This year’s Black History Month celebration at the Tiny Desk features a carefully crafted lineup spanning many genres, generations and walks of life. Each artist represents the best in their class and will be performing at the Tiny Desk for the first time.
Bobby Carter | February 23, 2023
Hip-hop artists arguably make the most significant adjustments to play behind the Tiny Desk. The essence is two turntables and a microphone which, in time, evolved into bands for some. Ab-Soul, rarely seen with a live band, hand-picked a group of musicians he deemed the “Soulersystem” for his turn at the Desk. This display of raw honesty and next-level lyricism comes from his latest album, HERBERT. Before launching into some brand-new bars, he reminded us we’d approached a landmark in hip-hop culture this year: “We just here to restore the feeling. What you say? Fifty years of hip hop?”
Herbert Stevens IV is a prime example of how rap music has grown. There’s always a song to feel good and party to. Soul can do that, but he’s best known for his music’s depth, vulnerability and wordplay. The Carson, Calif. native has spared few details about what he’s endured and how much he’s lost. The opening frame of his performance shows the back of his customized jacket, featuring an image of one of his best friends, DoeBurger, who passed in 2021. The framed pictures surrounding the desk are from his childhood, some graphically detailing his bout with Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This rare disorder ravaged his skin and eventually left him legally blind.
Between the HERBERT songs, Soul delivered more never-heard-before rhymes over instrumentals from 2012’s Control System. He perfectly conveys the emotional shift between the two “BE LIKE THAT” verses, and throughout the entire set, the band adds even more subtle nuances. He closes with “GOTTA RAP,” but not before another exclusive verse that will surely get people talking. Ab-Soul wanted to release his Tiny Desk on his birthday, which feels suitable as he considers this his “second second chance.”
SET LIST
“MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”
“Bohemian Grove”
“IT BE LIKE THAT”
“FOMF”
“Terrorist Threats”
“FALLACY”
“DO BETTER”
“The Book of Soul”
“GOTTA RAP”
MUSICIANS
Ab-Soul: vocals
Amaire Johnson: keys, music director
Josh Rose: bass
Taylor Hecocks: guitar
Timothy McLaurin: drums
David Young: trumpet
Kevin Woods: trumpet
Gabrielle Garo: saxophone, flute
Noleac Yahsin: vocals
Lance Skiiiwalker: vocals, effects
Zacari: vocals
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bobby Carter
Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin
Creative Director: Bob Boilen
Director/Editor: Joshua Bryant
Videographers: Joshua Bryant, Catie Dull, Sofia Seidel, Maia Stern
Audio Assistant: Alex Drewenskus
Production Assistants: Ashley Pointer, Jill Britton
Tiny Desk Team: Suraya Mohamed, Kara Frame, Marissa Lorusso, Hazel Cills
VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
Ab-Soul, also known as Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, is a rapper from Los Angeles, California. He gained popularity in the hip-hop scene through his unique flow and philosophical lyrics that tackle themes of spirituality, race, and personal struggles. In 2017, Ab-Soul performed for NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concert series, delivering a mesmerizing performance that showcased his lyrical prowess and dynamic stage presence. In this article, we’ll break down his performance and why it’s worth watching.
The Setlist
“MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE”
“Bohemian Grove”
“IT BE LIKE THAT”
“FOMF”
“Terrorist Threats”
“FALLACY”
“DO BETTER”
“The Book of Soul”
“GOTTA RAP”
The Performance
Ab-Soul’s performance for Tiny Desk Concert was a masterclass in lyricism and stage presence. Backed by a live band, Ab-Soul’s flow was on full display as he effortlessly navigated through each track, pausing only to engage with the audience and add his signature ad-libs. The live instrumentation added an extra layer of depth to each song, allowing Ab-Soul’s lyrics to shine through and hit home with the audience.
The Message
One of the things that sets Ab-Soul apart from other rappers is his philosophical approach to his lyrics. He often tackles complex themes like spirituality and race, challenging his listeners to think critically about the world around them. In his Tiny Desk Concert performance, Ab-Soul continues this tradition, weaving powerful messages into each of his songs.
In “D.R.U.G.S.”, for example, Ab-Soul paints a vivid picture of the realities of drug addiction and the toll it takes on individuals and society as a whole. In “RAW (backwards)”, he encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and reject societal norms that tell them to conform. And in “Ride Slow”, Ab-Soul reflects on his own personal growth and the lessons he’s learned over the years, encouraging listeners to do the same.
The Verdict
Ab-Soul’s Tiny Desk Concert performance is a must-watch for any hip-hop fan. His unique style and philosophical approach to his lyrics make him a standout in the genre, and his performance for NPR Music showcases his talent and stage presence. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, engaging performance, look no further than Ab-Soul’s Tiny Desk Concert.
Who is Ab-Soul?
Ab-Soul is a rapper who has made a name for himself in the hip-hop scene through his unique flow and philosophical lyrics. His Tiny Desk Concert performance for NPR Music is a shining example of his talent and stage presence, showcasing his ability to craft thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with his fans. With a setlist that includes “D.R.U.G.S.”, “RAW (backwards)”, and “Ride Slow”, Ab-Soul’s performance is a masterclass in lyricism and message. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to give it a watch!
