Ab-Soul live in Atlanta

Last night was my introduction to Ab-Soul and it hit hard. The World Famous Soul Burger Tour pulled up to a packed house, and the moment he stepped on stage, the energy flipped. He opened with “9 Mile,” a track that felt both personal and cinematic definitely a nod to 8 Mile, but also a deeper tribute to someone clearly important to him: Gionardo Burg, aka Doeburger. The tour feels like it’s carrying his memory the entire way through.

I wasn’t familiar with Ab-Soul’s work before, but after last night, I’m locked in. His flow is smooth, methodical, and intentional and every word delivered like it mattered. And the crowd knew every lyric. They didn’t just rap along, they felt it. At one point I put the camera down just to take in the sea of people shouting bar for bar with him. It was one of those moments where you realize you’re witnessing someone doing what they’re born to do.

Before Ab-Soul came out, the DJ ran through a crazy set featuring Kendrick’s “Mad City” shook the room. That one always hits, and you could tell it was setting the tone for what was coming. Makes sense since Ab-Soul and Kendrick are both TDE family, and that legacy runs deep.

His fit? Effortlessly him. Braids tight, shades on, layered chains, and a distressed tee with the words “All bad things must come to an end” across the chest. A reminder and a statement. His whole look had a weight to it; gritty, raw, and intentional, just like his music.

One of the openers was a Chicago rapper who brought a lot of heart. He even did a short spoken word piece which he admitted was his first time ever performing live. That vulnerability didn’t go unnoticed, and the crowd showed love.

This was more than a concert it was a space held for legacy, bars, and Black expression in all its forms. Definitely a night to remember.