As cerebral as Ab-Soul appears, he is obtained a superb humorousness. He even laughs at himself. Solely, the form of issues he finds humorous are the methods during which he makes use of nice quotes and clichés to make his level. He is not attempting to being a wise aleck; that is simply common dialog for Soulo. Ever the mental, the Carson, Calif. native comes throughout as a lyrical scientist in his rhymes. His witticism and poetic mastery has solely elevated since he emerged together with his first mixtape, Lengthy Time period, in 2009. The self-proclaimed Black Lip Pastor continues to ship meals for thought in his verse for XXL Cypher Lab, introduced by the must-see boxing occasion: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, stay on Netflix on Friday, November 15.
In a time when the newer technology of rappers aren’t essentially carrying the torch for significant lyricism, Ab-Soul’s presence on the mic is appreciated. He is had a lot of observe creating his rhyming abilities ever because the BlackPlanet days. At 15, he hopped on the social networking platform as half of the “textcee” tradition to interact in textual content battles taking place in chats.
4 years later, Soulo linked with Anthony “High Dawg” Tiffith and signed with High Dawg Leisure. From there, the tried-and-true lyricist from the West Coast launched into a lifelong profession pushing immaculate bars by timeless music he is created. His debut LP, Longterm Mentality, the critically acclaimed album, Management System, and revered tracks like “Monitor Two,” “Illuminate” that includes Kendrick Lamar, “Huey Knew THEN” that includes Da$h and “Do Higher” that includes Zacari, plus many extra.
“Lyricism is essential to me as a result of hip-hop is actually clever motion,” Ab-Soul, 37, tells XXL. “To be hip is to be clever. The hop is the motion. So, once we discuss lyricists, lyricism, it is that every one, educate one, poetry in movement, using the phrase to impress thought, to get the synapses shifting, you understand what I am saying?”
His XXL Cypher Lab verse retains the synapses leaping with intelligent strains in a dynamic show of wordplay. There is a nod to the 2016 movie Fences, respect to Westside Connection and even a bar reserved for presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Donning his signature black shades, Ab-Soul serves a reminder that everybody comes from greatness and that eminence should not be wasted. It is a trait he already acknowledges in himself.
“It is a variety of G.O.A.Ts out right here, however I am the B.O.A.T,” he proclaims. “I am the very best of all time. And so in that regard, I am simply the vessel. I am simply right here. I simply transfer with the spirit, man. I simply comply with the present. I do not battle it. And I do know I am being intelligent proper now, however I actually imply it.”
Ab-Soul is a product of dedication. Followers have cried within the rapper’s presence as a result of he says his phrases helped save their lives. He takes nice accountability in what he places forth together with his reward of gab. That is additionally why he calls himself KRS-Two, as a way to hold educating by his rhymes. Soulo’s new album, Soul Burger, makes that responsibility much more clear. The trouble, which arrives Nov. 8, is an ode to his late pal Doe Burger. The challenge represents the fusion of the 2 buddies, who Ab-Soul affectionally refers to as Huey and Riley from The Boondocks. “Squeeze 1st 2,” the primary single from the trouble, pays homage to one of many best lyricists in rap: Jay-Z. Soul was impressed by “Squeeze 1st” from Hov’s The Dynasty album.
“If you understand me, you understand how a lot I like Jay-Z, clearly,” Soulo says. “I am simply all about maintaining the roots of it. That is what I really feel like that is crucial to me to do. That is why I name myself KRS-Two… We characterize that house the place we like the massive homies, however we nonetheless the little homies, too. And so they can each get pleasure from us. It is an ideal candy spot, if you’ll, you understand what I imply? We’re not too outdated, however we’re not too younger. We will bridge the hole between the 2. We will perceive each worlds. We will be as present as we’re old fashioned.”
The magnetic MC’s middle-child soul shall be floating within the lyrics on Soul Burger. Whereas he believes it is a few of his greatest work, Ab-Soul feels it’s finally as much as the folks to determine. His monitor file proves he is in good arms.
Take a look at Ab-Soul’s verse within the XXL Cypher Lab and interview, introduced by the must-see boxing occasion: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, stay on Netflix on Friday, November 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
