As cerebral as Ab-Soul may seem, he has a good sense of humor. He even laughs at himself. Except the things he finds funny are the ways he uses great quotes and clichés to make his point. He's not trying to be a smart aleck. This is just regular talk for Sulo. Ever the intellectual, the Carson, California native comes across as a lyrical scientist in his rhymes. His wit and poetic mastery have only grown since he emerged with his first mixtape, In the long runin 2009. The self-proclaimed Black Lip Pastor continues to give food for thought in his verse about XXL Cypher Lab, presented by the must-see boxing event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, live on Netflix on Friday, November 15.
At a time when the younger generation of rappers aren't necessarily carrying the torch for meaningful lyricism, Ab-Soul's presence on the mic is appreciated. He's had a lot of practice developing his rhyming skills since BlackPlanet. At 15, he took to the social networking platform as part of the “textcee” culture to participate in text battles that happen in chats.
Four years later, Soulo linked up with Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith and signed with Top Dawg Entertainment. From there, the tried-and-true West Coast lyricist began a lifelong career promoting flawless bars through the timeless music he created. His debut LP, Long-term mindsetthe award-winning album, Control Systemand revered tracks like “Track Two,” “Illuminate” featuring Kendrick Lamar, “Huey Knew THEN” featuring Da$h, and “Do Better” featuring Zacari, plus more.
“Lyricalism is important to me because hip-hop is literally a smart movement,” says Ab-Soul, 37. XXL. “To be hip is to be smart. Hop is movement. So when we talk about lyricists, lyricism, it's that everyone, teaching one, poetry in motion, using the word to provoke thought, move synapses , do you know what I'm saying?'
Of XXL Cypher Lab's verse keeps the synapses jumping with clever lines in a dynamic display of wordplay. There is a nod to the 2016 film Fencesrespect to the Westside Connection and even a bar dedicated to presidential hopeful Kamala Harris. Wearing his signature black shades, Ab-Soul reminds us that everyone comes from greatness and that greatness should not be wasted. It's a trait he already recognizes in himself.
“There's a lot of CAIDS out here, but I'm the BOAT,” he proclaims. “I'm the greatest ever. And in that sense, I'm just the boat. I'm just here. I'm just going with the spirit, man. I'm just going with the flow. I'm not fighting it. And I know I'm smart right now, but really I mean it.”
Ab-Soul is a product of determination. Fans have cried in front of the rapper as he says his words helped save their lives. He takes great responsibility in what he projects with the gift of barking. That's why he calls himself KRS-Two, to continue teaching through his rhymes. Soulo's new album, Soul Burgermakes this task even clearer. The effort, which arrives November 8, is an ode to his late friend Doe Burger. The project represents the amalgamation of the two friends, whom Ab-Soul affectionately refers to as Huey and Riley from The Boondocks. “Squeeze 1st 2,” the effort's first single, pays homage to one of rap's greatest lyricists: Jay-Z. Soul inspired “Squeeze 1st” by Hov's The Dynasty album.
“If you know me, you know how much I love Jay-Z, obviously,” Soulo says. “I just want to keep the roots of it. That's what I feel is really important for me to do. That's why I call myself KRS-Two… We represent this space where we like big house, but we still both they can enjoy us if you want, you know what I mean. We can understand both worlds. We can be as current as we used to be.”
The magnetic MC's mean soul will soar through the lyrics Soul Burger. While he believes it's some of his best work, Ab-Soul believes it's ultimately up to the people to decide. His track record proves that he is in good hands.
Check out Ab-Soul's verse at XXL Cypher Lab and interview, presented by the must-see boxing event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson, live on Netflix Friday, November 15 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
