Of all the first-wave TDE artists, Soul has probably been the hardest sell to the mainstream hip-hop fan. It also means that 2023 might be totally clear for Top Dawg to truly move into its next wave of artists, many of whom seem poised to bridge the gap between the backpack rap-influenced releases of the label’s past and the more sonically malleable styles of contemporary hip-hop - which makes Herbert the perfect project to close that chapter of Top Dawg’s history. That means that for the first time, TDE is probably facing a new year with the prospect of no releases from its first and second-wave rappers and singers. Jay Rock, who may as well be the label’s vanguard artist, hasn’t been heard from since 2018, although he typically takes long breaks between albums too. Schoolboy Q, who’s always kind of hovered in their periphery, last released an album, Crash Talk, in 2019, which could potentially have also completed his own obligation to Top Dawg, if Kendrick’s five-album deal structure is any guideline. For all purposes, it looks very much like the most commercially successful acts on the label are pretty much done. Dot’s commitment to the label and SOS potentially constituting SZA’s swan song (although the jury remains out in that regard she seems to change her mind every other week and could be announcing five more EPs by the time you read this), TDE finds itself in an interesting place. This is because of the content of Herbert, yes, but it’s also because of Soul’s seeming place in the unofficial hierarchy of TDE’s fluctuating roster of artists. So far, the tracklist and features haven’t been revealed yet for the upcoming album.Given that it’s the end of the year - traditionally, a time for looking back on the year in review and looking forward to the possibilities of the blank calendar ahead - it’s kind of fitting that Top Dawg Entertainment released Ab-Soul’s reflective Herbert now rather than somewhere in the furor of attention swirling around Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s comeback albums. Last week, the Los Angeles rapper released a video for “ Gang Nem,” along with releasing two songs earlier this year, including “Hollandaise” in April and “ Moonshooter” in September. After suffering through a series of unspeakable tragedies, Stevens completed the album as a changed man with a new sense of purpose.” “As noted by the name of the record, leaving the conspiracy theories, he’s known for behind while emphasizing his musicality. “ Herbert is a deliberately intimate portrait of the man behind Ab-Soul going back to his foundation,” the statement reads. The new project references the rapper’s birth name, Herbert Anthony Stevens IV. After 2016’s Do What Thou Wilt, the rapper uses his forthcoming project to reflect on his career and making music.Īccording to a recent press statement, this album paints “an intimate portrait of the man behind Ab-Soul” and will trek through his life, past struggles, and journey back into music. Probably one of the most mysterious members of the Top Dawg crew, Ab-Soul gets more vulnerable than ever on his upcoming project. Lance SkiiiWalkerġ1/22/22 Original Article:After six years, enigmatic Top Dawg Entertainment rapper Ab-Soul announced he would drop his long-awaited fifth album, Herbert, in December - what a nice way to help fans close out the year. You can check out that tracklist and artwork below.ġ. There will also be production from Sounwave, DJ Premier, James Blake, Hit-Boy, Boi-1da, and DJ Dahi. As for the tracklist, Ab-Soul will deliver 18 songs featuring Lance Skiiwalker, Joey Badass, punch, Zacari, Fresh, Jhene Aiko, Ambre, Russ, Big Sean, Alemeda, and SiR. The album’s artwork features a young Ab-Soul sitting in front of a collection of vinyl records with headphones on. 12/7/22 Update: A little over a week before the album’s release, Ab-Soul and TDE unveiled the tracklist and cover art for Herbert.
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