Ab-Soul Explains the Concept of His New Album ‘Soul Burger’: A Tribute to a Fallen Friend

Ab-Soul, the acclaimed Los Angeles rapper, is stepping into new territory with his upcoming album, Soul Burger. Known for his deep, introspective lyrics and his unique place in the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) roster, Ab-Soul’s latest project is a significant departure from his previous works. He recently shared insights about the album during an interview with DJ Hed and Gina Views on Sirius XM’s Effective Immediately.

A Heartfelt Homage

Soul Burger is not merely a new chapter for Ab-Soul; it’s a tribute to his late best friend, Doe Burger, a TDE affiliate who passed away in 2021. Describing the bond they shared, Ab-Soul emphasized the profound influence Doe Burger had on his life and career. “He wasn’t just a hype man or a background figure,” Ab-Soul explained, “he was my big homie, the star. Losing him left a void, and this album is my attempt to channel his spirit.”

The album’s title, Soul Burger, is a symbolic fusion of Ab-Soul’s own persona and the essence of Doe Burger, encapsulating the collaborative and brotherly relationship they had. Ab-Soul highlighted that this album should not be seen as an “Ab-Soul project” but as something entirely different, a blend of both their energies. “It’s like I’m stepping into his shoes, trying to see things from his perspective, musically and personally,” he said.

Embodying Doe Burger’s Spirit

In his interview, Ab-Soul shared that he made several changes in his appearance and lifestyle to honor his friend’s memory, from braiding his hair to wearing jewelry—things he previously avoided. These changes reflect his commitment to fully embodying Doe Burger’s spirit as he crafted the album. “I’m not just making this for me; it’s about creating music that Doe Burger would have loved, and that’s why I hope listeners approach this project with fresh ears, without preconceived notions of what an Ab-Soul album should sound like.”

The first trailer for Soul Burger underscores the emotional weight behind the project. In the teaser, Ab-Soul stands shirtless in a dimly lit room, confronting his grief and trying to move forward. The narration speaks to his perseverance despite past struggles, including a near-fatal suicide attempt—a subject he has previously addressed with brutal honesty.

Navigating Loss Through Music

The album’s central theme revolves around loss and survival, with Ab-Soul channeling his pain and resilience into his music. The trailer’s narration urges him to “loosen your tie and tighten up,” signaling a resolve to honor his friend’s legacy by returning to his creative peak. Ab-Soul acknowledges the challenges he faced following Doe Burger’s passing, admitting that he struggled to find motivation without his friend by his side.

Upcoming Album and Singles

Set to release on November 8, Soul Burger is Ab-Soul’s first album since 2022’s Herbert. While the rapper remains tight-lipped about the full tracklist, he has already teased fans with two singles—“Squeeze 1st 2” and “All That”—which dropped on streaming platforms on October 18. Both singles reflect the evolution of Ab-Soul’s sound, offering a glimpse into the emotional and sonic direction of the album.

A New Chapter Begins

For fans, Soul Burger marks the beginning of a new era. It’s an album born from loss, but it’s also a celebration of a deep bond that continues to influence Ab-Soul’s artistry. As the rapper said, “This is my attempt at channeling him and making music that I feel he would have really liked.”

Whether this experiment resonates with long-time listeners or attracts a new audience, Ab-Soul’s dedication to his friend’s memory shines through, making Soul Burger one of the most anticipated releases of the year.