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United States Ab-Soul is a critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter known for his profound lyrical depth and introspective storytelling, making him a compelling partner for brands seeking authentic and thought-provoking collaborations.
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Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, known professionally as Ab-Soul, was born on February 23, 1987, in Los Angeles, California. He spent his early childhood in Korea before moving to Carson, California. An early encounter with music stemmed from his family owning a record store. As a child, Stevens contracted Stevens-Johnson syndrome, leading to light sensitivity and dark lips, which later influenced his artistic identity as the “Black Lipped Bastard.” He began rapping at the age of 12, initially as a hobby, before seriously pursuing a music career after high school graduation.
Ab-Soul signed with StreetBeat Entertainment in 2005 before joining Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) in 2007. In 2009, he co-founded the West Coast hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy with fellow TDE artists ScHoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay Rock. His solo career at TDE began with the mixtape Longterm in 2008, followed by Longterm 2: Lifestyles of the Broke and Almost Famous in 2010. His debut independent album, “Longterm Mentality,” was released in 2011, peaking at No. 73 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. His sophomore album, “Control System,” gained critical acclaim and debuted at number 83 on the Billboard 200 in 2012. This was a significant turning point, establishing his voice within the hip-hop scene.
Throughout his career, Ab-Soul has consistently released impactful projects. “These Days…” (2014) debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200, featuring collaborations with artists like Lupe Fiasco and Rick Ross. “Do What Thou Wilt.” (2016) further solidified his presence, reaching the Top 40 of the Billboard 200. After a period of relative quiet, he returned with “Herbert” in 2022, his fifth album with TDE, followed by “Soul Burger” in 2024. He has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry, including a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year in 2014 for his feature on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’s “The Heist.” His career is marked by a focus on lyrical complexity, introspection, and addressing political and societal themes.
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