How to Hire AB-SOUL For Your Event!
aka: Herbert Anthony Stevens IV
Based in: California
Based in: Los Angeles area
Based in: Carson
Hire: Ab-Soul
Ab-Soul, born Herbert Anthony Stevens IV on February 23, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, spent much of his youth in Carson, California. Raised in a family passionate about music, he was exposed to a range of influences early on, including gospel and hip-hop. Ab-Soul was diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare condition affecting his eyes and lips, which has influenced both his appearance and his lyrical content. The experience shaped his outlook on life and is often reflected in his music’s philosophical and introspective nature.
Entry into the Music Industry
Ab-Soul’s journey in music started through the independent label Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), where he signed in 2007. TDE, which would later become home to prominent artists like Kendrick Lamar and Jay Rock, provided Ab-Soul with an early platform to develop his unique sound. He became known for his introspective lyrics, dense wordplay, and complex subject matter, often diving into themes of social issues, philosophy, and personal experiences.
– Hire Ab-Soul for your festival or concert plans! – (t,s)
Solo Career and Debut Album: Longterm Mentality
In 2011, Ab-Soul released his debut album, Longterm Mentality. The album was a statement of his lyrical depth and his approach to hip-hop as a medium of self-expression and exploration. It established him as a thought-provoking artist within the TDE lineup and gained him a dedicated fanbase who appreciated his introspective style.
Breakthrough with Control System
In 2012, Ab-Soul achieved critical acclaim with his second album, Control System. This project tackled topics such as the war on drugs, government control, and the loss of loved ones, including the untimely death of his longtime friend Alori Joh. With tracks like “Terrorist Threats” and “The Book of Soul,” Ab-Soul solidified his reputation as one of hip-hop’s more introspective and socially aware voices. The album received positive reviews and helped raise Ab-Soul’s profile significantly within the hip-hop community.
Subsequent Albums and Evolution: These Days… and Do What Thou Wilt.
In 2014, Ab-Soul released These Days…, an album that explored themes of fame, success, and the distractions they bring. The project was more commercially focused than Control System, featuring collaborations with artists like Rick Ross and Lupe Fiasco, but it also showcased Ab-Soul’s versatility in terms of musical style and thematic depth.
His 2016 release, Do What Thou Wilt., reflected an even more philosophical and esoteric perspective. Drawing inspiration from Aleister Crowley’s philosophy of Thelema, the album explored themes of love, spirituality, and personal freedom. Though it received mixed reviews, many fans praised Ab-Soul‘s willingness to push boundaries and address complex issues in his music.
Artistic Hiatus and Personal Struggles
Following Do What Thou Wilt., Ab-Soul took a significant break from releasing solo projects. During this time, he dealt with personal challenges, including grief and mental health struggles. He was vocal about the impact of these experiences on his life and career, discussing how they led him to re-evaluate his artistic direction and personal philosophies. His introspective nature led him to grapple with deep-seated issues that would later fuel his creative resurgence.
Return to Music: Herbert
Ab-Soul returned with his fifth album, Herbert, in 2022, which marked a departure from the abstract themes of his previous works. The album was more personal, focusing on his own life experiences and struggles with mental health, fame, and identity. Herbert was widely praised for its honesty, with many fans and critics noting Ab-Soul’s evolution as an artist willing to confront his vulnerabilities. Tracks like “Do Better” emphasized self-improvement and resilience, resonating deeply with his fanbase.
Legacy and Influence
Ab-Soul remains a highly respected figure in hip-hop, known for his thought-provoking lyrics and intellectual approach. As part of TDE’s influential roster, he contributed to the label’s reputation as a powerhouse in the industry, known for prioritizing artistic integrity and message-driven music. His introspective and often experimental style has inspired a new generation of hip-hop artists who view the genre as a platform for exploring complex ideas.
Ab-Soul cites fellow American rappers Twista, Canibus, Eminem, Nas and Lupe Fiasco as major influences, with Jay-Z being his biggest influence.
His discography includes six studio albums, two mixtapes, seventeen singles (including ten as a featured artist) and 30 music videos.
Discography Highlights
- Longterm Mentality (2011)
- Control System (2012)
- These Days… (2014)
- Do What Thou Wilt. (2016)
- Herbert (2022)
Personal Life
Outside of music, Ab-Soul is known for his philosophical interests and deep-rooted connection to the streets of Carson, California. He maintains a low profile in the public eye but has been open about his struggles, using them as a foundation for much of his lyrical content. His interest in spirituality, existential themes, and personal growth continue to shape his artistry.
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