Ab-Soul Reflects on Legacy and New Music Ahead of Final Dreamville Fest Performance

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. Ab-Soul’s Journey
4. The Reveal at Dreamville Fest
5. Soul Burger: The Odyssey
6. The Legacy of Dreamville Fest
7. Anticipated Collaborations and Future Path
8. Conclusion
9. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Ab-Soul's Dreamville Debut: The TDE artist performed at the fifth and final Dreamville Festival, marking a significant moment in his career.
• New Music Tease: He hinted at upcoming projects, including a collaboration with Roc Marciano and further elaboration on "Soul Burger: The Odyssey."
• Tribute to a Friend: His current work is a heartfelt homage to his late friend Doeburger, showcasing personal themes intertwined with his artistry.

Introduction

In an era when hip-hop festivals have become synonymous with communal celebration and groundbreaking performances, the Dreamville Festival has seized a unique position, celebrating the robust growth of R&B and hip-hop culture. 2025 marked the fifth iteration of this renowned festival, which also marked an important moment in Ab-Soul's career: his debut performance in the lineup. The Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) artist took the stage not just as a performer but as someone reflecting on his journey through music, friendships, and personal loss. As he stated humorously before his set, “They really saved the best for last!” This article explores the artist's reflections, his much-anticipated projects, and the significance of his participation in the final Dreamville Fest.

Ab-Soul’s Journey

Ab-Soul, born Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, has always been more than just a rapper; he is a storyteller and a philosopher in his own right. Hailing from the City of Angels, Ab-Soul's career took shape during a time when the Los Angeles hip-hop scene was undergoing a renaissance. Acclaimed for his intricate lyricism, he rose through the ranks of TDE, alongside fellow artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA, creating a unique blend of introspective lyrics with innovative beats.

Ab-Soul’s discography, marked by albums such as Control System and Do What Thou Wilt, illustrates his evolution not only as an artist but as an individual grappling with personal trials, mental health, and existential questions. His latest project, Soul Burger, released in 2022, stands as a testament to this evolution—dedicated to his late friend, Doeburger, who passed away in 2021. This dedication adds a personal layer to the record, resonating with themes of loss and remembrance.

The Reveal at Dreamville Fest

As Ab-Soul arrived at the Dreamville Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina, he engaged with fans and media, expressing a mix of excitement and disbelief at his inclusion in the lineup. In a candid interview with Billboard, he voiced, “Why is this my first time on the lineup? It’s beyond me.” Despite the jest, his humility and camaraderie among fellow artists, particularly his friendship with J. Cole, are evident.

The festival organized by Cole himself serves as a collective celebration of hip-hop culture, with diverse performances from various artists, both established and emerging. For Ab-Soul, this performance held immense significance, as it encapsulated a culmination of his experiences in the industry and highlighted his relationships with artists who influenced his career.

Soul Burger: The Odyssey

As Ab-Soul prepares to unveil his next project, Soul Burger: The Odyssey, he describes it as a continuous homage to his late friend—a reprisal, if you will, of the spirit of Doeburger, merging their identities into a single narrative.

Ab-Soul articulated the development of this project, stating, “Soul Burger is a character, it’s the fusion of me and Doeburger. The Odyssey is… the odyssey. It’s one of the most special pieces I’ve ever put together.” This statement speaks volumes about his artistic intentions. His projects are not mere collections of songs; they are profound journeys offering listeners insights into his life experiences and emotions.

Particularly poignant is the underlying message that both Soul Burger and the Odyssey chapters serve. By infusing personal narratives into his music, he crafts a relatable storyline that may resonate with anyone familiar with loss and remembrance.

The Legacy of Dreamville Fest

Dreamville Festival has played a vital role in uniting artists and fans alike under the umbrella of hip-hop culture. It began in 2019 as a means to showcase both established and emerging artists, while driving social change and economic benefits to Raleigh’s community. The event has witnessed various highlights over the years, leaving an indelible mark on attendees and performers.

For Ab-Soul, performing at this festival solidifies his relationship with Dreamville members, including those who have been pivotal to his career development. The sense of belonging within a like-minded artistic community fuels the creativity and inspiration often felt on such occasions.

To illustrate this, Ab-Soul recounted his experiences with other Dreamville artists like Bas and Earthgang, reflecting on shared moments during their rise. “These are really my guys,” he said. “They’re undeniable. They’re true MCs, true artists.” Such camaraderie amplifies the festival's significance, extending beyond performance to personal story-sharing and collective inspiration.

Anticipated Collaborations and Future Path

In addition to Soul Burger: The Odyssey, Ab-Soul has hinted at forthcoming collaborations, notably with Roc Marciano. Industry watchers are keen to see how these creative alliances could further morph his sound and artistry, potentially leading to new stylistic avenues.

During the interview, he also acknowledged the importance of collaboration, saying, “Preciate the insight Cole. It was much needed.” This indicates his openness to influeneces and growth—a mindset crucial in the evolving landscape of hip-hop.

Moreover, as part of his artistic journey in 2025, he is scheduled to perform at the highly anticipated “420 on the Rocks” event hosted by Wiz Khalifa, a collaboration that could yield fresh and innovative musical experiences for fans.

Conclusion

As Ab-Soul stood at the cusp of momentous change in his life and career at Dreamville Fest, his reflections on friendship, loss, and artistry paint a vivid picture of an artist dedicated to his craft and his community. With his new music projects on the horizon, he continues to honor his lost friends while crafting narratives that connect deeply with his audience.

The concluding sentiment shared by Ab-Soul at the festival symbolized his readiness for whatever comes next: “It’s very therapeutic—liberating, if you will.” The significance of his journey, both as a tribute to the people he lost and as a celebration of his achievements, lays the foundation for a continually evolving narrative in his artistry.

FAQ

What is Soul Burger: The Odyssey?

Soul Burger: The Odyssey is Ab-Soul's upcoming project that continues to explore themes of friendship and loss, particularly honoring his late friend Doeburger and expanding upon the narrative laid out in his previous work, Soul Burger.

Is this Ab-Soul's first performance at Dreamville Fest?

Yes, the 2025 Dreamville Fest marks Ab-Soul's first performance at the festival, despite his long-standing friendship with J. Cole and other Dreamville artists.

What themes does Ab-Soul explore in his music?

Ab-Soul often delves into themes of loss, mental health, personal narratives, and existential reflections, blending them into his storytelling in a way that resonates with his audience.

How has Dreamville Fest influenced hip-hop culture?

Dreamville Fest has become a cultural hub, celebrating diversity in music, uniting fans and artists, and fostering economic growth while supporting community-driven initiatives since its inception in 2019.

What future projects can fans expect from Ab-Soul?

Fans can expect collaborations with artists like Roc Marciano, alongside new music and performances, as well as further explorations of his ongoing artistic journey.

Why is Ab-Soul’s friendship with J. Cole significant?

Ab-Soul and J. Cole share a long-standing friendship rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, exemplifying how friendships can foster artistic growth and community in the hip-hop space.