Ab-Soul Changes Up His Style On Moody New Album “Soul Burger”

Posted on by EDITORIAL FEATURES

Ab-Soul is quietly the most impressive lyricist on TDE. He was in contention with Kendrick Lamar for years, but now that Dot has started pgLang, the crown is inarguably his. Nobody raps like, or about the same things as Ab-Soul. Soul Burger contains his usual mixture of heady metaphors and juvenile humor, but it also branches out in way that previous Solo albums have not. This album has West Coast bangers, jazzy freakouts, and collaborations with non-TDE wordsmiths. It maintains Ab-Soul’s esoteric appeal and makes it more palatable than its been in years.

This unique balance in struck within the first couple songs. “9 Mile” and “Payday” pay tribute to the icons that influenced Ab-Soul, with the former being an obvious 8 Mile riff. The rapper is in rare form on these songs, dropping bars that will take a rewind or at least a few repeat listens to fully sink in. The solo Soulo tracks vary in terms of tone. Some are more aggressive, others more reflective, like “Peace” and the Soul Burger closer, “Righteous Man.” The variety of collabs is definitely helpful in keeping things moving, with emcees like Punch, Lupe Fiasco, and Vince Staples taking center stages and delivering stellar work. Soul is never outshined, however. Soul Burger is a triumph. Check it out.

Let us know what you think of this brand new album, 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.

Ab-Soul Expands His Musical Boundaries

Soul Burger tracklist:

  1. 9 Mile
  2. Payday
  3. All That (featuring JasonMartin & Thirsty P)
  4. California Dream (featuring Kamm Carson & Vince Staples)
  5. B.U.C.K.O. Jr.
  6. I, Myself & Me (featuring Doechii)
  7. DND (featuring Notorious N.I.Q.)
  8. Don Julio 70 (feat FRE$H)
  9. Go Pro (featuring Ty Dolla $ign)
  10. Saudi Sweats
  11. Squeeze 1st 2
  12. Crazier (featuring JID)
  13. Peace (featuring Lupe Fiasco & Punch)
  14. The Sky Is Limitless (featuring Asia Holiday & Blxst)
  15. Righteous Man

About The Author

Elias Andrews is a music and entertainment writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH in 2024 as the lead night shift contributor, which means he covers new music releases on a weekly basis.

In the year since joining, Elias has covered some of the biggest and most turbulent stories in the world of music. He covered the Drake and Kendrick Lamar battle, and the release of the disses “Family Matters” and “Meet the Grahams,” in particular, in real time. He has also detailed the ongoing list of allegations and criminal charges made against Diddy.

Elias’ favorite artists are Andre 3000, MF Doom, pre-808s Kanye West and Tyler, The Creator. He loves L.A. hip-hop but not L.A. sports teams. The first album he ever bought was Big Willie Style by Will Smith, which he maintains is still a pretty good listen.

…