Kendrick Lamar, celebrated for his lyrical prowess, takes a moment to honor his fellow Black Hippy member, Ab-Soul, for profoundly shaping his musical journey. On Kendrick’s latest track, “the heart pt 6,” he revisits those early Top Dawg Entertainment days, highlighting Ab-Soul’s influence.
Kendrick, often referred to as Kung Fu Kenny, passionately recalls the impact Ab-Soul had on him. He raps about Ab-Soul’s creative process and how he “mumbled raps” and “crumblin kush ’til he cracked a smile.”
For Kendrick, Ab-Soul’s words were “legendary,” which stirred a desire in him to rhyme with similar brilliance. Kendrick admits to studying Ab-Soul’s style, making it a vital part of defining his pen.
Kendrick has always been vocal about his appreciation for Ab-Soul. The two shared the stage at the Black Hippy Pop-Out concert in the summer, showcasing their strong bond.
Though Black Hippy’s long-awaited album never came to fruition, Kendrick mentions this on his track, accepting responsibility for the group’s hiatus. He candidly shares that his exploration of new creative paths contributed to this
Despite the absence of Black Hippy in his new album, Kendrick collaborates with other Top Dawg names. SZA stands out, joining forces with Kendrick on tracks like “Luther.” Emerging L.A. talents also grace the album, helping it quickly ascend to the top of Apple Music charts.
Notably, rumors of another album from Kendrick are buzzing, particularly as anticipation builds for his upcoming Super Bowl performance.
Long-time TDE fans fondly remember Ab-Soul’s initial rise to stardom within the label, hailed for his unique, introspective style native to the West Coast. His reputation only grows with his latest work, “Soul Burger,” leading with the hit “Crazier.”
Kendrick Lamar’s homage to Ab-Soul underscores the deep respect and gratitude among artists within the hip-hop community. Despite individual pursuits and new collaborations, the influence of early inspirations like Ab-Soul continues to resonate.
