Ab-Soul responded emotionally during an Instagram Live to Kendrick Lamar’s acknowledgment on “heart pt. 6” from his album “GNX,” highlighting their enduring connection beyond music.
Lamar’s lyrics, “Ab-Soul in the corner mumblin’ raps/Fumblin’ packs of Black & Milds/Crumblin’ kush ’til he cracked a smile/His words legendary, wishin’ I could rhyme like him,” prompted Ab-Soul’s heartfelt response.
“I’m very honored, you know, that’s my brother and like in real life, you know what I’m saying. Like, I’ll take a bullet for cuz,” Ab-Soul stated, before adding, “But aside from that, I guarantee you he didn’t study me as much as I studied him. He taught me the most as a professional recording artist.”
The Carson native recalled Black Hippy’s early struggles: “We really slept on the floor for this s—-, man. All of us, man. Dot, Rock [Jay Rock], Q [ScHoolboy Q].”
Embracing Lamar’s praise, Ab-Soul confidently declared, “I am the B.O.A.T. Right? I am the best rapper. That’s it. Ask anyone. And I say that humbly. It’s not from a place of arrogance.”
He attributed their success to divine intervention, noting how Black Hippy’s impact inspired “a generation, let alone the world.”
The exchange underscores the lasting brotherhood between Black Hippy members Ab-Soul, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q, whose collaboration shaped 2010s hip-hop.
Their collective impact includes standout tracks like “U.O.E.N.O (Remix),” “Vice City,” and “Say Wassup,” establishing Black Hippy as a defining force in contemporary rap.
Ab-Soul’s reflection provides insight into the group’s formative years, when shared hardship forged lasting bonds beyond professional collaboration.
The mutual respect between Ab-Soul and Lamar demonstrates how artistic influence flows both ways, with each member contributing to the others’ growth.
Throughout Black Hippy’s run, their individual successes strengthened rather than diminished their collective bond, a rarity in hip-hop groups.
