Watch: Ab-Soul Releases Raw and Vulnerable Tiny Desk Performance on Birthday

On Thursday, to mark his 36th birthday, Ab-Soul released a Tiny Desk concert, which he called his "second second chance."

The performance is a must-watch for all hip-hop fans. Backed by a hand-picked group of musicians he dubbed the "Soulersystem," Ab-Soul delivered a raw and rousing performance.

Ab-Soul's career is a prime example of how rap has grown over the past 50 years. For his Tiny Desk set, he hand-picked a live band and gave a display of raw honesty and next-level lyricism. https://t.co/p73zxwu2aj

— NPR Music (@nprmusic) February 23, 2023

The Carson, California native's music is defined by vulnerability, pathos, and hope, all of which were on full display in his first-ever appearance on NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series.

Surrounded by childhood pictures, some of which graphically detailed his fight with the rare disorder Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which ravaged his skin and left him legally blind, the artist, born Herbert Stevens IV, powered through tracks from his critically-acclaimed new album "HERBERT."

He also paired never-before-heard rhymes with instrumentals from 2012's "Control System" between sets.

Watch the full performance below:

Chuck Jackson, "Any Day Now" Hitmaker, Passes Away at 85

Wand Management, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Chuck Jackson, the legendary R&B and soul singer known for hits such as "Any Day Now" and "I Don't
Want to Cry," has died at the age of 85.

The sad news was confirmed by Ady Croasdell, of UK-based Kent Records, who wrote on social media: "There are confirmed reports that one of the very greatest soul singers of all time, Chuck Jackson, died on February 16th. His passing will be deeply felt around the world." No cause of death was given.

Jackson had an impressive career spanning over six decades, starting in the 1950s as a member of The Del-Vikings before becoming a solo artist and signing with Wand and Scepter record labels. He released over 30 singles throughout his career, including hits such as "Tell Him I'm Not Home," "Beg Me," and "Since I Don't Have You."

In 1962, Jackson released his most famous hit, "Any Day Now," written by Burt Bacharach and Bob Hilliard. The song earned him a contract with Motown Records and was later covered by Ronnie Milsap. Jackson's "I Keep Forgettin'" was also covered by Michael McDonald and David Bowie.

RIP Chuck Jackson

The R&B singer/songwriter charted 23 songs on the #Hot100 in his lifetime. Here are the top-charting ones below:

#23, Any Day Now
#36, I Don't Want To Cry
#42, Tell Him I'm Not Home
#45, Beg Me
#46, (It Never Happens) In Real Life
#46, If I Didn't Love You https://t.co/Fogj6y2aQX

— billboard charts (@billboardcharts) February 21, 2023

Croasdell reflected on Jackson's impressive career and legacy in a statement on Kent Records' official website. "No artist had more releases or titles issued on Kent records than Chuck Jackson," he said. He also credited the company's first compilation featuring Jackson's work, "Mr Emotion" (Kent 033), with helping to revive interest in his Wand recordings, which had largely been forgotten about by the 80s.

In memory of #ApolloLegend Chuck Jackson 🕊❤️ pic.twitter.com/wIZO7kgBgv

— apollotheater (@ApolloTheater) February 22, 2023

"Throughout his career Chuck worked hard with his acclaimed live appearances and he continued to sing in great voice up until quite recently," Croasdell said. "He got a terrific reception at the Great Yarmouth soul weekender in 1990 and appeared around Europe on several occasions afterwards — as well as being in constant demand in his home country."

Dionne Warwick, a friend and collaborator of Jackson's, issued a statement about his death, saying: "Another heartache has come my way. Chuck Jackson has made his transition. He was my label mate on Scepter Records and was like a big brother to me."

Eric Holder Jr. Sentenced to 60 Years to Life for Murdering Nipsey Hussle

Photo Courtesy LAPD

Eric R. Holder Jr., the man who murdered Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Nipsey Hussle, was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday.

Hussle, born Airmiess Joseph Asghedom, was fatally shot in 2019 outside the Marathon Clothing store he owned in South LA.

Holder, who was also found guilty of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter for shooting two other men at the scene, was sentenced to an additional 10 years for assault with a firearm.

Hussle was a leading advocate against gun violence and a community leader who worked on developing his neighborhood and creating opportunities for kids. 

Prior to his death, he was scheduled to meet with LA Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff and LA Police Chief Michel Moore to discuss ways to stop gang violence across the city. 

#BREAKING: The verdict is in. Jurors found Eric Holder, 32, guilty of first-degree murder for the 2019 fatal shooting of rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Did the jury get it right?

WATCH #CourtTV LIVE - #Verdict - https://t.co/tnYdPcDRMU pic.twitter.com/jDCC67prW7

— Court TV (@CourtTV) July 6, 2022

After Hussle's death there was an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, fellow artists and public figures. His funeral was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, drawing thousands of mourners.

In August 2021, Hussle was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on what would have been his 37th birthday.