A complete album Review: Ab-Soul’s Soul Burger - A Tribute and a Triumph.
On November 7, 2024, Ab-Soul dropped ‘Soul Burger’, an album that arrives with an air of reverence and reflection. This project stands as both a tribute to his late friend DoeBurger and a renewed artistic statement from Ab-Soul himself.
As a longtime pillar of Top Dawg Entertainment, Ab-Soul has navigated the intense emotional and existential territory throughout his career, but this album finds him in a unique space—combining memory, motivation, and mastery in ways we haven’t quite seen from him before.
Paying Tribute Through Sound
DoeBurger, Ab-Soul’s close friend, passed away in 2021, but his influence permeates the album in both subtle and bold ways. Known for his encouragement of Ab-Soul’s live performances, DoeBurger urged him to create music that was not only introspective but energetic, and in Soul Burger, we feel the result of that inspiration. Tracks pulse with intention, bringing a sense of celebration even as they dig deep into themes of loss and legacy. For Ab-Soul, Soul Burger isn’t just an album; it’s a canvas for honoring a friendship.
Throughout the album, Ab-Soul is joined by a talented roster of artists who help shape Soul Burger’s diverse soundscape. Collaborations with Vince Staples, Doechii, Lupe Fiasco, Ty Dolla $ign, JasonMartin, Blxst, and Punch add layers of style and texture, each guest lending their voice to the central narrative. The energy they bring complements Ab-Soul’s raw intensity, as he weaves his verses around their contributions with finesse. There’s a sense of camaraderie, as if they’re not just features, but friends rallying around Ab-Soul in a project that feels deeply personal.
A lineup of acclaimed producers—ScHoolboy Q, 9th Wonder, Terrace Martin, and Beat Butcha—contribute to a sound that feels expansive and cinematic. Soul Burger kicks off with a track that echoes the opening scene of the classic film Belly, setting the tone with a gripping and almost theatrical intro. From that point on, the album mixes hard-hitting beats, jazz-infused instrumentals, and soulful harmonies, building a complex tapestry that complements Ab-Soul’s intricate lyrics.
Ab-Soul brings an unmistakable sense of purpose in his delivery. There’s a fire and focus here, one that reminds listeners of why he’s remained a respected figure in hip-hop. His wordplay is sharp, layered with introspection and double entendres. Each line feels like it’s been chosen with care, delivering not only on the surface meaning but also offering something deeper for those willing to dissect it. Soul Burger isn’t just a tribute—it’s a testament to Ab-Soul’s dedication to his craft and to the people who have shaped him.
With Soul Burger, Ab-Soul has crafted an album that’s both a celebration and an elegy. It’s an invitation to his fans to join him in honoring a friend, while also serving as a reminder of his unique place in the world of hip-hop. This album is personal, but it’s also universal, resonating with anyone who has loved and lost, and who turns to music for connection and closure.
For fans of Ab-Soul, Soul Burger delivers everything they could hope for and more—a powerful blend of reflection, resilience, and raw skill that speaks to the artist he’s become and the legacy he aims to build.
Checkout the album, out now on all music purchase & streaming platforms.
