Ab-Soul? Let us know in the comment section below.
Top Dawg Entertainment’s run to the top of hip-hop will forever be enshrined in the genre’s history. Rising out of Carson, California, the label went from Los Angeles’s impoverished streets to selling out world tours. The label’s rise mirrored what Death Row could do decades earlier—with less chaos. However, Ab-Soul’s name was rarely mentioned in the context of Top Dawg Entertainment’s mainstream success. The Carson MC is more so an under-spoken and patient verse creator compared to his contemporaries. However, he’s meticulously compiled an impressive resume over the past decade.
Ab-Soul wrote his first rap verse at 12, scheming over Twista’s “Emotions.” A self-described nerd and outcast in school, he contracted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which is the reason for his light-sensitive eyes and trademark black shades. Severely teased at school for his condition, he began utilizing rapping as an outlet. By the early 2000s, he started recording songs before he met the president of TDE. After signing with Top Dawg Entertainment in 2007, he joined the West Coast hip-hop group Black Hippy. The collective consisted of Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and Schoolboy Q.
Ab-Soul Broke Out With 2012’s Control System
Black Hippy quickly gained notoriety throughout Los Angeles, making Ab-Soul’s solo career under TDE a logical next step. While Longterm served as his debut mixtape, 2012’s Control System would become a beloved and gatekept project for alternative rap fans. The album mirrored many of the sonic ideations of Kendrick Lamar’s Section 80, picking from various jazzy beats. Ab-Soul would continue to lean into a darker persona over the next four years, releasing 2014’s These Days and 2016’s Do What Thou Wilt. The latter would become his most critically acclaimed project of the lot, featuring the hit track “The Law” featuring Mac Miller and Rapsody. While Ab-Soul has never reached the mainstream popularity of many of his contemporaries, his ability to stay true to his eclectic nature has garnered a loyal fanbase.
Ab-Soul’s New Album Focuses On Vulnerability
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 30: Rapper Ab-Soul performs during Day 1 of the Budweiser Made in America festival at Los Angeles Grand Park on August 30, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
In 2022, Ab returned after a six-year hiatus for the personal and reinvigorating Herbert. The project saw him motivated for the first time in a long time. The wait wasn’t intended to be that long, as the album was initially slated to release in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic. He told GQ, “The pandemic is probably where it was the roughest, where it was the darkest for me. We all kinda had to sit with ourselves, in solitude.” However, Herbert isn’t as focused on the negativity that Ab-Soul was feeling during the pandemic. Instead, the record focuses on his personal improvements in mental health. The rapper admitted to attempting suicide and detailed his incredible recovery.
The seasoned veteran went on to discuss the album with XXL, stating, “The album Herbert is about getting back to self. I just kinda feel like I was becoming Ab-Soul more than Herbert. So, this album, to say the least, is dedicated to the people that refuse to call me Ab-Soul. That still call me Herbert or Herbie or Herb. It’s about getting back to the roots. Getting back to the foundation, to the source. Getting back to self.” Ab-Soul expressed growth in his musical chops on the project, experimenting more with auto-tune choruses while proving he’s still one of the most intricate writers in Los Angeles’s hip-hop arena.
He’s L.A.’s Underground MC
In essence, Ab-Soul has morphed himself into TDE’s staple underground artist over the years. For fans who resonate less with the booming 808s and larger-than-life production of Kendrick Lamar or Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul’s sound acts as a refreshing detour for Los Angeles loyalist rap fans. He’s heavily contributed to hip-hop’s continued focus on lyricism and emotional vulnerability. As he puts it plainly on Herbert, “I don’t know what to think.” However, Ab-Soul embraces that sense of obscurity through his music, gaining his respect within the industry.
The past calendar year has been a period of change for Ab-Soul. Following up on the success of Herbert, he collaborated with fellow TDE member Zacari on “Motions.” Beyond his music creation, he welcomed a pair of twins to the world in April. However, he’s remained purposefully coy regarding who the mother is. In addition, he is partnering with the Mickey Factz Pendulum Ink Academy, where he’s teaching a class surrounding hip-hop songwriting. He isn’t the first MC to spread his pen game to the rest of the world, with rappers such as Lupe Fiasco and Q-Tip also teaching hip-hop courses. The placement speaks volumes to Ab-Soul’s notoriety and respect within the genre, making him the untold hero of Top Dawg Entertainment.
Before setting out on his The Intelligent Movement Tourthis summer, Ab-Soul is going to spread intelligence by giving a lecture at Mickey Factz’s Pendulum Ink Academy on May 24.
“Pendulum Ink would like to present @souloho3 as our Legendary Guest for Metaphor May,” Mickey Factz posted on Instagram earlier this week. “He will be lecturing and answering questions for those who attend outside of the school.”
The flyer teases that Ab-Soul will be “lecturing on his writing, flow & emotional process.” Enrollment is available here.
Previous “Legendary Guests” to speak at Pendulum Ink include Method Man, Twista, Che Noir, Lady London, and more.
“Most of what you’ve heard, I wrote before … it,” he told the publication. “I just wanna make it clear: You see me smiling, but it’s not funny. I think that’s just my way of healing from it.”
Within recent years, there has been a surge in some of the Hip Hop greats trading their mics in for a seat as a teacher. Some of these artists include Bun-B, Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco, 9th Wonder, and many more. Ab-Soul is looking forward to joining this roster of educators. The self-proclaimed “Black Lip Pastor” is looking to take his skill set to the classroom to teach a class of his own.
The class is in partnership with the Mickey Factz Pendulum Ink Academy. The Pendulum Ink Academy frequently hosts classes by hip-hop professionals. Students can purchase access to learn more about the Hip Hop business from those in it. Ab-Soul’s upcoming class is next on their lineup. His lessons will include more knowledge of his writing technique, flow, and emotional process. Adding to its exclusivity, he will be answering questions from 10 participants about his own songwriting process. This class will take place on May 24 at 7 p.m. EST. On Monday, Mickey Factz made the announcement of the class. He finishes the caption with “Long Live Lyricism.”
Moreover, he has been the most authentic about the experiences in his life inspiring his music. Last December, he released his album HERBERT which was named after his actual first name. The album came six years after his previous work Do What Thou Wilt in 2016. The same month, he did a sit-down interview with Charlamagne Tha God where he got candid about drugs, mental health, and the creative process behind the album. He shared that his experiences outside of music influenced the lyrical content of the album. He also shared the more current status of his mental health still being in the healing process. Additionally, students in the upcoming class can learn a lesson on authenticity through his style of rap.
Furthermore, Ab-soul has a lineup of upcoming appearances. He recently announced he has become the father of twins. He will also be releasing a deluxe version of HERBERT this year. Additionally, he is set to go on his The Intelligent Movement Tour next month. His upcoming class is now available for purchase access on the Pendulum Ink Academy website.
Rapper’s jobs before the fame can be surprising, fitting, or even random. Many artists had humble beginnings in the workforce. They needed money to pay for studio time, equipment, and other resources to start their music careers. Or, if music was not their end goal at the time, they just needed money to survive in the world.
Many rappers had retail jobs and had to interact with multiple people daily. For more eccentric artists, one wonders if their personalities brought in more customers. Either way, successful rappers are often walking testimonies for sticking to your goals in life. They overlap when advising this, but the results are right before our eyes. We’ve gathered seven rappers who had humble beginnings in the workforce and are now household names.
This rapper’s job before fame is interestingly fitting because their home state is well known. Method Man is a member of the Wu-Tang Clan and, therefore, a part of rap royalty. Fellow New York rapper Dave East portrays him in Hulu’s Wu-Tang: An American Saga,and Method Man has several acting roles of his own under his belt. But, before all of this, he had truly humble and fitting beginnings.
Method Man once had a job working at the Statue of Liberty. However, he never went to the top because he did not have enough time to while on break. This reasoning is practical but still ironic. When people work at landmarks, they are there to work – not enjoy it as a tourist. Meth spoke on it and more while on The Late Late Show with James Corden as Gabrielle Union reacted to all of his stories.
This is a rapper’s job before fame that is surprising just as it is fitting. It’s always interesting to see artists that had jobs in the music world become a part of it differently. Ab-Soul used to work at his grandfather’s record shop, Magic Disc Music. He briefly discussed this job in an interview in 2012 with Billboard and mentioned it in his song “Tree of Life” from his 2014 album, These Days.
However, he truly went in depth with expanding his experience there in an interview with NOISEY in 2013. Soul has always been an artist that was willing to share his origins. He often shares stories of the past through his music, too, which many listeners enjoy because it humanizes him and makes him more than just another rapper.
Kid Cudi – BAPE
Kid Cudi has always been a go-to artist for streetwear and its surrounding culture. His once having a job at the Bape NYC Store is not surprising, and it is very fitting. In an interview on Hot Ones, Cudi spoke about how at the time, getting that job meant more to him than getting a record deal.
This job came full circle for Cudi in three different ways. For one, he performed there as an artist in 2010. Then he did a joint cover story with NIGO, Bape’s founder, for Complex in 2019. Lastly, he did an official collaboration with the brand in 2021. This journey shows you truly never know how much of an impact your first job can have.
This is one of the most surprising jobs a rapper had before fame. Tyler, The Creator has always been a unique artist. His personality naturally commands attention, and his on-stage energy is unmatched – and unbridled. The over-the-top days of Odd Future are over, but they are a vital part of his past. His job at Starbucks is also a key part of his past. Listeners can imagine how distracting it must have been to have Tyler on their shift. He prides himself on making music the way he wants when he wants. It’s quite interesting to think of him in a setting where there is a chain of command. He even told a story about getting fired while on Jimmy Kimmel Live! – and (jokingly) declared he still hated his manager for firing him.
Nicki Minaj has not tried to keep her origins a secret. Many people know she used to work at Red Lobster. She spoke of specifically working at one in New York. Nicki Minaj’s personality and speaking voice are well known at this point. It’s interesting to think about her in a setting where she had to speak with people daily as a waitress. Nicki said she was not the best at that job specifically and being there unhappy helped steer her into her rap career. In a literal trip down memory lane, Nicki and Jimmy Fallon went to a Red Lobster as customers, and then they served real customers as waiters.
People across social media have called Rick Ross “Officer Ricky” for his entire career. This is done jokingly with a splash of insult too. Rick Ross’ exuberant lifestyle can be seen across various videos these days, but he, like most people, started with a regular job. Rick Ross used to be a Correctional Officer. Given the subject matter of Rozay’s raps about his past, this revelation had people simultaneously laughing and questioning.
When a picture of Ross in uniform began circulating in 20xx, he denied it was him. Of course, he later admitted it was after documentation records proved it. He discussed his time at this job in detail on the Full Send Podcast. He denied it initially shows he was trying to hide his past, unlike our other entries.
Diddy – Intern
This rapper’s job before fame may be the down-to-earth journey – at its core – on this list. Diddy went from being an intern for Andre Harrell to becoming the mogul we know today. For many, this is an inspiring story. Despite his literal name changes, Diddy has made himself a household name across the decades. For some, he’ll always be Biggie’s manager; to others, he’ll always be the founder of Bad Boy Records.
His managerial skills have been criticized, but he has been making business moves (which have also been attacked) for years. He’s reached the point where he can advise a new generation of artists because he has seen the music industry change in real-time. Many people have praised Diddy’s work ethic over the years and the results speak for themselves.
What are some rapper jobs that surprised you? Let us know in the comments section.
Y’all better get ready for this!! 
