Ab-Soul Reveals Kendrick Lamar Heard J. Cole's "Pi" Verse Before Release, Confirms Its Not A Diss

[@Braillionaire]

Wow. Thank you for sharing that ending portion of the interview that you let ride. I didn't know as much of Abs story (still don't) and I didn't know that he was blind. I want to dig in more. I knew some of his music just from early TDE collaborations when I was first put onto Kendrick back in 2013-14 or so. Great moments here. It's all happening!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Yeah, Soul's story is super heart warming, super inspiring. Him being an incredible rapper is just icing on the cake

[@justnick47]

listen to "the book of soul" if you haven't already, he goes into depth about it on that track.

[@Braillionaire]

That's Awesome. I'm going to have to check that album out as well!

[@dantelewis7973]

@@TheCompanyMan “I know better than most that the Soul don’t die”

[@derekaddison4835]

Listen to Cobtrol System. Incredible project.

[@NStarks007]

those 1 sec applause are hilarious

[@AeonLux_]

more like 0.03 second response 😂😂 Big Just! 😂

[@wedabestradi096]

Everytime he do it I laughable little

[@johnhurd4878]

@@NStarks007 every single time man Justin got me saying “1 second applause” in public.

[@year85theproducer19]

Facts, hilarious

[@darkfire06]

😂😂think we found a battle cry for the channel

[@Just_Gwen]

Absolutely love Ab Soul! I have a deep admiration for those 4 guys who built TDE because their stories are just wow! Ab tried to take his own life a few years back and has suffered so much loss so to see him now speak about wanting to shift his career to a bit more mainstream (per him on JBP about a year and a half ago) was shocking but I understand it. We've heard Dot's story through his music, Jay Rock was sidelined for a while thanks to a terrible motorcycle accident, and Q nearly lost his career before it took off thanks to drugs and lack of drive but he credits Dot for getting him back on track and himself for creating Black Hippie. I'm going to always root for these guys, and it doesn't hurt that they can rap their (beeeepsss) off!😂😂😂😂😂

[@smokescreenFromThe6ix]

Damn I didnt know all that. 😯

[@user-my7wo8ok2i]

The world is so blessed to have these 4 alive and well.

[@YeaImStacie]

Stopping by to show love big homie!

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you brother! It's appreciated🙏🏿

[@planetbrooklynsupreme]

Herbert struck a chord with me. I also discovered it not too long before my mom passed in May 2023. "Be Like That" and "Gotta Rap" really resonated with me, as it showed me how cold life can be. Not necessarily cruel...but cold. But it also showed me that in those moments of grief, you have to stoke that fire in you yourself to keep you going for yourself, for those who rely on you, and for those coming after you. You HAVE to either find or redefine your purpose, or the grief will eat you alive. Aside from that, I'm so happy to see you thriving! You've come a long way from the stages of Southpaw! (RIP) Every time I see you and Jah, there's always a smile on my face. Keep it up!

[@TheCompanyMan]

this is a super poignant comment. Just pinned it. I appreciate you brother. Thank you🙏🏿

[@savages-on-deck]

First JID now Soul clears up there side in this and I’m glad you’re covering this type of stuff most people let it fly and I would’ve been outta the loop without these vids man 🙏🏿🙏🏿🔥🔥

[@quintonmiller8266]

Which Dream ille guys were talking crap though?

[@PAINBODEE]

@@quintonmiller8266there’s no confirmation that it was even an artist at dreamville

[@savages-on-deck]

@@quintonmiller8266 people were just tossing names out tbh but JID did come out to say it wasn’t him

[@Hiii_Power_Cuban]

I remember soul saying years ago losing Alori Joh like that hit him hard but am glad soul is working through his issues that we all have as humans.

[@intelligencecycle3523]

It's all happening. Salute to Ab Soul definitely love hearing his side of the story of the song Pi. Cannot wait for the Album Soul Burger.

[@skyysims]

Thanks for introducing me to Ab-Soul. I'd heard his name for years and had even enjoyed some tracks he featured on but your comments along with learning a bit about his story made me decide to check him out directly and MAN does he have some great music. Really appreciate the put-on!

[@TheDorkKnight23]

Every time I see Ab-soul, I swear I gotta do double takes cause I swear I see the spirit of Easy in him.

[@FlipStar26]

BIG FACTS

[@erk8520]

Fr every time 😂

[@faeriegraver]

He really looks like Eazy

[@trent844]

Your making Ma Dukes proud. Love Brotha

[@TheCompanyMan]

🙏🏿

[@wedabestradi096]

Ab soul is and will always be my favorite rapper, he is him

[@NicS_313]

Do a live stream of you reacting to your previous breakdowns. Even if its just for members. You've always been on the right side of hip hop history, and i think it'd not only be a good plug for your previous content, but would solidify the idea that journalistic integrity is a part a belief system. Thank you for always being a journalist.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Fantastic idea!

[@KMO325]

Besides the obvious with KDot, Schoolboy Q & Ab-Soul have also been busy this year. I got Q’s Blue Lips as my Hip-Hop album of the year (barring a crazy-end of year Kendrick drop).

[@jaycee3303]

The company mane! Thank you for being so active !

[@TheCompanyMan]

thank you for rocking with me!

[@trent844]

@@jaycee3303 it's all happening

[@rebelLegit]

Lost my day One homie last year and i made tribute songs for him so im real interested in hearing this project from Soul and how ppl get pass the grief

[@dwightchaos9449]

Heroin works wonders? 😂

[@rebelLegit]

@dwightchaos9449 🤣🤣 I needed that laugh

[@dwightchaos9449]

@@rebelLegit that was my intent.. sorry about the homie man.. as one that’s expierienced a lot of loss in life.. as much as it sounds silly and repetitive.. Time truly does heal all wounds. Some longer than others. Also, I’m thinking your homie is in a better place than us..

[@rebelLegit]

@@dwightchaos9449 🙏🏿

[@bobbytropo2314]

As a people we all need to collectively make Ab Soul more know and respected than he is. I have a hard time thinking of anyone more deserving of recognition and flowers in rap at the moment. Longterm mentality was 10x platinum with me and my friends in high school. Dude needs respect for those core memories lol.

[@tonyp56301]

Ab-Soul is one of the best most slept on artist

[@fredztuhh]

even kendrick said soul is the best lyricist out of the group

[@almighty_pusha]

My best friend's brother was a huge Ab-Soul fan, he showed me a bunch of dope tracks of his. He died of an overdose in 2018. He would have been super hype for this new project man. R.I.P. Colt

[@isocounterattack]

Soul Burger is supposed to be a fusion between Ab-Soul and his lost brother DoeBurger, who passed away a couple of years ago. This is what he means when he says to try to see it as a new artist. Doe and Soul have always been exceptionally close friends, brothers really. You can hear Soul shouting out Doe all over his catalogue. I believe I saw Soul compare their relationship to Huey and Riley's from The Boondocks: one brother being the more intellectual, politically conscious, and calm one while the other is street-smart, energetic, influenced by hip-hop culture, "cool", etc. Soul lost another hugely important person in his life and looks like he's tapping into that DoeBurger energy with this project, hence the name. It's DoeBurger's voice on the album trailer there talking to Ab-Soul, beautiful! LLDB 🕊

[@BigCreepySleepy]

After Control System I was an Ab-Soul supporter 4-Ever ✊🏾

[@finalbreath15]

Ab-soul is a dude from the subs, but you cant discredit his pen or his pedigree, you cant take his experience away as a black man or a mythical level rapper. I stand by this man's spirit, i was gonna ask why people take certain rappers words a little more seriously, but ab is a thoughtful artist and i think the *culture* particularly understands that. And as a white dude, i think this says a lot about the kendrick and drake situation because many of those on drake's side are not of the culture so they dont get it. Not trying to virtue signal or claim my place but thats just my interpretation and i have incredible respect for the culture of hiphop finding itself. I may not be smart enough to know why i feel like i align with the culture's values, but my heart always told me there was something that changed over time and that there is something of value that needs to be protected by those who understand it. Also i just want to add that, a big part of this is being true to oneself and not only receiving the respect from your accomplishments but paying respect to the forefathers of thought for theirs and allowing us to share and discuss their wisdom. We cant always keep starting fresh, because that's not real. You need to reflect on the past and become a better version of yourself. Drake exists in the space far outside of grounded reality, cole is in orbit, and kendrick is the soil that bears our ancestors and their wisdom, humanity, and guidance. Thats what helps society grow. The space on the outside might seem greater but its on the Earth where life exists and where things get complex. Earth is the flourishing result of the chaotic space around it that provides the nutrients, sun and various elements, and the soil is where they converge.

[@fredztuhh]

Might be one of the best white dude comments on hiphop hold this W sir

[@finalbreath15]

@@fredztuhh 🤣😂 i appreciate you brother

[@_car5323]

In Pi, except for the “his album was trash” making people think it connects to “was tragic” from 7min, there’s really no connection to MMATBS, saying Dot’s pretending to be a killer but is really a p*ssy would need him to have a Drake level of misinterpretation of the album.

[@diesel101raw]

Shout outs to the Slow People who were Spreading False Accusations on Ab-Soul for "Dissing" Cole, J Cole using Pi & Daylyt to get to Kendrick and tried Clamming School Boy Q at the Dreamville was only speculations only for Ab to confirm he was there. 🥴🤷🏿‍♂🤣✌🏿 This is why I Say J Cole takes a W with Port Antonio. The Hip-Hop Journalists, Pod-Casters & Reactors look stupid for these False Narratives

[@jacqulynsmither8770]

I still stand by belief that Port Antonio was a love letter to Drake and a diss to Kendrick.

[@dominiquesmith7680]

@@jacqulynsmither8770You can stand by whatever you like or feel and still be wrong, that’s ok.

[@jayyy1677]

@@jacqulynsmither8770an appreciation song

[@diesel101raw]

@@jacqulynsmither8770 why would Ab call Cole the Homie if that was the Case ???

[@23elam]

⁠@@jacqulynsmither8770yeah we know. Can’t change a simple mind

[@LalaAnimeOtaku]

The company man ab soul interview!! Manifesting that as well!.

[@ThePhreakass]

Ab Soul is one of my favorite artists too!

[@raymanjohan8838]

A song from 7 different perspectives...this is why hip hop is a genre that is untouchable by any other genre

[@MartyMcFly__25]

“Do better” for me is such an amazing track hit close to home for me also. Herbert was a great body of work. Control System is a classic for me idc if others see it that way. I’ve seen Soul for the past few years wish for a HIT. He wished he had song to perform at The pop out concert( they could’ve done Illuminate I would’ve been so hyped but I get it 🤷🏾‍♂️) I just hope he gets what he’s looking for! All love for Soulo is earned imo

[@TheCompanyMan]

Same here. He's a powerful artist and i'd love for him to get his "slapper" like he said in the interview.

[@jdebrain]

@@MartyMcFly__25 I never understood why Fallacy wasn't a single, it's a perfect song and largely underrated...

[@tomflorea9363]

I'm stoked about the new Ab Soul album but I wish we could get that Jay Rock album soon. He dropped 4 dope singles, said he was gonna drop an album, Did a justin credible freestyle, then went silent. In that time Ab Soul dropped, Q dropped and now Ab is about to drop again.

[@ABombIsCool]

rumour is Rock & TDE are trying to get out of his Interscope deal

[@martinking27]

1 second applause for the 1 second applause ❤

[@CircleSquaredProduk]

Exactly....what now to those Cole haters 😂😂😂😂

[@sean24833]

@@CircleSquaredProduk they need to clear up the false narrative that cole threw shots at kendrick on johnny p caddy too. Because he didn't

[@soulestate_5]

Been a soulo fan since long term mentality and he's for sure the best rapper to me from blk hippy

[@bcdefg981]

Soul speaks on Port Antonio on mackwop. He starts talking about Cole/pi/Port Antonio after 2 hour 20 min (ish) mark

[@Boogalyhu]

This clearly shows that we can’t jump to assumptions on the theories. Its gotten ridiculous. We don’t know these people, we gotta decrease the speculation. A lot of even my favorite hip hop journalists just come off parasocial about it. Even if well intentioned. Audience capture + parasocial speculation on intentions and personal relationships is not good. Love this channel but it feels like that here too sometimes.

[@r.johnson1170]

Justin Hunte was definitely being parasocial throughout this whole thing. It amazes me how the same journalists who were guilty of talking sideways about any of the big 3 this year have the audacity to ask why any of them refuse to sit down with them. The only ones worthy of interviews from them are Angie, Rob Markman, B Dot, and Sway because they actually conducred themselves as professionals throughout the whole ordeal.

[@r.johnson1170]

Add Angela Yee and Big Boy to this list too.

[@MrASAPAB]

@@r.johnson1170factual.

[@Alchemy7Sins]

Super facts. This battle started off very exciting and has become one of rumors and misinformation/speculation spreading. That’s what makes it corny to me. Still one of the greatest battles of all time BUT IF IT AIN’T FACTUAL, DON’T SPREAD IT. Do some research. The theories are fun amongst friends but it feels like all media channels spread the same narratives for clicks.

[@Boogalyhu]

@@Alchemy7Sins Yup it’s straight yellow journalism. It sells, but the guys who are good enough journalists to get by without it should do just that.

[@goodspeed9914]

6:38 I’ve never listened to Pi because of the optics of Soulo being on a song dissing his guy. It made me think there really was tension between Dot and TDE. I do have to give it to Cole for being strategic on that one front

[@TheCompanyMan]

You gotta listen to it. one of the best real rap performances of the year.

[@konLVdon]

what strategy??? the song was releasing either way, Cole was doing the Might Delete Later rollout previous to Like That

[@mrstrangeworld5977]

um no

[@felipeadao5552]

It’s all happening. Pi is legendary tbh!

[@tiffanythurmond9600]

Have we came to a point to now artist have to announce that their song isn’t a diss before they drop it?

[@crowing3886]

Yes, all of coles features were recorded during might delet later but let people tell you cole specifically chose them and recorded them all after the beef ended to diss drake 😂

[@tiffanythurmond9600]

@@crowing3886 🤣🤣🤣

[@Just_Gwen]

No, I think people just have post-beef syndrome 😂😂😂 and they're seeing "shots" when there isn't any whatsoever. Some are stirring it up for content sake though.

[@luiz_fuego]

@@crowing3886😂😂😂

[@raymanjohan8838]

I love how artist can bypast the lables today. They can send a beat and have it back within 30 mins

[@otterdonnelly9959]

15:17 I been said this. Kendrick stans are more sensitive than Kendrick in thinking “everything is a diss/sub”.

[@sialiasialis.]

Bro, highkey: if the stan base would lock in and be a lil more like Dot they'd be better off

[@GiggsFromTheSouth]

Gina Views & DJ Hed are a great combo and she is hilarious 😂😂.

[@LalaAnimeOtaku]

I’m so excited for this album

[@cringeRick_Lamar]

I love how you give the much more generous 9 second applause sound byte for your patrons 😂❤

[@sialiasialis.]

Soulburger, according to Soulo, is Ab wanting to be a vessel for his deceased brother burger to make some music he felt he would vibe with, as funnily enough, even though they were close, Soul's core music wasn't in burger's rotation like that. So Soulburger is that: making the kind of music the lil big homie in heaven would bop to

[@TheCompanyMan]

That's beautiful

[@MMASoapOpera]

Love Ab-Soul. His last two albums are fantastic.

[@antionette_B1]

When you started rapping the fk out my faaaace 😂

[@lilyeturnal3720]

Gotta Do Better is one of my favorites from Ab Soul. The visuals are amazing. 🙂

[@Aminit1]

God bless you Ak is too compromised

[@blessingchiwanza9329]

Ab-Soul is a beautiful soul, man.

[@andrewyb830]

Now I feel like I have to listen to that Pi record

[@surr3al1s]

EVERYBODY goes in!

[@ABombIsCool]

Soul & Q went crazy on FOMF

[@thelordskeezus9795]

21:34 R.I.P Mac Miller...

[@ejaliifua1s]

“The Book of Soul” always gets me 😭

[@goodspeed9914]

2:17 man I love Moonshooter. Especially the solo (no pun) version

[@TheCompanyMan]

Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around... janky promoters always gave me the run around.

[@lewisperez6469]

I remember hearing that song on the I-5 around 6am when the sun was rising. I instantly woke up!

[@TheCompanyMan]

"Its kill or be killed... not... heal or be healed... fake is the new real."

[@Ericsond14]

The fact that was recorded before doesnt necessarily means he didnt send subliminals

[@orlanduswhite7131]

Sorry for your lost I lost my mom in 2019.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Thank you orlandus. I'm sorry for your loss too.

[@buckfastbjork6968]

Ab-Soul is so underrated, control system is a crazy album

[@jpistle]

I wonder if that’s his friend saying that in the trailer. That’ll be crazy if he recorded a lot of stuff.

[@CAMERON71798]

Amen!! 🙏🏾

[@Tonymonegro74.]

It’s all happening

[@J3f3R20n]

Maaaaan there's a segment on that conversation where they talking about the Pop Out show and Soul points out how they didn't play any of his songs up there because "He doesn't have a slap" and i'm like, yeah they did him dirty a little bit they could have played a bit of Do Better that would have been perfectly fit for that event.

[@ABombIsCool]

even if he & Q did Hunnid Stax

[@poetryismyting8854]

Shid they could’ve played “Turn Me up” , “Rapper Sh” or even “Illuminate” all songs with him and Kendrick that are hard

[@icysdemise3911]

Wasn't it also Ab-Soul who eluded on Twitter that Cole's verse on Pi was a Drake diss? With the whole Gram/Graham bar

[@Mitri910]

Daylyt

[@blaquehealer5484]

Great job

[@charise247]

Black Hippie really is a SUPER GROUP

[@demitasse22]

It’s all happening!

[@Kiowa371]

This was really good content 😊

[@TheCompanyMan]

thank you!

[@bigshmoo8275]

That Tiny desk was immaculate

[@rp2010]

SOULO! It’s all happening!

[@karaminalee]

Idk who you're talking to, I never ever stole any music. 😏 I never once made 150 mixed tape/cds off Napster.

[@TheCompanyMan]

Never ever... never ever... never ever...

[@karaminalee]

@@TheCompanyMan never ever bought blank cds by the pallet and spent days glued to the computer. Never ever.

[@TheCompanyMan]

I feel you. I'd also like to add that 47 volumes of DJ J Hunte Presents Hot Jamz never existed as well.

[@karaminalee]

@@TheCompanyMan lmaoooo. Hot Jamz. I'm only gonna refer to you as DJ J Hunte from now on.

[@BeenLyrical]

My condolences bro

[@ryankellz]

AB-SOUL TOP LYRICST in hiphop

[@ShawnWeeded510]

Soul Burger = Soul Food

[@grlbcc]

The cohost is reminiscent of T-Boz! She got some swag she holding back.

[@ess-pee-arr]

I was hoping the Effective Immediately interview would get covered here as it is a great supplement to the Daylyt interview. Gina Views is a great complement to DJ Hed on that show. I think she's the only one who I've ever really heard check DJ Hed on some of his comments consistently and successfully. In my opinion at one point Ab-Soul was the best MC TDE had. You know that saying they have for athletes "leave it all out on the court/field"? Well I feel Ab-Soul leaves it all out on wax when he raps.

[@Braillionaire]

The fact that SOUL recoiled at having Cole on the record tells you how much of a problem Cole really is. SOUL is a problem, and for him to day Cole ate them up is wild. Lol Not glazing. Just recognizing the levels of skill. Daylyt and Soul are masters of the craft!

[@avthegreat7014]

B1 FBA

[@BluEx22329]

Pi is probably the best rap song this year

[@kevthepoet]

Facts

[@luiz_fuego]

they shoulda turned Pi into a posse cut🔥

[@PaulDJPStewart]

Dope 🔥

[@EayuProuxm]

Good to know we're clearing the air of unnecessary animosity in Hip Hop

[@drizzyfreckles]

Good to AS back outside

[@LateNiteCrew01]

He also states they are friends

[@Jayvo_Of_Jamrock]

Shout out to Gina Views. She's hilarious!!

[@ChrisHtown]

It's a friendly fade!

[@brysenart]

off topic, but as a big fan of TDE in general, zay is always seemingly left out of conversations. is he not in w the tde guys anymore or was he always kinda more on his own despite the label signing? cilvia demo and the suns tirade are classics in my book, just an observation and sum i've been wondering if anyone has insight there

[@ghettogov6161]

Bro was mid then he had that tape come out.

[@KingPhilip_ULP]

FOMF was my sh¹t 🔥🔥🔥

[@S4Cxattack]

YMF!! Edit: his testimony ❤ and the cohost

[@derekjwilliams007]

Finally getting it right i see

[@KingZangoose-ABN]

What happened at 4:15 lol

[@StayBlessed47]

Lmao

[@TheCompanyMan]

hahahaahahaha! That's so funny!

[@AnthonyLSamuel]

I want people to show me examples of Cole sneak dissing because i don't see it. Cole is the most genuine rapper. People just trying to instigate for clicks.

[@Newportnews98]

He’s far from genuine

[@BdalingoFitnEnt]

Everybody Steppers, F it then everybody breakfast. And not just in those words. He’s a corn now and showed his real side. But check out What’s the Dirt break down of everything. He predicted the battle before it started

[@xx_v_xx4373]

They can't give examples without reaching or grasping at straws

[@xx_v_xx4373]

@@BdalingoFitnEnt "N****s so thirsty to put me in beef, Dissectin' my words and start lookin' too deep" you're literally proving these lines right from the exact same song you're quoting

[@AnthonyLSamuel]

@@BdalingoFitnEnt this is a reach one word "steppers" does not mean a sneak diss

[@DrUmarsBurner]

10:35 W Gina ✊🏾♥️🖤💚

[@crowing3886]

Am I tripping or is the title wrong? Lol

[@TheCompanyMan]

Nope. Not tripping at all. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@Tre2KRedd]

I’m confused about the title or maybe I’ve missed it cuz I’m high asf.

[@igweofart]

What part of Pi did they think it was a diss? 🤔

[@ghettogov6161]

Good to see Gina views

[@OrganicTrap]

Black Lip Pastor🔥

[@adrianhernandez215]

Hey can you do a video over Matt Nye?!!!!?!!!!!!!

[@JuanCastillo-yi4sc]

Me too, fkc 2022 🇩🇴😔🇵🇷

[@jamrockkicks896]

I need a n ab-soul / earthgang track

[@wIlIlIIll]

MOONSHOOTER AND DO BETTER STAY ON REPEAT STILL 🔂

[@TheCompanyMan]

"Shoot for the moon and keep a gun around... in a world so cold, at least the sun is out."

[@christopherlinton7614]

Mackwop podcast is called the Apollo...they rest of them are going to be on his head. Lol....

[@408nickanthony]

Sometimes Ab sounds just like Danny brown