No matter what the naysayers believe, lyricism is alive and well. There are still some artists here who emphasize expressing their artistic creativity in the form of indelible rhythms. Rappers take their craft seriously and rise to the occasion when it comes to showcasing their skills. Ab-Soul, Ferg and Sauce Walka showcase their deep lyrical talents as three artists bring their best bars to the mic at XXL Cypher Lab for a can’t-miss boxing event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Live airs on Netflix on Friday, November 15th.
Following the first Cypher Lab last year, which featured female rappers Latto, Flo Milli, Monaleo, Maiya The Don and Mello Buckzz, this time the focus is on three MCs representing the three-dimensional region, whose rap has been influencing the scene for decades. respective cities and other areas. Ab-Soul brings West Coast energy from Carson, California, a touch of Sauce Walka straight from Houston, and Ferg’s creative flair from Harlem. The hip-hop triad came together in early October at The 1896 Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to release a cypher that celebrates lyricism and a brotherhood that goes deeper than rap. Producers Smoko Ono and Tommy Parker worked together to create the beats, while New York City DJ C-Lo provided the vocals for cypher.
It’s been four years since Ferg’s last album, Floor Seats II, and he’s back in business ahead of his next project, Darold, due out later this year. The 36-year-old rapper’s code verse is a nod to the work he’s done both on and off the microphone. “I’ve been gone four years and you still haven’t made it/busy writing papers trying to keep my uncle away from the bricks,” Fergie said.
We can’t discuss the intellectual movement in hip-hop without mentioning Ab-Soul, whose new mixtape “Soul Burger” will be released on November 8th. His view of the world. “This big, bad world doesn’t owe you anything/You owe yourself/All this old greatness wasted in our genes/We need to tighten our belts,” Ab-Soul raps.
Sauce Walka prides himself on preaching what he calls the ghetto gospel. The 34-year-old MC’s code verses offer insights and information from the perspective of an entrepreneurial rap slangist. He is working on his own comics and has a new album coming soon. “This shit they don’t want me to spit on, haha/Why isn’t entrepreneurship a high school course?/On the street I see smart people dying for some stupid shit,” Sauce said.
Watch Sauce Walka, Ab-Soul and Ferg share a lyrical exchange in the XXL Cypher Lab, presented by the must-see boxing event: Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson streaming on Netflix at 11 ET Friday, March 15th at 8pm/5pm PT.
