And maybe that’s the deepest truth of Ab-Soul these days: The ones who still unpack. Who still read the .txt file that comes with the bootleg—a note that says: “Thanks for stealing this. I hope it finds you homeless in the heart. Love, Soulo.”

Before diving into the specifics of "These Days...", it's essential to understand Ab-Soul's artistry and what sets him apart from other rappers in the industry. Born Robert Bryson Lee, Ab-Soul is a Los Angeles-based rapper who rose to fame in the early 2010s as a member of the hip-hop collective Black Hippy. His music often explores themes of existentialism, social commentary, and personal growth, all set to a backdrop of intricate lyricism and a distinctive vocal style.

The 15-track album boasts a star-studded lineup from the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) roster and beyond:

The project is packed with TDE royalty and underground icons, including Kendrick Lamar , SZA , ScHoolboy Q , Jay Rock , Action Bronson , and Danny Brown .