Review: Ab-Soul’s Latest Release ‘HERBERT’ Is A Masterclass Work

Los Angeles, California native and Top Dawg Entertainment artist Ab-Soul unveils a eighteen track LP titled ‘HERBERT’ which to me, is a perfect balance of self actualization and methodical word-play, on top of incredible transparency that really hits home per listen. Soulo is a rare breed of artist and unlike most musicians today, he takes time and a lot of reflection in every release he does. ‘HERBERT’ is no different and in my personal opinion it is his best work to date.

The album, six years in the making, has a bevy of notable names of features in Joey Badass, Big Sean, Jhené Aiko, Russ, Fresh, Ambré, ALEMEDA, and TDE’s SiR, Punch, Zacari, and Lance Skiiiwalker. DJ Premier, Sounwave, James Blake, Hit-Boy, Boi-1da, and more contributed to the production. All of that adds a bit of flavor to the LP but Ab-Soul himself and his stories make this release special.

When an emcee can make you feel at home with personal experiences that hit the heart for listeners is a special gift which Ab-Soul has in spades. Topics of mental health, overcoming challenges, black empowerment, friendship, and many more are on full display throughout the album on a plethora of diverse beats. As somebody who has went through a rough year and in prior years had suicidal thoughts I can appreciate Ab-Soul for contextualizing his experiences battling those same thoughts in the form of his music. Add in the fact that he can do this in a multitude of different flows speaks to the talent of the California resident.

So far “Do Better” featuring fellow TDE artist Zacari is my favorite track but there is not one miss on this beautiful piece of work and I encourage everyone to check it out for themselves below.

Final verdict: 10 out of 10

• It ranks with Kendrick Lamar’s Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers,’ Beyonce’s ‘Renaissance,’ Steve Lacy’s ‘Gemini Rights,’ SZA’s ‘SOS,’ Metro Boomin’s ‘HEREOS & VILLIANS,’ Jeezy & DJ Drama’s ‘SNOFALL,’ Ari Lennox’s ‘Age/Sex/Location,’ Bad Bunny’s ‘Un Verano Sin Ti,’ JID’s ‘The Forever Story,’ Brent Faiyaz ‘WASTELAND,’ Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini,’ and Vince Staples ‘RAMONA PARK BROKE MY HEART’ has elite albums released this year.
• Best way to conclude 2022 and the run TDE affiliated albums has had this year.
• Ranks with Kendrick and JID for best wordplay this year
• Dope variety of subject matter and flows
• Great emphasis on mental health