Track Overview: "California Dream" by Ab-Soul
"California Dream" is a reflective track that perfectly captures the essence of Ab-Soul's latest project, Soul Burger, offering listeners a deep dive into the rapper's complex relationship with his California roots. Produced by 9th Wonder and Low the Great, the track is built on a soulful sample from The Delfonics' "My New Love," adding a touch of nostalgia while seamlessly blending it with the modern soundscape. Vince Staples kicks off the track with a subdued but potent verse, setting the tone with his signature smooth flow and stark reflections on his upbringing. Staples’s verse is raw, yet eloquent, balancing the harsh realities of his environment with introspective moments of clarity.
The Shift in Energy: Ab-Soul's Verse
The transition to Ab-Soul’s verse in the second part of the song is jarring but effective, as his delivery shifts the vibe of the track into a more aggressive, yet purposeful energy. Ab-Soul’s lyrics are heavy with street imagery and self-reflection, questioning his place in the world and the meaning of his success. Lines like, “I’m covered in the blood, cuz, am I a demigod or what?” demonstrate his internal struggle with his identity and the contradictions of his life in the public eye. The abrupt shift in tone works because it feels like an emotional release, allowing Ab-Soul to showcase his versatility both as a storyteller and a rapper.
Themes of Disillusionment and Nostalgia
The heart of the track lies in its commentary on the dreams and disillusionment of life in California. Both Vince Staples and Ab-Soul look back on their experiences, processing the good and bad aspects of their journey. Vince’s line, “Used to be my partner then 'fore he went PC,” encapsulates the sense of betrayal and loss that comes with growing up in an environment where loyalty is constantly tested. Ab-Soul mirrors these themes in his verse, touching on his experiences with TDE and his complicated relationship with fame and the streets.
Kamm Carson’s Haunting Outro
Kamm Carson’s outro serves as a poignant conclusion to the track, offering a haunting acapella that adds an extra layer of authenticity to the song. Carson’s recounting of life in Turmont in 2003 feels like a snapshot of the harsh realities of growing up in the streets, filled with both a sense of nostalgia and regret. The contrast between Carson's vivid memories and the smooth flows of Staples and Ab-Soul emphasizes the cyclical nature of the stories they tell, where violence and loss are commonplace, yet the dream of something better lingers.
A Standout Track on Soul Burger
"California Dream" is a standout track on Soul Burger, seamlessly blending introspective lyricism with a haunting yet soulful production. Ab-Soul, Vince Staples, and Kamm Carson each offer a unique perspective, but together they create a cohesive narrative about the complexity of chasing the California dream. The track succeeds not only as a personal reflection but as a commentary on the societal pressures and personal sacrifices that come with growing up in such an iconic yet turbulent environment.
Listen to Ab-Soul Califronia Dream
Ab-Soul California Dream Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of "California Dream" by Ab-Soul lies in its exploration of the harsh realities and contradictions of life in California, particularly for those growing up in challenging environments. The song delves into themes of survival, betrayal, loss, and the pursuit of dreams, juxtaposed with the violence and systemic issues that often overshadow those aspirations. Through reflective verses by Vince Staples, Ab-Soul, and Kamm Carson, the track offers personal narratives that highlight the dualities of living in California—balancing moments of success and independence with the ever-present struggles of the streets. Ultimately, "California Dream" questions the idealized notion of the California dream, revealing a more complex and often painful reality.
Introduction
"California Dream" by Ab-Soul, featuring Vince Staples and Kamm Carson, is a layered exploration of life in California, reflecting on the struggles and dualities of growing up in challenging environments. The song opens with Vince Staples repeating a mantra of acceptance: "Everything is as it should be / Fuck what it could or would or should be." This repetition underscores the theme of relinquishing regrets and embracing life as it is. Despite this outward message of acceptance, Vince reveals vulnerability when he questions, "I've been asking God, 'Why me?'" This moment highlights his internal struggle with fate and survival, juxtaposing the theme of acceptance with self-doubt.
Vince Staples' Verse
In the first verse, Vince Staples delves deeper into his personal experiences, beginning with, "Yo, ayy, see me out, don't shake my hand or you was there for me." Here, Vince conveys distrust toward insincere gestures, valuing loyalty over superficial interactions. He continues with "Keep my phone on DND, hoes get left on read," signaling his desire for peace and detachment from distractions. The verse reflects on the trauma of growing up in violent surroundings, as he says, "Seen so many late nights, nowadays I can't sleep / Every time we gang slide, somebody R.I.P." Vince's lines about his father—"Dope man had my daddy hooked, shooter like Kareem"—carry a double meaning, comparing his father's addiction to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's famous hook shot, illustrating the systemic issues in his community. The verse concludes with a reflection on his dual life, balancing between independence and industry constraints, saying, "I'm independent, but I'm signed to UMG / I'm in the trenches, but I grew up walkin' distance from the beach," encapsulating the contradictions of his "California dream."
Ab-Soul's Verse
Ab-Soul takes over in the second verse, echoing Vince’s sentiments of acceptance with the lines, "'Cause I been practicin' that everything is as it should be / Fuck what it would've, should've, or it could be." The instrumental here interpolates Mac Miller’s "Here We Go," adding a layer of introspection. Despite his efforts to embrace fate, Soul admits, "But sometimes, I be asking God, 'Why me?'" echoing Vince's vulnerability. Ab-Soul then taps into religious imagery, saying, "I'm covered in the blood, cuz, am I a demigod or what?" Here, he grapples with his hardships, wondering if they elevate him to a higher status, blurring the lines between mortality and divinity. He reflects on his career with "They turned the idea into the media, that's genius," a clever double entendre referring both to the Genius platform and the broader brilliance of turning rap lyrics into respected media.
Personal Reflections and Past Experiences
The verse also recalls Ab-Soul’s past with, "If you ain't know me when me and Blocka was rollin' up the Blanka," referencing an earlier song, "Pineal Gland." This line reinforces the idea that people who didn’t know him before his fame don’t truly understand him now. Soul’s verse blends introspection with reflections on his rise within the industry, highlighting the dualities between his personal growth and the public’s perception.
Kamm Carson's Outro
Kamm Carson closes the track with a vivid portrayal of his upbringing. He begins, "I seen it all on Turmont in 2003 / Age thirteen, used to think murder was make-believe," reflecting on his early naivety about violence until he experienced it firsthand. Carson critiques how snitching has undermined street culture with the line, "Killers turned snitch kinda ruined the culture," emphasizing themes of loyalty and betrayal. He continues to paint a picture of life in his neighborhood, saying, "Now it's car wash, fundraisers, and fish fries," illustrating how common death has become in his world, where such events are held to raise money for funerals. Carson concludes with a bittersweet reflection on his aspirations, saying, "I had a dream like Dr. King," expressing his hopes for a better life despite the harsh realities he's faced.
California Fream Meaning
"California Dream" offers a nuanced depiction of life in California, with each artist providing personal reflections on their struggles and triumphs. Vince Staples, Ab-Soul, and Kamm Carson touch on themes of violence, loyalty, and survival, blending intricate metaphors and clever wordplay with raw emotion. The song captures the tension between the idealized version of the "California dream" and the harsh realities that often accompany it.
Ab-Soul California Dream Lyrics
[Intro: Vince Staples]
Everything is as it should be
Fuck what it could or would or should be
Fuck what it would or should or could be, yeah
Everything is as it should be
Fuck what it could or should or would be
I've been asking God, "Why me?"
[Verse 1: Vince Staples]
Yo, ayy, see me out, don't shake my hand or you was there for me
Keep my phone on DND, hoes get left on read
Seen so many late nights, nowadays I can't sleep
Every time we gang slide, somebody R.I.P.
Dope man had my daddy hooked, shooter like Kareem
No, I ain't no open book, baby, I'm a G
Keep it on me, keep a look, keep it in the street
Used to be my partner then 'fore he went PC
Call me what you want, just don't call the police
'Cause fuck the industry, they fail to meet my needs
What's up with all these fake thugs lyin' on these beats?
Just tryna get my paystubs, please don't intervene
Shoot you, leave you dead or in the jail, I'm somewhere in between
I'm independent, but I'm signed to UMG
I'm in the trenches, but I grew up walkin' distance from the beach
Yeah, livin' out that California dream (Uh, play it back)
[Verse 2: Ab-Soul & Vince Staples]
'Cause I been practicin' that everything is as it should be
Fuck what it would've, should've, or it could be (Ayy)
But sometimes, I be asking God, "Why me?"
We'll never get an answer 'cause I know it already
I'm covered in the blood, cuz, am I a demigod or what?
Me and D was in the doghouse on top of the VIP
So it's no coincidence my insignia in TDE
They turned the idea into the media, that's genius
Herbert Stevens IV, that's intravenous
Still thuggin', drop a sample in the club with No I.D.
That one was members only
If you ain't know me when me and Blocka was rollin' up the Blanka
Or ate a dandelion, French coast and Polish sausage
You'll probably do better overseas
Instead of livin' out that California dream, woah
[Outro: Kamm Carson]
I seen it all on Turmont in 2003
Age thirteen, used to think murder was make-believe
Role models Crippin' like DoeBurger and [Killa D ?][2:16]
Play football and you bangin', you signed to the streets
Nike swingman jersey, I'm out bright and early
Chirp on my hip, I'm waitin' for the birdies
Blocks go east-west, it's runnin' like a derby
Ain't worried 'bout cops, you know them niggas nerdy
Louisiana fried chicken just got here
The smokers out early tellin' Johnnys who block where
Killers turned snitch kinda ruined the culture
Seen a lot get divided, she was pushin' a stroller
She got by the stop sign, the opps on a bike ride
They hopped off bustin', hit her cousin like five times
Street general, would've thought he had nine lives
Now it's car wash, fundraisers, and fish fries, uh
I seen it all on Turmont in 2003
Sayin' good prayers for all the children that had to leave
Curtis Middle School, eighth grade, couldn't handle me
Playin' suicide, get socked if you drop the tennis B
Ball harder, a kid watchin' The Godfather (Uh)
Corleone in my bones, you niggas Hightowers (Uh)
Steve Harvey, one-oh-six for the videos (Woo)
Park niggas in the alley known to get tricky, bro (Shoo)
I seen it all on Turmont in 2003
Facin' back on [?][3:12] lil' niggas like seventeen (Facts)
Real big blower, where niggas from, it better be (What?)
The lawnmower, I had a dream like Dr. King
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