Ab-Soul
A cerebral and cryptic wordsmith from the TDE collective, known for his philosophical lyricism and steadfast independence in hip-hop.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American rapper·Birthday: February 23·Millennials
Biography
Hailing from Carson, California, Ab-Soul, born Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, carved a unique niche as the resident philosopher of the powerhouse Top Dawg Entertainment label. While his Black Hippy crewmates—Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock—achieved massive commercial success, Ab-Soul operated in a more esoteric lane. His music is a dense tapestry of conspiracy theories, metaphysical pondering, and complex wordplay, delivered with a calm, assured flow. Albums like 'Control System' and 'These Days...' established him as a rapper's rapper, someone who rewards deep listening with layered revelations. In an industry obsessed with hits, his commitment to abstract, challenging concepts is a statement in itself. Furthermore, he holds the distinctive position of being the only core Black Hippy member to remain an entirely independent artist, controlling his masters and creative direction, which underscores a deep-seated principle aligned with his lyrical independence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ab-Soul was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ab-Soul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Ab-Soul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2014 album 'These Days...' debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.
- As a founding member of the hip-hop supergroup Black Hippy, he helped shape the West Coast sound of the 2010s.
- Maintained full independent artist status while signed to the label Top Dawg Entertainment, a rare feat in the group.
- His 2012 album 'Control System' is widely considered a cult classic for its conceptual depth.
Did You Know?
He has a large, distinctive tattoo of an eye on his upper lip, which is often a topic of discussion.
Ab-Soul is legally blind, a condition he has referenced in his lyrics.
He chose his stage name as a play on 'absolute,' reflecting his search for truth.
“I'm not a rapper, I'm a therapist with a hypeman.”
