Ab-Soul Turns the House of Blues into the House of Bars on His Soul Burger Tour

Aug 7

Houston was lucky to be one of the chosen stops on Ab-Soul’s Soul Burger Tour, and he delivered a show that felt more like a sermon than a concert. On July 27, held at the iconic House of Blues, the venue pulsed with the energy of die-hard fans who showed up early, ready to give the TDE heavyweight the flowers he’s long deserved.

Ab-Soul, repping Carson, Calif., and once a core member of the LA supergroup Black Hippy alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and ScHoolboy Q, has always stood out for his ability to lace his bars with philosophy, vulnerability, and grit. From the moment he stepped on stage wearing his signature sunglasses and a steely calm, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary night.

The show opened with a high-energy set from his DJ, who spun a carefully crafted mix of classic joints and bangers that got the crowd hyped and ready. When Ab-Soul hit the mic, there were no flashy visuals or dancers, just a spotlight, a mic, and his presence. That alone was enough. The stage was minimal, yet the impact was massive.

While the tour celebrates his 2024 album Soul Burger, the setlist was a journey through his full discography. He performed standouts like “9 Mile,” “Terrorist Threats,” “Illuminate,” “Pineal Gland,” “The Law,” and “All That,” weaving together a narrative that touched on spirituality, grief, trauma, enlightenment, and the complexity of being a Black man in America. His voice cut through the room with precision, and each lyric hit with weight and intention.

About halfway through the set, Ab-Soul took off his shirt, revealing a chest and stomach covered in tattoos that spoke just as loudly as his lyrics. It was a powerful visual; raw, honest, and symbolic of the layers he peels back in his music. He stood there with nothing but his mic, his words, and a crowd hanging onto every line.

At one point, he brought a young fan on stage to perform alongside him, creating a moment of connection that drew cheers and smiles from the crowd. The room, packed wall to wall, wasn’t filled with casual listeners. These were true fans, reciting each word like scripture. Every pause, every cadence, every beat drop was met with enthusiastic responses.

The vibes throughout the night were immaculate. People came to feel something, and Ab-Soul gave them everything. There was no ego, just art. No smoke and mirrors, just soul. He gave a performance that reminded us that he's one of the most underrated artists in the game; a lyrical visionary who isn’t afraid to dig deep and take listeners with him.

By the end of the night, Houston had made one thing clear: this city shows up for real hip-hop. And in return, Ab-Soul showed us why he’s a favorite among true hip-hop heads. Not because of flashy fame or chart-topping singles, but because he brings truth, intellect, and authenticity to every single verse.

The Soul Burger Tour stop in Houston was a celebration of bars, vulnerability, and the kind of artistry that sticks with you long after the last beat fades.