In the early 2010s, the American hip-hop scene was abuzz with the emergence of Black Hippy, a supergroup consisting of four talented rappers from Los Angeles. The group, comprised of Kendrick Lamar, Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q, and Jay Rock, was known for their lyrical prowess, unique styles, and unapologetic storytelling.

Fast forward to the present, and each member of Black Hippy has gone on to achieve immense success in their solo careers.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what each member has been up to and how they’ve evolved as artists.

Kendrick Lamar: The Critical Acclaimed Storyteller

Kendrick Lamar is, without a doubt, the most successful member of the renowned hip-hop collective Black Hippy. He has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “good kid, m.A.A.d city,” “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and “DAMN.” These iconic projects have cemented his status as one of the greatest rappers of all time. Kendrick’s music fearlessly addresses pressing themes, such as racism, social justice, and personal growth, forging a profound connection with listeners globally.

In recent years, Kendrick Lamar has expanded his creative scope by producing and curating music for films and television shows. He executive produced the soundtrack for the Marvel movie “Black Panther” and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Dr. Dre and Many Others.

Ab-Soul: The Lyrically Gifted Underdog

Ab-Soul, born Herbert Stevens IV, is renowned for his complex lyricism and abstract wordplay. As a member of the esteemed hip-hop collective Black Hippy, alongside Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, and ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul has established himself as a distinctive voice in contemporary hip-hop.

Ab-Soul has released several critically acclaimed projects in recent years, including “Do What Thou Wilt…” (2016) and most recently “Soul Burger.” (2024). He has collaborated with notable artists such as Jason Martin, Ty Dolla $ign, and Doe Burger, and has toured extensively in support of his music. Additionally, Ab-Soul has continued to release new music, further solidifying his presence in the hip-hop scene.

ScHoolboy Q: The Groovy, Laid-Back MC

ScHoolboy Q, born Quincy Matthew Hanley, has carved out a unique niche for himself in the hip-hop world. His music often blends elements of gangsta rap, psychedelia, and funk, creating a groovy, laid-back vibe that’s hard to resist.

Since the Black Hippy days, ScHoolboy Q has released several successful albums, including Oxymoron, Blank Face LP, and CrasH Talk. He has collaborated with artists like Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, and Travis Scott, and has become known for his high-energy live performances.

Jay Rock: The Resilient, Street-Savvy MC

Jay Rock, born Johnny Reed McKinzie Jr., has had a more tumultuous career than his Black Hippy counterparts; despite being one of the first members to sign with Top Dawg Entertainment, he has faced numerous setbacks, including a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2016.

Jay Rock has consistently demonstrated resilience in his career. A notable example is the release of his critically acclaimed album “Redemption” in 2018. This album featured notable collaborations with prominent artists Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Jeremih. Through “Redemption,” Jay Rock effectively showcased his growth and evolution as an artist.

Conclusion

Black Hippy may not be as active as a group as they once were, but each member has gone on to achieve great success in their solo careers. From Kendrick Lamar’s critical acclaim to Ab-Soul’s lyrical prowess, ScHoolboy Q’s groovy vibes, and Jay Rock’s resilient spirit, the members of Black Hippy continue to push the boundaries of hip-hop and inspire a new generation of artists.

As fans, we can only hope that one day, the members of Black Hippy will reunite to create more music together. Until then, we’ll continue to enjoy their solo endeavors and celebrate the impact they’ve had on the hip-hop world.