Ab-Soul has always been known for his introspective and thought-provoking lyrics, but on his latest album, ‘Soul Burger,’ the TDE rapper takes a different approach. Instead of delving into his own thoughts and experiences, Ab-Soul channels the energy of his late best friend, Herbert, who passed away in 2022.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ab-Soul opened up about the inspiration behind ‘Soul Burger’ and how he channeled his best friend’s upbeat energy on the album. He explained that after Herbert’s passing, he found himself constantly thinking about their friendship and the positive impact Herbert had on his life.
“I wanted to honor Herbert’s memory and celebrate the joy he brought into my life,” Ab-Soul shared. “He was always the life of the party, and I wanted to capture that energy on this album.”
‘Soul Burger’ is a departure from Ab-Soul’s usual style, with more upbeat and energetic tracks that reflect Herbert’s personality. The album features collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, SZA, and Jay Rock, who all knew and loved Herbert as well.
Ab-Soul also revealed that he had a difficult time writing and recording the album, as it brought up a lot of emotions and memories. But he knew that it was important to pay tribute to his friend and share his infectious energy with the world.
“I wanted to make an album that would make people feel good and remind them of the importance of cherishing the people in their lives,” Ab-Soul said. “Herbert was more than just a friend to me; he was like a brother. And I hope that through this album, his spirit will live on and continue to bring joy to others.”
‘Soul Burger’ has received critical acclaim, with many praising Ab-Soul’s ability to capture the essence of his best friend and infuse it into his music. The album is a testament to the power of friendship and the impact that one person can have on another’s life.
Ab-Soul hopes that ‘Soul Burger’ will not only honor Herbert’s memory but also serve as a reminder to listeners to appreciate the people in their lives and spread positivity and love.
“I know Herbert would have loved this album, and I hope that it brings a smile to his family and friends’ faces,” Ab-Soul shared. “He may be gone, but his energy and spirit will always live on through this music.”
