TDE

Who Is Ab-Soul? Hip-Hop’s Respected Emcee

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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

ab-soul los angeles
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.

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The post Who Is Ab-Soul? Hip-Hop’s Respected Emcee appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Ab-Soul To Teach A Class On Songwriting

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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.”

Ab- Soul’s Life Lessons

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.

SZA Reveals Her Favorite Tracks Off “SOS”

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SZA has put out some of the most impactful music of this generation. With classics like her debut tape, CTRL, to her new highly anticipated album SOS, it’s clear SZA’s in a league of her own. Moreover, with her new album, fans have continued to rave over it since its release. Garnering much success, along with a ton of accolades has catapulted the “Go Gina” songstress into a new stratosphere. Recently, SZA and the Queen Bey are the only two Black Women (shout out Black Women) to release a No.1 album and No.1 song in this 2020 decade.

Not only that, SZA expressed how honored she was to receive a No.1 album and song. It’s not every day you get a No.1 album and song in the same space as Mrs. Carter. Later, after thanking her fans for their amazing support of her record. Not to mention, the “Kill Bill” remix featuring Doja Cat became the singer’s first No.1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. She took to Instagram to extend her gratitude for the high honor. “To be next to the queen is an honor,” SZA wrote on Instagram.

SZA Tweets Her Favorite Songs Off Her New Album

Furthermore, since releasing the album and performing it on tour, SZA’s had some time to reflect. In a recent tweet the TDE signee revealed a few of her favorite cuts from SOS. “snooze ,love language, kill bill ,nobody gets me ,ex pack ,blind ,good days ,gone girl, I hate u, F2F,low , seek and destroy , ghost , Sos , used. Personal picks,” SZA tweeted. In a follow up tweet, she also mentioned that “Forgiveless” was also in her picks of favorite tracks. Plus who doesn’t love that ODB (Ol’ Dirty Bastard) verse?

Henceforth, SOS has been a smash hit across the board. It’s been one of the most celebrated albums of 2022. Not only were fans already waiting feverishly for SZA to drop the album, the tape is filled with amazing songs that are relatable and resonate deeply with her fanbase. What are your favorite songs off the album? Is this SZA’s best project to date. Let the HNHH crew know what you think in the comments below!

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Reason Is “At It Again” On his New Single

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Though Kendrick Lamar is gone, the future of TDE is still looking bright. 2022 was a magnificent year for the label, which saw the release of two albums from its biggest artists. Still, fans want more from Top Dawg Entertainment, especially the signees who joined the roster over the past five years. Reason, for example, has left fans begging for a follow-up to 2020’s New Beginnings. Though he hasn’t announced a project yet, he’s certainly setting the tone for what to expect with his latest offering.

This morning, Reason returned with a celebratory anthem titled, “At It Again.” With production handled by COLEMAN, Motif Alumni, and Tariq, the Carson-born MC brings high energy to match the triumphant production. As the victorious horn-like synths and bright piano chords emerge, Reason comes through with infectious quotables as he combats his haters and basks in the glory. “Top Dawg, check the creditin’, so much money, it feel like we embezzlin’,” he raps on the record.

Reason Begins A New Chapter

The release of Reason’s new single is a strong signt hat his album is on the way. Earlier this week, Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith hosted a brief Q&A on Twitter where he shared some promising signs of what to expect from the label. He confirmed Reason would be dropping this year, along with ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and other members of TDE. “Reason , rayvaughn , doechii , Q , jay rock , zac and a compilation .. if everybody do their part …  when they turn them in I will release em,” he said.

At this point, Reason could be the first from the roster to slide through in 2023. Though “At It Again” marks his first official release of the year, he recently debuted “Dawg Forgotten” on Instagram at the top of the month. Meanwhile, he also contributed to Dreamville’s Creed III soundtrack, for “Burn Bridges” ft. Lute Cozz and Arin Ray, and “Culture” ft Mez, Symba & 8AE. We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates from Reason. Check out his new single above. 

Quotable Lyrics
Phone calls, I got SZA my cellular
Moms good, pops good, that’s a level up
Why you ain’t winning? ‘Cause you ain’t good enough
My success is a big lesson, you bitch
Wild n***a, I been reckless, bitch
Coming straight for your necklace, bitch

Top Dawg Gives Update on Potential 2023 TDE Releases, Says Black Hippy Owes Fans Music

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TDE Top Dawg Entertainment to Release New Albums in

The Black Hippy watch is back on. After hope for a group project from Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock seemed to dwindle, TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith seemed to throw gas on the group collaborating again.

Responding to a fan, Top answers a request about a future Black Hippy remix, stating, “I think they we will….. they owe y’all an album or Ep ..”

Replying to a message about giving hope. Top answered, “I hope for shit everyday.”

Top would also reveal that much of the roster from Reason to Doechii to Jay Rock are working on their albums. You can see the updates below.

The post Top Dawg Gives Update on Potential 2023 TDE Releases, Says Black Hippy Owes Fans Music appeared first on The Source.

Top Dawg Teases Black Hippy Reunion In 2023: “They Owe Y’all An Album”

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Despite Kendrick Lamar’s departure from Top Dawg Entertainment, the label’s roster continues to hold significant weight. However, the hopes for a Black Hippy album died when Kendrick left the label. Still, it seems like there’s a bit of hope left, at least, that’s what Top Dawg suggested on Twitter. During a Q&A, he said that a Black Hippy project could come at some point this year. “I think they we will….. they owe y’all an album or Ep,” he tweeted. 

The original Top Dawg Entertainment roster, Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock, emerged in 2008 as the label began to form. In the following years, they’d deliver posse cuts, jump on each other’s record, and continue to tease an album from the supergroup, though those plans were ultimately sidelined when Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q began reaching commercial success. Q, specifically, made it clear that tthe possibilities were “slim.” Still, they linked up on records like Jay Rock’s “Vice City” remix and ScHoolboy Q’s “THat Part,” which further fanned the flames among their dedicated fanbase. 

Black Hippy & TDE Plans

Along with the possibility of a Black Hippy reunion, Top Dawg confirmed that the majority of the label would drop this year, including ScHoolboy Q and Jay Rock. After a fan asked how many TDE projects we’d see this year, Top Dawg replied, “Reason , rayvaughn , doechii , Q , jay rock , zac and a compilation,” he wrote. “if everybody do their part … when they turn them in I will release em ..” Hopefully, we won’t be waiting too long for any of those projects, especially Jay Rock, who hasn’t released a project since 2018’s Redemption. 

Though Ab-Soul was missing from the list of TDE projects, Top Dawg said that the Carson-born artist has even more music in the cut that he’s preparing to unleash. “Deluxe and hopefully a new album in December,” he wrote before confirming that an Ab-Soul tour is also on the horizon. We’ll keep you posted on any further updates surrounding the potential Black Hippy reunion and upcoming releases from Top Dawg Entertainment. Who are you looking forward to dropping this year?

Top Dawg Tweets

Doechii Is On “No Scrubs” Vibes With “What It Is (Block Boy)” Ft. Kodak Black

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Doechii is plotting on the summer with her first drop of 2023 alongside Kodak Black. The TDE signee just came through with her new single, “What It Is (Block Boy)” featuring the Florida star, which could very well have the airwaves dominated for the months to come. The song exudes classic 90s R&B-Rap crossover vibes based on the sheer chemistry between the two artists. However, the iconic sample of TLC’s “No Scrubs” and Trimville’s “Some Cut” further emphasizes their dynamic on wax.

Doechii’s sugary hook and lustful verses lay down the tone with infectious lyrics, as she details an ideal relationship. Kodak Black provides the male perspective on the record with his own needs from his love interest. Though the pairing is unexpected, Yak continues to prove that, beyond his controversies, his talents are undeniable, even if his attempts to reach Drake-level Billboard records seem like a far-reach.

Doechii Collides With Kodak Black On Their New Collab

The song undoubtedly showcases Doechii’s versatility. We’ve heard her take on different routes but “What It Is (Block Boy)” ft. Kodak Black feels like it could be the record that truly has her dominating summer 2023. “This song is a fusion of nostalgia and pop vibes,” Doechii said. “I feel like I’m showing off a side of my vocal range with this one that my fans haven’t really seen yet. I love using the old samples of [TLC’s] ‘No Scrubs’ and [Trimville’s] ‘Some Cut’ to mix in some playful energy as well.”

Hopefully, this single leads  the campaign for her follow-up to she / her / black b*tch, which produced singles like “Persuasive” ft. fellow TDE labelmate, SZA, and the Rico Nasty-assisted, “Swamp B**ches.” So far, she hasn’t made any major announcement on album plans but if “What it Is” succeeds the way it’s supposed to, we might not be too far away from a release date.

Quotable Lyrics
In the studio dosin’, I’m rockin’ kick before we sleep
I hate that for you niggas ain’t got no bread, tryna beef
Bein’ Black in America, is the hardest thing to be (Baby, tell me, yeah)
And a thug need a lil’ love too, baby, how ‘bout me?