The Kabbalah Tree of Life, according to Judaism, is a pathway to God. In many beliefs, it is a map of creation. What is interesting is its inclusion into the album artwork for Control System, the new album by Ab-Soul. Whether his music is symbolic to a pathway to God or an understanding of his own “creation” is up for conversation. However, one cannot deny the depths of Ab’s gritty warmth. In Control System, listeners get a glimpse of Ab-Soul’s intentions for himself and the world around him.

 

Ab-Soul’s place within the Black Hippy collective is that of the melodic revolutionary ready to fight for, love, and save his people. “Beautiful Death” makes sense of all his intents and purposes with chants of “rise!” and “change lives!”. “Empathy” relates to the love and empathy that he has for a female figure. “Book of Soul” gives true explanation of his mental state, why he looks the way he looks, and explanations of past love. Notably, Ab-Soul’s tough, yet jazzy concoctions are so melodic that he can incite riots and create relaxation in the same breath.

 

Even within his explanations of human understanding, carnal desires, and illegal intoxication, his lyrics are endearing. “Mixed Emotions” goes through the feelings and thoughts he has while mixing his promethazine and Sprite. “Lust Demons” is just that: the outcome of one’s sexual desires taking on a personification. “Illuminate” has him and Kendrick Lamar going hard over encompassing production. Positive or negative in context, Ab-Soul is forever endearing.

 

Control System is a pure culmination of what makes Black Hippy/TDE great: real music that we all can connect with. In fact, it will be considered “better than expected” by those that aren’t hip to Ab-Soul. For those that understand his music, this is just what was going to happen: strengthened concepts and context over smooth yet harsh melodies. Maybe Black Hippy is the pathway to the creation of superior music. Regardless, the rap game is better because of the music they have released.

 

 

Music review submitted by contributing writer, Mark A. Harris.