Music Matters Daily: Ab-Soul Talks Battling Slaughterhouse

Plus Kendrick Lamar co-signs new concert app Turnstile.

Ab-Soul Opens Up in CRWN Interview - In a recent chat with Elliott Wilson, Ab-Soul talked battle rapping with Slaughterhouse, the intelligence of hip hop and the cover art for his These Days mixtape. “Battle rapping is like boxing,” he said. “I smoke a lot of weed, drink and do all these things. Daylyt is clean. He keeps electricity. He’s like a boxer. He’s charged. So, when you’re listening to the battle, whether you dig my bars or not, I feel, personally, his electricity is what took it. His battle stance took it versus my cool words.” Reflecting on the influence of rap pioneers like KRS-One, Soulo also noted, “To be hip is to be intelligent. hip hop is a movement, intelligent movement. That’s KRS-One. So I’m still trying to push that issue.” (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

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Ab-Soul Opens Up in CRWN Interview - In a recent chat with Elliott Wilson, Ab-Soul talked battle rapping with Slaughterhouse, the intelligence of hip hop and the cover art for his These Days mixtape. “Battle rapping is like boxing,” he said. “I smoke a lot of weed, drink and do all these things. Daylyt is clean. He keeps electricity. He’s like a boxer. He’s charged. So, when you’re listening to the battle, whether you dig my bars or not, I feel, personally, his electricity is what took it. His battle stance took it versus my cool words.” Reflecting on the influence of rap pioneers like KRS-One, Soulo also noted, “To be hip is to be intelligent. hip hop is a movement, intelligent movement. That’s KRS-One. So I’m still trying to push that issue.” (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Lyricist of the Year: Kendrick Lamar - If you had any questions before Kendrick Lamar dropped the "Control" verse last year, then his bars during last year's cypher should be enough to prove to you that he is without a doubt the Lyricist of the Year. (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

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Kendrick Backs New Music App - K.Dot, who’s been busy teasing his new single “I,” has also been making some major moves in the tech world with the help of rock band Linkin Park to promote the new app Turnstile. The innovative app allows concertgoers to download exclusive videos and merchandise from their favorite artists while at the show. Speaking on the collaboration, Kendrick explained, “TDE is all about elevating ourselves to the next level; this applies to both musical content and live performances. Turnstile is something we can get behind.”(Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Clear Channel)

K. Michelle Embraces Mary J. Blige - It was nothing short of heartwarming when K.Michelle was able to share words with her musical inspiration Mary J. Blige while visiting Power 105.1. K, who was being interviewed by The Breakfast Club, spotted Mary through the glass and expressed her admiration for the music veteran. What happened next was touching as the two singers embraced for the first time. Check out the moment, which was recorded on K.Michelle's Instagram.(Photo: K. Michelle via Instagram)

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K. Michelle Embraces Mary J. Blige - It was nothing short of heartwarming when K.Michelle was able to share words with her musical inspiration Mary J. Blige while visiting Power 105.1. K, who was being interviewed by The Breakfast Club, spotted Mary through the glass and expressed her admiration for the music veteran. What happened next was touching as the two singers embraced for the first time. Check out the moment, which was recorded on K.Michelle's Instagram.(Photo: K. Michelle via Instagram)

Jessie J to Perform Shows in NY and LA - “Bang Bang” singer Jessie J has been enjoying her time in the States so much that she’s staying to do some intimate shows on both coasts. The soulful Brit, who’s been enjoying lots of chart success due to her new single with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, will be headlining at the Gramercy Theater in N.Y. on Oct. 7 and the El Ray Theater in L.A. on Oct. 14. Her upcoming album, Sweet Talker, drops the same day as her Los Angeles show.

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Jessie J to Perform Shows in NY and LA - “Bang Bang” singer Jessie J has been enjoying her time in the States so much that she’s staying to do some intimate shows on both coasts. The soulful Brit, who’s been enjoying lots of chart success due to her new single with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj, will be headlining at the Gramercy Theater in N.Y. on Oct. 7 and the El Ray Theater in L.A. on Oct. 14. Her upcoming album, Sweet Talker, drops the same day as her Los Angeles show.

Mickey Factz - Brooklyn emcee Mickey Factz led Honda Accord's Rhymes & Reasons campaign back in 2010. "Everybody knows Honda is a sensible car for a sensible people. Most artists are portraying this lifestyle that they are ballin’ out of control and most of the fans are [sensible] fans,” he said. (Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)    

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Mickey Factz Announces Red or Blue Pill Tour - Bronx rapper Mickey Factz is heading to a city near you. The XXL Freshmen (class of '09) will hit up 11 cities on the Red or Blue Pill tour sponsored by the DJBooth and GoWhereHipHop. Headlining the jaunt, Factz will be joined by special guests Lyriqs Da Lyraciss and DJ Strategy. The tour kicks off Oct. 17 in New Orleans.(Photo: Raymond Boyd/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)    

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Rapsody Readies New EP - Rapsody is back with new material for the fans. The North Carolina female emcee is set to debut her new EP, Beauty and the Beast, on Oct. 7. The EP’s first single, "Hard to Choose," produced by famed producer 9th Wonder, dropped earlier this week. The EP will feature appearances from Raekwon, Mela Machinko, Mac Miller, Wale, Problem and Common.(Photo: Jamla Records)

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Rapsody Readies New EP - Rapsody is back with new material for the fans. The North Carolina female emcee is set to debut her new EP, Beauty and the Beast, on Oct. 7. The EP’s first single, "Hard to Choose," produced by famed producer 9th Wonder, dropped earlier this week. The EP will feature appearances from Raekwon, Mela Machinko, Mac Miller, Wale, Problem and Common.(Photo: Jamla Records)

ScHoolboy Q Performs at the Barclays Center - The Barclays Center was on fire this weekend with back to back concert events from some of the biggest names in music. The Weeknd kicked off his King of the Fall tour with help from ScHoolboy Q and Jhené Aiko. Q hit the stage to perform his popular singles “Studio” and “Man of the Year” from his Oxymoron album. He also spit his verse from the remix of newcomer Tinashe’s summer single, “2 On.” Prepared to make a statement, Q poked fun at the Kanye fiasco by asking the able bodied and wheelchair bound to stand up.(Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

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ScHoolboy Q Covers Sam Smith - ScHoolboy Q is the latest artist to jump on the Sam Smith fan wagon. The “Studio” rapper decided to lend some verses to the hit song “Latch,” by Smith and Disclosure. The cover is unexpected, certainly, and definitely worth the listen. Check it out here.(Photo: Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)

Ab-Soul Gives a Look Into His Life in New Video - Ab-Soul is letting fans into his life outside of just music with the help of watchLOUD. The rapper has dropped a new video on YouTube called "A Day in the Hustle," chronicling his everyday life as he returns to his hometown of Carson, Calif. for the feature. The video shows his interactions with his family and friends, rehearsal for his upcoming tour and shopping.(Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Electus Digital)

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Ab-Soul Gives a Look Into His Life in New Video - Ab-Soul is letting fans into his life outside of just music with the help of watchLOUD. The rapper has dropped a new video on YouTube called "A Day in the Hustle," chronicling his everyday life as he returns to his hometown of Carson, Calif. for the feature. The video shows his interactions with his family and friends, rehearsal for his upcoming tour and shopping.(Photo: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images for Electus Digital)

Stream Luke James's Full Album  - Like many celebrities nearing their album release date, Luke James has decided to stream his new album on Vevo for fans a week before its debut. The self-titled album from the Louisiana native features both a deluxe and standard version of the album. Check out the soulful sounds of Luke James here.(Photo: Island Records, UMG)

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Stream Luke James's Full Album  - Like many celebrities nearing their album release date, Luke James has decided to stream his new album on Vevo for fans a week before its debut. The self-titled album from the Louisiana native features both a deluxe and standard version of the album. Check out the soulful sounds of Luke James here.(Photo: Island Records, UMG)

Stalley Drops Album Cover Art - Stalley is slowly giving us pieces of his upcoming album as we near closer to its release. He revealed earlier this week the cover art to his new album as well as the tracklisting. According to the photo, we can look forward to collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, August Alsina, Rick Ross and more. Ohio is set to drop Oct. 27.(Photo: Maybach Music Group)

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Stalley Drops Album Cover Art - Stalley is slowly giving us pieces of his upcoming album as we near closer to its release. He revealed earlier this week the cover art to his new album as well as the tracklisting. According to the photo, we can look forward to collaborations with Nipsey Hussle, August Alsina, Rick Ross and more. Ohio is set to drop Oct. 27.(Photo: Maybach Music Group)

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Big K.R.I.T. to Drop Surprise Mixtape - If you thought that you were going to have to wait until Big K.R.I.T. dropped his new album, Cadillacta, in November to hear new music from the rapper, you’re wrong. He took to Twitter Monday night to announce that he would be dropping an unexpected mixtape on Tuesday. The mixtape, See Me On Top Vol. 4, will precede the Pay Attention tour that he is preparing for with Two-9 kicking off Oct. 2 in Charlotte.(Photo: Big KRIT via Instagram)

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Big K.R.I.T. to Drop Surprise Mixtape - If you thought that you were going to have to wait until Big K.R.I.T. dropped his new album, Cadillacta, in November to hear new music from the rapper, you’re wrong. He took to Twitter Monday night to announce that he would be dropping an unexpected mixtape on Tuesday. The mixtape, See Me On Top Vol. 4, will precede the Pay Attention tour that he is preparing for with Two-9 kicking off Oct. 2 in Charlotte.(Photo: Big KRIT via Instagram)

K. Michelle Releases 'Love 'Em All' Single and Cover Art - Last week, K. Michelle teased a snippet of her new song, “Love 'Em All” on Instagram and now the wait is over. K dropped the full song and cover art for the first single off her second album and it’s very different for the soulful songstress. The pop-rock ballad chronicles a woman who’s in full control of her dating life and makes no excuses for the men she toys with. They all think she loves them especially, but K playfully sings she loves 'em all.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

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K. Michelle Releases 'Love 'Em All' Single and Cover Art - Last week, K. Michelle teased a snippet of her new song, “Love 'Em All” on Instagram and now the wait is over. K dropped the full song and cover art for the first single off her second album and it’s very different for the soulful songstress. The pop-rock ballad chronicles a woman who’s in full control of her dating life and makes no excuses for the men she toys with. They all think she loves them especially, but K playfully sings she loves 'em all.(Photo: Atlantic Records)

Elle Varner Rocks The Queen Latifah Show - Elle Varner has been hitting the promo circuit lately with her new single “Don’t Wanna Dance” and to talk up her forthcoming sophomore album. This week, she made an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show to help the actress and TV personality kick off season two.(Photo: Flavor Unit Entertainment)

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Elle Varner Rocks The Queen Latifah Show - Elle Varner has been hitting the promo circuit lately with her new single “Don’t Wanna Dance” and to talk up her forthcoming sophomore album. This week, she made an appearance on The Queen Latifah Show to help the actress and TV personality kick off season two.(Photo: Flavor Unit Entertainment)

ScHoolboy Q and Lupe Fiasco Make Plans to Collab via Twitter - Twatching [read: tweet watching] your favorite celebrities can be advantageous when done correctly. ScHoolboy Q took to Twitter to give fellow rapper Lupe Fiasco shout outs for his sophomore album The Cool, which Q dubbed “1 of my fav albums eva.” However, it was Lupe’s response that caused excitement all over the web. “honored my G...@ScHoolBoyQ #Pullup bro when you got the time trying to finish off my #TDE collab list...:),” he wrote.(Photos from left: Rahav Segev/Getty Images for BET, Jusy Eddy/WENN.com)

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ScHoolboy Q and Lupe Fiasco Make Plans to Collab via Twitter - Twatching [read: tweet watching] your favorite celebrities can be advantageous when done correctly. ScHoolboy Q took to Twitter to give fellow rapper Lupe Fiasco shout outs for his sophomore album The Cool, which Q dubbed “1 of my fav albums eva.” However, it was Lupe’s response that caused excitement all over the web. “honored my G...@ScHoolBoyQ #Pullup bro when you got the time trying to finish off my #TDE collab list...:),” he wrote.(Photos from left: Rahav Segev/Getty Images for BET, Jusy Eddy/WENN.com)

Macklemore Performs "Arrows" With Christopher Mansfield - Macklemore and his good friend Christopher Mansfield, of the indie rock band Fences, hit the Good Morning America stage early Monday to perform their new song “Arrows,” produced by Ryan Lewis. Check out the high energy performance here.(Photos from left: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Rolling Stone, Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

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Macklemore Performs "Arrows" With Christopher Mansfield - Macklemore and his good friend Christopher Mansfield, of the indie rock band Fences, hit the Good Morning America stage early Monday to perform their new song “Arrows,” produced by Ryan Lewis. Check out the high energy performance here.(Photos from left: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Rolling Stone, Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)

(Photo: Island Records)

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Luke James Drops New Video for "Exit Wounds" - Luke James has been doing non-stop promo for his upcoming debut album, including dropping back-to-back singles, videos and performances. This week, the Louisiana soul singer is back again with the visuals for his new ballad “Exit Wounds,” which he premiered on Global Grind.(Photo: Island Records)