Los Angeles rapper Ab-Soul is a prolific wordsmith who weaves thought-provoking philosophies and confessions into his introspective rhymes. • He was exposed to music at a young age thanks to his grandfather, who owned a record store called Magic Disc Music. • As a child, Ab-Soul was hospitalized with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which caused him to develop dark lips and light-sensitive eyes. • He started rapping when he was around 12 years old. He credits the BlackPlanet freestyle chat with helping to develop his rhyming skills, though he mostly considered it a hobby at the time. • After signing to Top Dawg Entertainment, he released Long Term in 2009. The free mixtape evolved into a series featuring Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Jay Rock, and others. • In 2008, he teamed up with Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, and Jay Rock to form the group Black Hippy. • Ab-Soul’s 2012 sophomore album, Control System, includes a heartfelt track called “The Book of Soul” that serves as a tribute to the loss of his best friend and former girlfriend Alori Joh. • The title of his 2016 album Do What Thou Wilt. refers to the “Thelema” philosophy espoused by English occultist, magician, and novelist Aleister Crowley. The project includes guest features from SZA, Zacari, Mac Miller, Rapsody, Bas, and more.