Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, better known by his stage name Ab-Soul, is an American rapper. He was born on the 23rd of February 1987, in Los Angeles. He spent the first four years of his life in Korea while his father was in the military, right up until his parents split and he and his mother subsequently moved back to the United States, to live in his grandmother’s house in Carson, California. Stevens encountered music at a very young age, due to his family owning a record store. Stevens also began crafting his rapping skills at an early age. Stevens claims to have written his first verse when he was 12 years old, Rapping continued on as a hobby for Stevens, whose parents “saw a bright, college-type future” for him and enrolled him in advanced classes. It was not until Stevens graduated from high school that he began to take a career in music seriously. Raised in Carson, California, he signed to indie record label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007, where he eventually formed West Coast hip hop group Black Hippy, alongside fellow California-based rappers Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q.
Four: DO BETTER ft. Zacari
Ab-Soul’s song “Do Better” featuring Zacari was released in 2022 as part of his album Herbert. This track is deeply introspective, with Ab-Soul reflecting on his personal struggles, mental health, and the journey toward self-improvement. The hook, sung by Zacari, reinforces the idea of striving to be better despite hardships. It has garnered over 16M streams on spotify and over 2.4M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Ab-Soul opens up about his battle with depression and past trauma, hinting at a near-death experience and his struggles with suicidal thoughts. The song has a melancholic, atmospheric instrumental, with a soulful chorus from Zacari. It blends hip-hop with an almost ethereal R&B vibe, creating a haunting yet inspiring sound.
FYI
- In 2022, he attempted to take his own life by jumping from a highway overpass. A car broke his fall and saved his life. He revealed in an interview that his suicidal thoughts were drug-induced and that he would normally not have such feelings.
Three: Crazier
Released on October 29, 2024, “Crazier” serves as the final single leading up to the release of Soul Burger on November 8, 2024. The album is a heartfelt tribute to Ab-Soul’s late friend and TDE affiliate, DoeBurger, who passed away in December 2021. Produced by Kal Banx, “Crazier” features a minimalist, eerie beat that provides a fitting backdrop for the introspective and rapid-fire verses delivered by both artists. This track has garnered over 2.1M streams on spotify and over 94K views on it’s official audio on YouTube. In “Crazier,” Ab-Soul and JID engage in a lyrical exchange that delves into themes of personal growth, resilience, and the complexities of their respective journeys in the music industry. JID’s verse stands out with its rapid cadence and reflective content, adding depth to the track. The collaboration has been well-received, with critics praising the synergy between Ab-Soul and JID, as well as the track’s introspective nature. The song has been highlighted as a significant addition to the Soul Burger album.
Two: Runnin’ All Fades
“Runnin’ All Fades” is a dynamic collaboration between Los Angeles-based rap duo Coyote and acclaimed rapper Ab-Soul, released on March 14, 2025. The track is produced by Python P and Sharp, delivering a gritty, hard-hitting beat that complements the artists’ intense lyrical performances. It has garnered over 95K views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. In this song, Coyote and Ab-Soul exchange verses that delve into themes of resilience, street life, and confronting challenges head-on. Their seamless interplay showcases their individual styles while highlighting their collaborative synergy. The official music video for “Runnin’ All Fades” enhances the track’s raw energy with its cinematic portrayal of urban life, emphasizing the song’s themes through compelling visuals.
Awards/Nominations
- In 2014, Ab-Soul was nominated as a featured artist for the album called ‘The Heist’ at the Grammy Awards for Album of the Year.
Discography
- Longterm Mentality (2011)
- Control System (2012)
- These Days… (2014)
- Do What Thou Wilt. (2016)
- Herbert (2022)
- Soul Burger (2024)
One: Bloody Waters ft. Anderson.Paak and James Blake
Serving as one of Ab-Soul’s biggest hit songs is “Bloody Waters”. This song by Ab-Soul, featuring Anderson .Paak and James Blake was released in 2018 as part of the Black Panther: The Album, a curated project by Kendrick Lamar and Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) for Marvel’s Black Panther movie. The lyrics reference struggle, perseverance, and dominance, reflecting the themes of Black Panther. Produced by James Blake, Frank Dukes, and Top Dawg Entertainment, The song blends hip-hop, R&B, and experimental electronic sounds, with Anderson .Paak’s soulful hook, Ab-Soul’s complex lyricism, and James Blake’s ethereal production. It has garnered over 85M streams on spotify and over 2.5M views on its official audio on YouTube. Black Panther: The Album was critically acclaimed and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2019. The song was praised for its unique sound and lyrical depth.
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