For fans, "These Days..." rewards patience with dense, thought-provoking bars and moments of genuine emotional resonance. As a standalone listen (especially from a zip download version that may include rough mixes or bonus tracks), it feels like an intimate listen rather than a polished statement — a valuable, if imperfect, entry in Ab-Soul’s catalogue.
In the late spring of 2014, the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) message boards and hip-hop subreddits were buzzing with a single, frantic query: "Ab-Soul These Days... zip download."
This wasn't just a search for a file; it was a symptom of the intense, cult-like anticipation for Ab-Soul’s major-label debut. For fans who had spent years dissecting the "Black Lip Pastor’s" conspiracy-laden verses on Control System , the wait for
The A$AP Mob, a collective of artists from Harlem, New York, has been a dominant force in the hip-hop scene since the early 2010s. Two of the most prominent members of this collective are A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg, who have both made significant contributions to the group's success. In 2014, they collaborated on a mixtape titled "These Days...", which was released to critical acclaim and commercial success. This essay will explore the significance of "These Days...", its impact on the hip-hop landscape, and the themes and styles presented in the mixtape.
"These Days..." was released on August 19, 2014, and features 16 tracks with guest appearances from a range of artists, including Lil Wayne, Schoolboy Q, and Rae Sremmurd, among others. The mixtape was a follow-up to A$AP Rocky's debut studio album "Long. Live. A$AP", which was released in 2013 to widespread critical acclaim. "These Days..." was met with similar praise, with many critics praising the chemistry and camaraderie between A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg.
One of the most significant aspects of "These Days..." is its exploration of life in Harlem and the struggles faced by young black men growing up in urban America. The mixtape is characterized by its gritty, raw lyrics, which touch on themes such as poverty, violence, and racism. A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg's lyrics are marked by their vivid storytelling and poetic flow, which paint a picture of life in Harlem and the world beyond. ab-soul these days... zip download
The mixtape also features a range of musical styles, from the soulful, atmospheric production of "Wild for the Night" to the melodic, hook-driven "Multiply". The production on "These Days..." is notable for its eclecticism, incorporating elements of jazz, soul, and electronic music into the hip-hop sound. This experimentation with different styles and sounds helped to set "These Days..." apart from other hip-hop releases of the time.
The impact of "These Days..." on the hip-hop landscape cannot be overstated. The mixtape was a major commercial success, debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart and selling over 100,000 copies in its first week. The mixtape also spawned several hit singles, including "Wild for the Night" and "Multiply", which received significant airplay on radio and MTV.
Moreover, "These Days..." helped to solidify A$AP Rocky's and A$AP Ferg's positions as two of the most exciting young artists in hip-hop. The mixtape showcased their chemistry and creativity, and provided a platform for them to explore new sounds and themes. The success of "These Days..." also helped to pave the way for other A$AP Mob members, such as A$AP Twelvvy and A$AP Ant, who have since released their own music.
In conclusion, "These Days..." is a significant release in the discography of A$AP Rocky and A$AP Ferg, and a testament to the creativity and innovation of the A$AP Mob. The mixtape's exploration of life in Harlem, its experimentation with different musical styles, and its impact on the hip-hop landscape make it a standout release in the history of hip-hop. As a cultural and artistic phenomenon, "These Days..." continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists and fans alike.
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Word count: 700 words.
Revisiting a TDE Classic: Ab-Soul’s "These Days..." If you’re searching for an Ab-Soul These Days... zip download, you’re likely looking to reconnect with one of the most experimental chapters in the Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE) catalog. Released on June 24, 2014, These Days... stands as a psychedelic, sprawling "time capsule" of the West Coast rap scene.
While the temptation to find a quick download link is high, the best way to support the artist is by streaming the project on official platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, where the full 90-minute experience—including the legendary 23-minute closer "W.R.O.H."—is available. Why "These Days..." Matters
Following the critical acclaim of Control System, Ab-Soul took a sharp turn. Recorded primarily at Mac Miller’s "Red Room" studio, the album captures a druggy, laid-back vibe that contrasts sharp lyricism with parodies of then-current trends.
The Concept: Soul described the album as a reflection of "the sound of today," blending spiritual introspection with commercial satire. For fans, "These Days
Heavy Hitters: The project is packed with TDE royalty and underground icons, including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, ScHoolboy Q, Jay Rock, Action Bronson, and Danny Brown.
Production Power: The beats were handled by a "who’s who" of producers like Kenny Beats, DJ Dahi, J. Cole, Sounwave, and Larry Fisherman (Mac Miller). Tracklist Highlights Featured Artist God's Reign SZA Purity Ring Tree of Life Curtiss King & DJ Dahi Hunnid Stax ScHoolboy Q Kenny Beats Kendrick Lamar's Interlude Kendrick Lamar Terrace Martin Action Bronson & Asaad Rahki Danny Brown & Delusional Thomas Larry Fisherman Legacy and Reception
Upon release, the album debuted at #11 on the Billboard 200. While some fans initially found it less focused than Control System, it has aged as a fascinating experiment in genre-bending and self-aware rap. From the religious parallels in "Tree of Life" to the gritty horrorcore of "Ride Slow," it remains an essential listen for any TDE enthusiast.
Instead of risking unreliable "zip" sites, you can find the high-quality stream on the official Top Dawg Entertainment SoundCloud or Hypebeast to experience the album as intended.
What’s your favorite track from the album, or do you think Control System still holds the crown? Word count: 700 words
Explore More: Check out Ab-Soul's latest work on Spotify for his more recent evolution. [DISCUSSION] Ab-Soul - These Days… (10 Years Later)
You can purchase and download Ab-Soul's "These Days..." from various digital music stores:
