“They want the whole thing zipped / but can’t handle the unzipping / I’m a folder of open wounds / on a dead drive / These days.”
| Track No. | Title | Key Feature(s) / Producer(s) | Details & Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | | feat. SZA / prod. by Purity Ring | The ethereal opener sets a spiritual tone with SZA's smooth vocals. | | 2 | Tree of Life | prod. by Curti$$ King & DJ Dahi | A showcase of Ab-Soul's signature wordplay and metaphorical depth. | | 3 | Hunnid Stax | feat. ScHoolboy Q / prod. by Kenny Beats | A high-energy, "hustler's anthem" driven by a standout verse from Q. | | 4 | Dub Sac | prod. by Dave Free & Tommy Black | A quintessential weed-smoking, party anthem known for its hazy, smooth production. | | 5 | World Runners | feat. Lupe Fiasco & Nikki Jean / prod. by Tae Beast | A track that brings together two of hip-hop's most lyrical minds. | | 6 | Nevermind That | feat. Rick Ross / prod. by The Kathy | A standout track that many critics felt would stay on repeat. | | 7 | Twact | feat. Jinx & Short Dawg / prod. by DNYC3 | Slang for being under the influence; a track reminiscent of the DJ Mustard sound. | | 8 | Just Have Fun | prod. by Like and Blended Babies | A lighter, more carefree interlude that lives up to its name. | | 9 | Kendrick Lamar's Interlude | feat. Kendrick Lamar / prod. by Terrace Martin | A highlight, featuring a ferocious verse from Lamar over jazzy, West Coast production. | | 10 | Closure | prod. by Sounwave / add. vocals Jhené Aiko | A surprisingly effective and relatable track about heartbreak. | | 11 | Sapiosexual | prod. by J. Cole | A bizarre track where Soul raps about being attracted to intelligence, often cited as a low point. | | 12 | Stigmata | feat. Action Bronson & Asaad / prod. by Rahki | A gritty, intense track that further explores the album's darker themes. | | 13 | Feelin' Us | feat. Jay Rock & Ravaughn / prod. by Skhye Hutch | A declaration of undeniable skill and appeal featuring fellow Black Hippy member Jay Rock. | | 14 | Ride Slow | feat. Danny Brown & Delusional Thomas / prod. by Larry Fisherman | A standout, dark and psychedelic track produced by Mac Miller (as Larry Fisherman). | | 15 | W.R.O.H. | feat. JMSN / prod. by Tae Beast | The ambitious 23-minute closer, which includes a pre-recorded rap battle with Daylyt, cementing the album's unique nature. | ab-soul these days... zip download
Kendrick Lamar was riding the wave of good kid, m.A.A.d city . “They want the whole thing zipped / but
The sonic landscape of the album was crafted by a "who's who" of elite producers. With contributions from , the project shifts seamlessly from ethereal jazz-rap to heavy, distorted trap beats. by Purity Ring | The ethereal opener sets
Ab-Soul is a "rapper's rapper," and fans want to analyze his complex metaphors and rhyme schemes without the interruption of streaming service ads.
Released on April 23, 2021, "These Days..." is the sixth studio album by American rapper Ab-Soul, a member of the hip hop collective Odd Future.
Hope this guide helps you explore the album! Did you have a specific question about one of the tracks or the album's background, or would you like some recommendations for similar projects from that era?