Music Review: Ab-Soul (@abdashsoul) – These Days

The biggest surprise out of the TDE family has to be Ab-Soul. Control System was considered a number one threat for Album of the Year in 2013 before Kendrick dropped GKMC.  This says a lot for someone that many did not take seriously. Riding that achievement, Ab-Soul has a lot to reflect on.  These Days is a set up for him to reflect on his newfound success.

It is time for me to be honest: people will actually enjoy this album if they aren’t expecting Control System part two.

On a basic level, Ab-Soul is giving an update on how he is living. “Hunnid Stax” gets to the money of it all. Meanwhile, “Dub Sac” makes way for rhymes about smoking. But, in reality, both songs allow for him to delve into how his life has changed, allowing him to adjust to being a successful emcee. Adding the anthemic  “Just Have Fun”, Ab-Soul is showing that he is trying to “live his life and enjoy this shit”.

Personally, I would have never added “Twact”. It just sounds too damn forced.

Do not let Ab-Soul’s sense of celebration fool you; his album has plenty of serious undertones. The ode to being an original being-God emcee, “Stigmata” exemplifies the mind of a visionary with afflicted vision. Also, “Closure” gets into a meaningfully failing relationship. Additionally, “Ride Slow” infuses religious imagery with an understanding of life’s hurdles (due to success). Thus, Ab-Soul remains that all seeing emcee we love with added celebratory tactics.

After the triumphant career he has garnered, These Days takes a festively serious look at how he has been.  Ab may be “eatin’ now”, but it has not changed who he is. It only changed the world around him and the abundance he has experienced. He still remains the omniscient emcee with the physically hindered eye sight. Ab-Soul is still carrying the cross for all dope emcees and These Days is a testament of that.