Ab-Soul
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About the Artist

Ab-Soul, born Herbert Anthony Stevens IV in Carson, CA, is a consummate lyricist renowned for his complex wordplay and deep narrative style in hip-hop. Despite facing severe vision impairment from Stevens-Johnson syndrome in childhood, his resilient spirit shines through his intricate bars and enigmatic persona, often marked by his signature sunglasses—both a necessity and a statement. Emerging from the influential Top Dawg Entertainment collective alongside Kendrick Lamar, he has steadily built a dedicated cult following through projects like "Control System" and "Herbert," with the latter delving into personal struggles, including drug abuse and growing up visually impaired. Ab-Soul's performances are an immersive dive into introspection and gritty storytelling, uniquely blending conscious rap with layered metaphors, all delivered with a sharp wit that subtly punctuates the weight of his messages, proving that resilience and intellect can command the stage without spectacles—though his iconic pair certainly help.