In the world of hip-hop, collaboration is everything. One of the most memorable moments in recent music history involves a little-known story about Ab-Soul, one of the most talented lyricists in the game, and his unexpected feature on J. Cole’s mixtape, ‘Might Delete Later’. As one of the most influential rappers of this generation, J. Cole has always been known for his ability to discover and collaborate with unique talents. But when it comes to Ab-Soul’s feature on this mixtape, things didn’t go exactly as planned, leading to a story that is as funny as it is iconic. Let’s dive into this story, unpacking the background and significance of Ab-Soul’s involvement, and why this moment resonates with fans to this day.
Who is Ab-Soul?
Before we get into the funny story behind the mixtape, it’s important to understand who Ab-Soul is. Born Herbert Anthony Stevens IV, Ab-Soul is a critically acclaimed rapper and songwriter, best known as a member of Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), alongside artists like Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, and Jay Rock. Ab-Soul is celebrated for his intricate wordplay, deep introspection, and ability to weave together philosophical themes with streetwise wisdom. His lyrics often delve into topics such as existentialism, social justice, and personal struggles, setting him apart as one of the more cerebral artists in contemporary rap.
Ab-Soul’s contribution to the hip-hop scene has been nothing short of revolutionary, but his collaboration with J. Cole brought him into a different spotlight, one that has led to much intrigue over the years.
The Unexpected Feature on J. Cole’s Mixtape
J. Cole, widely regarded for his storytelling abilities and sharp lyrical prowess, had been working on ‘Might Delete Later,’ a mixtape that showcased his most raw and unfiltered work. Unlike his more polished studio albums, ‘Might Delete Later’ was designed to give fans an inside look into Cole’s creative process—tracks that were spontaneous, unfinished, or simply experimental. However, amidst this collection of raw tracks was one that featured a surprise collaboration: Ab-Soul.
According to Ab-Soul, the way he ended up on the mixtape was far from ordinary. During an interview, Ab-Soul recalled that the collaboration came about during a studio session where he wasn’t even supposed to be recording with Cole. As he tells it, he was simply hanging out, vibing with the music, when J. Cole played a beat that caught his attention. Almost instinctively, Ab-Soul started freestyling over the beat, much to everyone’s surprise.
“Might Not Even Remember” – Ab-Soul’s Take
The funniest part of the story, as Ab-Soul recounts, is that he doesn’t even remember recording the verse. “I was so in the moment, I might not even remember it,” he laughed during the interview. He explained that it wasn’t meant to be a formal collaboration, but J. Cole, impressed by the spontaneous brilliance of the verse, decided to keep it and feature it on the mixtape. Ab-Soul went on to joke that he found out about his feature the same way most fans did—by listening to the mixtape after it dropped.
This impromptu feature ended up becoming one of the standout moments on ‘Might Delete Later,’ adding to the mystique and raw energy of the project.
Why This Story Resonates with Fans
What makes this story so engaging for fans is the element of surprise and spontaneity, something that resonates with the way many fans view both J. Cole and Ab-Soul. Both artists are known for their deep introspection and commitment to the craft of lyricism, yet they also have a sense of authenticity and playfulness that shines through moments like this.
Fans love to hear stories where their favorite artists reveal the behind-the-scenes moments that shaped their music, especially when those moments involve unexpected or unplanned collaborations. In this case, Ab-Soul’s hilarious recounting of the event only added to his reputation as one of the most down-to-earth figures in hip-hop.
The Significance of the Collaboration
Ab-Soul’s feature on J. Cole’s mixtape holds significance beyond just the humor of the story. In a world where many features are meticulously planned and marketed, this collaboration stands as a reminder of the organic nature of true artistry. For both Ab-Soul and J. Cole, their music has always been about more than just the beats and rhymes; it’s about capturing a moment, an energy, a feeling. The fact that this feature happened almost by accident adds to the authenticity of both artists and speaks to their ability to create something memorable without overthinking it.
In addition, the track cemented the ongoing respect between the two artists. J. Cole and Ab-Soul, though different in style, share a mutual admiration for each other’s work, and this feature on ‘Might Delete Later’ further solidified their place in the upper echelon of hip-hop’s most respected lyricists.
Impact on Future Collaborations
Following the release of ‘Might Delete Later,’ fans have eagerly anticipated more collaborations between Ab-Soul and J. Cole. While the two have yet to officially team up for a full project, the possibility remains on the table, and their fans continue to hope for more music from this dynamic pairing. The impromptu nature of this particular collaboration makes it all the more exciting to think about what they could create if they intentionally worked together on a more polished project.
Fans’ Reactions to the Story
The story behind this collaboration has been shared widely among fans, generating countless discussions on social media. Many fans have praised the effortless chemistry between the two artists, while others have enjoyed the humor behind how Ab-Soul didn’t even remember recording the verse. The story adds a layer of humanity to both artists, showing that even the biggest stars in hip-hop have moments of spontaneity that result in timeless music.
Ab-Soul’s feature on J. Cole’s mixtape ‘Might Delete Later’ may have started as an unplanned moment in the studio, but it has since become a story that fans love to revisit. Not only does it highlight the playful side of these two legendary artists, but it also reminds us of the beauty of spontaneous creativity. The funny story behind the feature, paired with the undeniable talent of both Ab-Soul and J. Cole, makes this a moment that will be remembered for years to come in the annals of hip-hop history.
