Ab-Soul, the Grammy-nominated TDE MC, took the stage at the fifth and final Dreamville Fest, sharing his excitement and reflections on the event in an exclusive interview with Billboard. Just days after hinting at a collaboration with Roc Marciano, Ab-Soul expressed his gratitude for finally being part of the festival lineup, jokingly questioning why it took so long. “I’m a little offended because me and [J.] Cole are very good friends, and I’m a very good rapper, if not the best rapper of all time,” he said. “They really saved the best for last!”
This year marks Ab-Soul’s inaugural appearance at the North Carolina festival, but it may not be his last. During a press conference on April 3, festival organizers announced that Dreamville Fest will return in the future under a new format. Ab-Soul, who has a personal connection with many artists in the Dreamville collective, noted the deep relationships he has formed over the years, stating, “These are really my guys. They’re undeniable. They’re true MCs, true artists.”
His recent work, including the sixth studio album Soul Burger, pays tribute to his late best friend, Doeburger, who passed away in 2021. The album features collaborations with artists like Doechii, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lupe Fiasco, with Doeburger credited as a writer on all tracks. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Ab-Soul expressed his appreciation for J. Cole’s insights and emphasized the importance of honoring his friend through music. “I didn’t do this for views nor to monetize. I did this to honor someone who was undoubtedly ‘none of a kind,’” he wrote.
Looking ahead, Ab-Soul teased a new project titled Soul Burger: The Odyssey, which he describes as distinct from his previous album. He explained, “Soul Burger is a character; it’s the fusion of me and Doeburger. The Odyssey is… the odyssey. It’s one of the most special pieces I’ve ever put together. It’s very therapeutic — liberating, if you will. It’s a continuous ode to my brother.”
As he prepares for upcoming performances, including an appearance at Wiz Khalifa’s 420 on the Rocks show, Ab-Soul shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. With new music on the horizon and a memorable performance at Dreamville Fest behind him, fans can look forward to what this talented artist has in store.
