All That — Ab-Soul

Soul's music is akin to a well-made soup, with references to previous songs and characters from Nickelodeon comedy TV shows. The song "Welcome to Soul Burger, home of the Soul Burger" is a clever and braggadocious line, referencing Rich Homie Quan's song Blah Blah Blah. The line "Tongue" refers to the strip of material underneath the laces of a sneaker, displaying the brand's name. Soul wears a luxury brand, "Comme des garçons," a luxury brand that means "like boys." This line asserts his masculinity and deserving respect from his juniors. The song pays homage to The Fugees, whose name is derived from the word refugee ("rep you, G"), specifically their hit song, Ready Or Not. Soul has previously paid homage to Fugees member Lauryn Hill on his song, Go Off. The lyric "Rebirth of Slick" is a throwback to Digable Planets' song Rebirth of Slick, stating that they are as essential to rap as a key is to a lock. The song is a reminder to watch one's language and respect others.

Song Info

• Title: All That
• Album: Soul Burger
• Featuring: JasonMartin & Thirsty P
• Producers: TaeBeast & Rascal
• Release Date: October 18, 2024
• Genre: Hip-Hop, West Coast Rap

Lyrics Meaning

[Intro: Ab-Soul]

Ab-Soul opens with a laid-back but confident tone, setting the scene for his bold and assertive delivery. This line acts as a quick warm-up before he dives into the song’s core themes of self-assurance and resilience.

[Chorus: Ab-Soul]

In the chorus, Ab-Soul claims, “Same soup, I just had to reheat it,” a metaphor suggesting he’s still the same artist but refined and even sharper. The comparison to the classic TV show *All That* hints at nostalgia while also asserting his relevance. By declaring, “I’m with all that,” he shows he’s prepared to face any challenge, blending bravado with a sense of unchanging purpose.

[Post-Chorus: Thirsty P]

Thirsty P follows with “whole lot of gang shit,” repeating the phrase to emphasize loyalty and solidarity. This post-chorus strengthens the collective energy in the song, signaling unity and pride in their roots. It’s an unapologetic, direct statement of belonging to a powerful, unbreakable crew.

[Verse 1: Ab-Soul]

Ab-Soul advises caution, saying, “Please watch your tongue when you talkin’ to me.” With references to designer brands like Comme des Garçons and Converse, he illustrates his unique style—casual yet refined. His line, “We be to rap what key be to lock,” implies he’s integral to the genre, a natural fit who understands hip-hop deeply. Ab-Soul then warns his enemies to "retreat before we bleed your block," indicating that he won’t back down from a confrontation. He humorously invokes Jay Leno, comparing his late nights to the comedian's long-standing talk show, while also demanding his dues with, “Run me my cake or else I'm blowin' out your candle,” meaning he expects respect or he’ll retaliate. The final line, “Y'all know where I'm from, shh, shh, Del Amo,” grounds him in his origins, emphasizing his connection to his hometown.

[Chorus: Ab-Soul]

The chorus repeats, reinforcing Ab-Soul’s “reheated” approach to his craft. He stays rooted in his identity while adapting to new challenges, staying prepared for whatever comes his way. The nostalgic reference to *All That* is a reminder of his ability to balance playfulness with serious intent.

[Post-Chorus: Thirsty P]

Thirsty P’s second post-chorus continues to reinforce unity and loyalty. The repeated phrases echo the camaraderie of his crew, establishing them as a cohesive force that’s “with all that,” reinforcing their shared sense of purpose.

[Verse 2: JasonMartin]

JasonMartin begins with an immediate challenge: “We checked your file, you are not CPT,” questioning authenticity. He dismisses others for not experiencing real hardships, with “You never swapped chilly for EBT,” referring to struggles that those outside of their world wouldn’t understand. Comparing “cheese” to Taylor Swift—“ready to pop”—is a playful reference to mainstream fame. He goes on to describe his dedication to staying true to his roots, likening his commitment to "tennis, that’s squat," where he holds his ground. His line about advice from “villains and thots” captures his outlook on wisdom from unexpected sources. The verse ends with playful aggression as he warns, “Hit her with the woo-wop, get a nigga boo-bopped,” a callback to his unrelenting loyalty to his own.

[Chorus: Ab-Soul]

The chorus repeats once more, with Ab-Soul’s bold stance becoming almost an anthem within the track. He’s fully embracing his identity and his message: he’s here to stay, and he’s “with all that” unconditionally.

[Post-Chorus: Thirsty P]

Thirsty P reinforces the same sentiment again, echoing the loyalty of their community and their unbreakable sense of unity.

[Outro: Ab-Soul]

The outro brings the song to a contemplative close, with Ab-Soul saying, “Talkin’ ‘bout nothin’ / We about nothin’ / We gonna be alright.” It’s a nod to the idea of keeping grounded and not getting caught up in meaningless chatter. This line subtly hints at resilience and staying focused on what really matters, echoing Kendrick Lamar's famous line "We gon' be alright" as a promise to persevere.

Top 8 Songs Similar to "All That" by Ab-Soul

1. "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar - A powerful anthem of resilience, “Alright” shares a similar sentiment of staying grounded and defiant despite adversity, echoing Ab-Soul’s self-assured, unbreakable stance in “All That.”
2. "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" by Digable Planets - Known for its smooth vibe and bold confidence, this song mirrors the playful yet assertive style in “All That.” The interpolation of Digable Planets in Ab-Soul's track adds to its vintage, jazzy feel.
3. "Man of the Year" by ScHoolboy Q - This track shares Ab-Soul’s confident, unapologetic tone. ScHoolboy Q's proud assertions of success and loyalty align well with the energy Ab-Soul conveys in his lyrics.
4. "Mo Money Mo Problems" by The Notorious B.I.G. - This classic track reflects themes of loyalty, identity, and the challenges that come with success, paralleling Ab-Soul’s reflections on remaining authentic amidst growth.
5. "A Tale of 2 Citiez" by J. Cole - J. Cole’s exploration of his roots and the loyalty to his origins aligns with Ab-Soul’s message of staying true to his community and remaining unfazed by external pressures.
6. "G.O.M.D." by J. Cole - With themes of confidence and resistance to critics, “G.O.M.D.” captures the same assertiveness and swagger found in “All That.” J. Cole’s pride in his success echoes Ab-Soul’s stance.
7. "Numb Numb Juice" by ScHoolboy Q - Known for its intense, raw energy, this track reflects a similar boldness and sense of loyalty to one's origins. Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q share a direct, fearless style in their lyrics.
8. "Can't Tell Me Nothing" by Kanye West - This Kanye track is full of self-confidence and defiance against doubters, much like Ab-Soul’s declaration that he’s “with all that.” Both songs emphasize resilience and self-belief against the odds.