Ab-Soul Dishes Out Key Ingredients To ‘Soul Burger'
On his latest album, Soul Burger, he fuses his talents with the spirit of his close friend and collaborator, the late Armon 'Doe Burger' Stringer, who was killed in December 2021. Through 15 tracks, Ab-Soul ensures his brother's creative legacy lives on.
While sitting backstage before his performance at Red Bull's BC One tournament in Denver, VIBE sat with him and explored the inspirations behind some of the album's stand-out tracks. The Carson native's smile was just as sharp as the fresh braids neatly fashioned on either side of a deep center part. Despite his dark sunglasses, worn due to legal blindness caused by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, suggesting a sense of mystique, one thing became clear: Ab-Soul is an open book for those willing not to judge its cover.
For nearly half an hour, the father of two engaged in conversation. We laughed, reflected, hugged, and connected on the unique ingredients that went into Soul Burger, how he prepared for the Good Vibes Only Tour: Smoker's Edition with Wiz Khalifa, Dom Kennedy, Earl Sweatshirt, and others, and much more.
VIBE: Congrats on the tour. How excited are you for that, and what cities are you most excited to hit?
Ab-Soul: I'm always always excited. I'm always appreciative and always looking forward to going out and touching the people, and actually feeling a response from the projects because it's literally kinetic. It's a really strange energy, and it's so important to me versus just releasing me when I should be chillin. I actually be feeling the energy, so that was very important. I don't have any particular cities that I'm looking forward to, but of course I love New York. I lived in the Bronx for a couple of years. That's where they say Hip-Hop started…That's what I heard. But, yeah, definitely looking forward to it, man. It's a blessing.
With this being The World Famous Soul Burger Tour, can fans expect the album top to bottom? Are you gonna bring some old stuff or new stuff? I'm planning to come to see you in Atlanta. What am I looking forward to when I pull up to this show?
Expect the best, man. Prepare for the worst. The worst meaning I said the craziest. It became crazier and crazier and crazier. You said Atlanta, right? Yeah, you see it? You'll get it later. But you know, I got collabs all over the place.
I've got a tour coming with Wiz Khalifa. We just hit Red Rocks for 4-20. Wiz is really cool, man. Real cool dude.
This is personal because you were gone for a minute, and life was life-ing. But with your last couple of projects, that momentum is coming back. You're outside more. What does the last few years feel like compared to prior years?
To be perfectly honest with you, at this point in my life, it's kinda like second nature. Like I said, man, I'm just grateful to still be alive, man. As you know, I done been through some sh*t. I've lost some important people to me. Like you said, life, lifing and all that. But Hip-Hop definitely keeps me going. It gives me purpose. To get up and keep trying and keep doing it and trying to be of service. Because no matter what I'm going through, I know somebody else is going through that. Going through something similar or worse. And if I can get up and keep going, then so can they. So I think that's the best way I could put that.
I want to talk a little bit about some of the songs on Can you talk about some of the collaborations on the album and how some of these tracks came to be?
The first one that comes to mind is '9 Mile.' That was very therapeutic for me. I wanted the album to come off sounding like Belly. The beat switch with the Eight Mile aesthetic was magical. It just happened. And that's how I like to let it happen organically. Come to find out, it's a Soul II Soul sample. Didn't think about that. And the song was about a near-death experience, and the album actually dropped on the same day as Eight Mile. [everyone laughs]
That was planned.
Absolutely not. I'm just a vessel. I'm like, it's not my fault. It was written… That's one of those that's one of those joints that just give me confidence or even faith in knowing that everything is as it should be. So it leads to 'California Dream.'
Ninth Wonder, one of my favorite producers of all time. For sure. Shout out to the big homie. Hearing Vince [Staples] over Ninth Wonder was just crazy to me. Not that you haven't heard him over soul samples or anything like that, but that was just like a dope aesthetic for me personally. And he delivered as he does. And that was dope.
The story behind 'Crazier' is that it was actually JID's record first. He asked me to get on it. Now what happened was, and shout out to the homie, Kal Banx. What happened was, Kal, I guess, just over time, I guess there was some kind of miscommunication, and he sold the beat to someone else. So JID's like, 'What's up with your man ?' [Ab-Soul impersonates JID].
So some time had passed, and then JID sent me another record to get on. JID, he goes so crazy, man. Shout out to the homie. The song he sent me didn't even need a feature on it. It was like, 'Yo, you sure you want me to rap on this as well?' He's like 'Yeah man, trust me.' So, I'm like, 'All right. Well, listen. If I do this, man, you gotta let me have Crazier.'
He's like, 'Alright, say nothing.' And then sure enough, I link up with Kal later on down the line, and he played me this 'Crazier' beat. We recreated it, extended it, and just made it Crazier. So that's the story there. The beat was called 'Pakistan.' I be paying attention. You gotta pay attention to the producers too. You gotta pay attention to how they label their stuff too. Sometimes they'd be spot on. That's a crazy story. Funny thing.
Are we getting a music video for it?
We thought about it. It could still happen. You know what I'm saying? And I believe I'm on his upcoming album as well. So look out for that. Anything could happen.
My favorite song from the album at the moment is 'Saudi Sweats.' What was your creative inspiration or your motivations behind that one?
It's actually very simple. 'Saudi Sweats' is actually… Because Soul Burger is not me. It's a fusion of me and my brother, Doe Burger. And one of our favorite artists is this kid Asaad. One of his nicknames is Saudi. He's into fashion, he's a designer. And he has these dope sweats. I still ain't even got me none. I need to get me some. They're like a stack a pair, man. Get your money out [laughs]. So he's just amazing. I really encourage everyone to check him out. And he's a real hidden gem, I think, by choice. He likes to be a rarity. The last album we listened to was his album New Black History Month. That was the last album that we listened to together before he passed. And so it was important for me to channel Saudi.
You 'stealing Saudi Money's whole flow.'
That wasn't even me. Shoutout to Saudi. You know the movie The Pursuit of Happyness?
I like how he pointed out the fact… He was talking about how it's life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Because happiness is not tangible. It's not something that you can hold in your hand. It's fleeting. And so you have to just have to enjoy your moments of happiness or peace with these things because they're momentous. You can't appreciate happiness without the journey. So anyway. I think I heard my auntie say, 'I ain't got time to be happy.' I think I actually got that from my auntie. 'I ain't got time to be happy right now. I gotta make you happy.' And it stuck with me.
It stuck with me, too.
See what I'm saying? You just got to… You can't chase it. You gotta appreciate it when it happens.
Can you tell me a little bit about that 'All That' With JasonMartin and Thirsty P?
It was very organic. I was in the studio. Lately, because I've been known to be so cerebral. I'm like Jackson Pollock right now, man. I just throw paint, and let it fall where it may, versus trying to be so meticulous, so specific, so calculated. I just really try to express myself in the most organic way. I don't even pick beats no more. I let the homies pick them for me. I tell all my guys, 'Yo, just send me three or four beats you need to hear me on.' Don't overwhelm me and send me 30 beats. I'm gonna get an aneurysm. Send me three or four joints that you need to hear me on. No. I don't have a vibe. No, I'm not on anything. I'm trying to find it. Help me.'
And that was one of the joints my man Rascal sent me. I think he collaborated with Tae Beast on that one. I just went in there, just did my two-step on it, and it just sounded crazy. I think [my tour manager] Matt [Miller] walked in like, 'See, this is what I'm talking about. We need more beats like this. This is the sh*t that's gonna work, man if you're trynna win.'
I think it is more so just about not thinking. It tends to happen when I stop thinking. I think even Jason said that when you start thinking, that's when you're forcing music. You're not even supposed to think. It's supposed to just happen. Quincy Jones said, 'Melody is the voice of God.' Find the melody, find the flavor, find that. And let the words or the poetry or the bars fall where they may. And I think that's the most important thing to me right now.
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This sentiment is reflected in the eclectic acts the venue books for their two mammoth event spaces, the 7,000-seat Etess Arena and 1,368-seat Sound Waves. Etess brings in a mix of 20th century icons (Earth Wind and Fire, Yes, Steve Winwood, Toto, Foreigner) along with modern contemporaries (Avett Brothers, Nathaniel Rateliff, Train, Khalid, Seether) and inspired choices (DJ Cassidy's Pass The Mic concert with rap's best and brightest from yesterday looks a consensus fan favorite) to cater to audiences of classic rock, R&B, folk, country, Hip-Hop, reggae and alternative metal. In the smaller space, Sound Waves hosts biggies like The Temptations with The Four Tops as well as Led Zeppelin and Queen tribute acts along with Bollywood stars. That's not to mention all the comedy shows, magicians, jiu-jitsu matches or the monthly Garden State Live series highlighting the best New Jersey has to offer. They're really got something for everyone, regardless of whether or not you're also all about the music. Sound like a good time? If so, our team mapped out the Etess Arena and Sound Waves Theater's complete 2025 event calendars to help you find the show just for you. Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 2025 calendar CFFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 14 Friday, July 25 at 7 p.m. Sound Waves An adrenaline-pumping night showcasing some of the best regional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes. Sam Hunt Friday, July 25 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The country superstar will be joined by special guest Austin Williams. CFFC Next Gen 1 Saturday, July 26 at 6 p.m. Sound Waves An adrenaline-fueled night of mixed martial arts action featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world. Chicago Saturday, July 26 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like 'If You Leave Me Now,' 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry,' and '25 or 6 to 4.' Chicago Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m. Etess Arena Known for their unique fusion of rock, jazz, and classical music, expect hits like 'If You Leave Me Now,' 'Hard to Say I'm Sorry,' and '25 or 6 to 4.' Toto Friday, Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The '80s chart-toppers will be joined by Men at Work, and Christopher Cross. Magic Rocks Saturday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. Sound Waves Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular. Dark Star Orchestra Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The Grateful Dead tribute act continues the band builds their live show using the Dead's extensive catalog as a launching pad. Magic Rocks Saturday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Illusionist Leon Etienne delivers sleight of hand, and comedy in this immersive spectacular. David Lee Roth Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The former Van Halen frontman is known for hits like 'Jump,' 'Panama,' 'Hot for Teacher,' and 'Runnin' with the Devil.' Garden State Live Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Low Cut Connie and Isn't It Always. The Avett Brothers Saturday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The Grammy-nominated folk-rockers deliver soul-stirring ballads and high-energy anthems. Train Friday, Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The multi-platinum rock band will be joined by '90s legend Edwin McCain. Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The soulful night rock 'n' rollers headline; indie rocker Kevin Morby is the support act. Jamie Lever Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8:30 p.m. Sound Waves A popular Indian actress and comedian known for 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon,' 'Housefull 4' and Bhoot Police. DJ Cassidy's Pass The Mic Live Sunday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Rakim, Black Sheep, Buckshot of Blackmoon, CL Smooth, Havoc of Mobb Deep, Milk Dee of Audio Two, M.O.P., Nice & Smooth, Onyx, Smif-N-Wessun, Reggae legend Supercat, and Treach of Naughty Nature. Disco Night Fever Mania Saturday, Aug. 23 at 3 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances. Disco Night Fever Mania Saturday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Donna Summer, Bee Gees, ABBA, Barry White and Tina Turner tribute performances. Cage Fury Fighting Championships 145 Saturday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring some of the most talented and exciting fighters from around the world, Cage Fury promises non-stop action, thrilling knockouts, and hard-hitting submission holds. Purva Mantri Saturday, Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m. Sound Waves Known for her fusion of pop, Bollywood, and indie sounds, her show blends music, dance and vibrant visuals. Garden State Live Friday, Sept. 5 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring emerging NJ blues artists Billy Walton, Twisted Livin, and Debra Devi Old Dominion Saturday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. Etess Arena The country chart-toppers will be joined by special guests Ernest and Redferrin. Buju Banton Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The reggae legend headlines alongside special guest Jesse Royal. Get The Led Out – A tribute to Led Zeppelin Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Experience the energy and passion as the band recreates Led Zeppelin's timeless classics. The Atlantic City Jazz Fest Saturday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring Gerald Albright along with support from Pieces of a Dream and Rebecca Jade. I Love The 90s Tour Saturday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, Rob Base, Young MC, and Joe Denim. Staind Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The multiplatinum rock band performs with special guest Lakeview. God Save the Queen – A tribute to Queen Friday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage. Los Angeles Azules Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Experience the energy of cumbia sonidera as the group performs 'Cómo Te Voy a Olvidar,' 'Mis Sentimientos' and 'Nunca Es Suficiente.' God Save the Queen – A tribute to Queen Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Witness the magic of Freddie Mercury and Queen brought back to life on stage. Steve Winwood Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Enjoy the Rock Hall of Famer's hits from his days with Traffic, Blind Faith, and Spencer Davis Group to his solo classics like 'Higher Love,' 'Back in the High Life Again' and 'Roll With It.' Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame Awards and Induction Ceremony Saturday, Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. Sound Waves Experience an unforgettable evening featuring legendary inductees, exclusive memorabilia, and a deep dive into Atlantic City's rich boxing heritage. Seether and Daughtry Friday, Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. Etess Arena The rock powerhouses will be accompanied by special guests P.O.D. and Kami Keho. Garden State Live Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Emerging NJ pop rock artists take the stage featuring Destinee, Red, and The Grip Weeds. Yes Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The prog rockers will play their 1971 album 'Fragile' in its entirety. Foreigner Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Expect chart-topping ballads 'I Want to Know What Love Is' and 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' as well as high-energy rock anthems like 'Juke Box Hero' and 'Hot Blooded.' My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, 'Body Body,' and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion. *21+ event. Foreigner Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Expect chart-topping ballads 'I Want to Know What Love Is' and 'Waiting for a Girl Like You' as well as high-energy rock anthems like 'Juke Box Hero' and 'Hot Blooded.' My Big Gay Italian Casino Adventure Saturday, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves In this new installment of the two-decade-long saga, Anthony Pinnunziato sells his billion-dollar company, 'Body Body,' and ventures into the casino world, opening Pinnunziato Palace, the first-ever gay and lesbian casino in Atlantic City. While the grand opening sparks excitement, unexpected challenges, wild love triangles, and over-the-top characters shake things up in true Wilkinson fashion. *21+ event. Khalid Friday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. Etess Arena The R&B/pop star is known for smash hits like Talk, Location, and Better. Dance Now America Saturday, Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring Haddaway, Corona, Real McCoy, Jenny Berggren of Ace of Base, La Bouche, Daisy Dee of Technotronic, Crystal Waters, Cece Peniston, No Mercy, Ultra Naté, Jocelyn Enriquez, and Turbo B of Snap. Abhijeet Bhattacharya Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Get ready for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia as legendary Bollywood playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya performs timeless hits from classic films like 'Yes Boss,' 'Main Khiladi Tu Anari,' 'Baadshah' and 'Chalte Chalte.' Air Supply Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The duo will celebrate their 50th anniversary with timeless love songs and soft rock classics. Warren Zeiders Friday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The high-energy country music star will be joined by special guest and 'American Idol' winner Chayce Beckham. Freestyle Free For All Saturday, Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena Featuring TKA, George Lamond, Noel, and C+C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams. Garden State Live Friday, Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Featuring emerging NJ country artists Megan Knight, Holdyn, Barder, and Kenny Curcio. Nek Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves One of Italy's most iconic voices, he's known for timeless hits like 'Laura no está', 'Se io non avessi te' and 'Lascia che io sia.' Willie Colon Saturday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The tropical music superstar is bringing along special guests Héctor Acosta 'El Torito' and Tomo Rosario. Earth Wind and Fire Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The funky R&B heroes are known for 'Let's Groove,' 'September' and many other party-starting hits. Vic Dibitetto Friday, Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves A comedian known for his hilarious observations and larger-than-life personality. Earth Wind and Fire Saturday, Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Etess Arena The funky R&B heroes are known for 'Let's Groove,' 'September' and many other party-starting hits. The Temptations and Four Tops Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves The Temptations deliver hits like 'My Girl,' and 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg' while The Four Tops take 'Reach Out I'll Be There' and 'I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)' to the stage. Garden State Live Friday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. Sound Waves Emerging singer-songwriters featuring Max Davey, Maddie Hogan, and Camille K This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change
