Soul Khan

The ex-battling phenom speaks here on his being pigeon-holed to the role of a battle MC, lines that he regrets from that time, and how collaboration is more important than competition. Detailing his creative process with regard to misogyny, Soul had some mature words to share, taking a firm stance against laziness and chosen ignorance. In terms of dropping jewels about the world at large and his place in it, Khan was just getting warmed up here. - RESPECT Magazine

With an umbilical cord still intact, connecting him to a hip-hop that is no more — he used to work for famed hip-hop record shop Fat Beats which closed down its doors due to competition from digital music — Soul Khan has an agenda bigger than himself. His booming voice, as distinctive as any other in the 40-plus years of hip-hop, can be described just the same: bigger than himself.

Khan amassed a following from battle raps, where he certainly used his nontraditional look and katana sharp lines to overcome the competition. Often rapping over vintage beats, Soul Khan is an old soul trapped in new world dimensions. That doesn’t mean he’s wrong for it. - Societe Perrier

However, the most pleasant surprise of the stage was Brookyn's bi-focal wonder Soul Khan. Hate to make it sound like every time a white dude with glasses actually knows how to rap is such a marvel, but hey, it kinda actually is. - Creative Loafing

Soul Khan is one smart mawfucker. He doesn’t pretend to be anything that he is not, which is often difficult to find in rappers of this generation. His self-awareness impacts his career decisions in a much more calculated and balanced way than many of his fellow rappers. He really knows what is going on and is sure not to miss anything important. I got Soul Khan on the phone for an interview, and it proved to be a very insightful and educational exchange. - donutsandmilk.com

Have you heard Psalm by Soul Khan yet?

No?

What the Fuck is wrong with you. For starters, it’s awesome, for finishers its like 5 fucking songs, get off your ass and dip into the sensual end of grown folk rap bro bro. Its not like you are doing shit besides swiping booze from your parents liquor cabinet in an attempt to stay properly lubricated over the holiday season. - SYFFAL.com

For the past few years The Brown Bag AllStars have been killing the underground hip hop scene. From their solo efforts, to their group collaborations, to their productions from J57 and Audible Treats… if you have not heard something from these guys you must be living under a rock. Brown Bag AllStar emcee Soul Khan is the object of our newest artist spotlight. With a brand new EP dropping this week and more music on the near horizon, it’s time you get to know Soul Khan… - Kevin Nottingham

Soul Khan has a lot of dope music, and I wanted to avoid his video with the superhero schtick because I knew it would lead to Eminem comparisons — they’re similar only in skin tone, not at all in sound or demeanor — but these are some of my favorite bars from any rapper in recent times and I just couldn’t help myself. - MTV Hive

Interview and Freestyle on-camera. - MTV

Soul Khan, one of the fastest rising stars in the New York hip-hop indie-ground, is preparing to add one more entry to his already prolific catalog with his Psalm EP. - NY Village Voice

Soul Khan spent the majority of 2012 showcasing on the latest Brown Bag AllStars’s project or on other artist’s mixtapes and EP’s until the fourth quarter when his latest project Psalm dropped and boy oh boy was it worth the wait! It’s completely different from any other SK project in that it’s not feature heavy this time. We are getting all Soul Khan all the time and it’s a great thing! His rough voice that speaks smooth words is both a Hip Hop lover’s paradise and paradox all at the same time! He is still spitting about the world he lives in and his thoughts on what that world should be, so it’s still something that will make you think which is what the fans love about Soul Khan’s projects in the first place. Everything SK’s done in 2012 continues to top what he accomplished in the previous year. If progression is the name of the game, then Soul Khan is absolutely going to stay winning. - Allhiphop.com

Freestyle by Soul Khan - MTV

BET interviews Soul Khan - BET Staff

Video interview with Soul Khan - Fuse

Some soulful sounds and lyrics that are easily to relate to. Neither of those are strict requirements for a dope track but they sure do help. Who wants to hear a dude sound bored by his own wealth and spitting very little of substance while blatantly co-opting the iconography of people actually speaking up about vital issues to churn out mo’ bucks (you know who it is)? I’d much rather hear an emcee who still sounds invested in what he’s saying, and is saying something that hits home to boot. - rapup.net

Soul Khan takes you on a journey that will not leave you the same listener you were when you began! Whether it’s spitting about pop culture references or topics closer to his heart, Soul Khan’s dynamic knack for leaving an indelible imprint on your ears goes unchallenged. - Allhiphop.com

I had heard of and seen the folklore that had surrounded Soul Khan’s battle days but it was the artist who I stumbled on late last year. I immediately gravitated towards the sound he was creating. However, I truly became a fan after catching a live performance. - Refined Hype

Look out for Soul Khan in the coming years, and, even though you probably have seen his music videos on on MTVU, he is the next big thing in Hip Hop. - Mostly Junk Food

Soul Khan may be best known for his excessively confident presence and equally dominant lyricism within the underground hip hop battle circuits. But, having now had the opportunity to spin his 2010 release “Soul Like Khan”, I can assure you the man’s capabilities stretch far beyond profound punch-lines.

Soul transfers his powerful mic control to the studio in a clean, seamless transition that may surprise your average “battle rapper”. This man has the “it” factor, and it doesn’t require an audience offering ‘whoos’ and ‘wows’ in response to potent verbal insults to siphon that special attribute fixed to Soul Khan.

A highly intelligent gentleman is Khan, and an entire album of clever statements and complex rhyme schemes prove that point with ease. From the opening track “6:30 a.m.”, it’s evident that listeners are in store for a well thought out collection of witticisms and impacting quotes; the fact that Soul isn’t afraid to open up and offer a glimpse of his personal life only adds to the sincerity of the album.

I’d traditionally take this time to speak a bit on the tracks I didn’t find too enjoyable, but Soul hasn’t left me with much to deal with in that department, “Soul Like Khan” is one of those rare albums that don’t require skipping brainless filler.

Since I have no ammunition with which to criticize Soul, I may as well jump right in to the album’s true gems. “Fe La Soul”, which features Akie Bermiss, boasts a beautiful beat, which anchors some absolutely stellar lyrics; an obnoxiously catchy hook sees this joint elevated to ‘great’ status. “Place That Birthed Me” is another funky tune in which Soul is offered the chance to proudly represent his hometown, Los Angeles, California. This is a must-hear tune that borders on anthem status…radio stations beware!

Other album standouts include “For That”, “Shitted On”, “Fahrenheit”, which is a stellar track that’s also got a great companion video you can catch online. And finally, another personal favorite of mine, the title track, “Soul Like Khan”. This track’s got it all, a smooth, infectious beat, some profound, slightly self-deprecating lyricism that many young men should find easy to relate too, and finally, the finest chorus on the album. If this one doesn’t catch you, turn the stereo off – forever. - Kik Axe Music

Brown Bag Allstar Emcee and BHF Alum, Soul Khan was featured recently on MTV2's Sucker Free Countdown. In the interview, the Brooklyn by way of Woodland Hills, California artist describes his motivations for moving east and his upcoming solo project, Soul Like Khan. - Brooklyn Bodega

If you haven’t heard of Soul Khan, you’re definitely in for a treat.
Everyone knows I’m a really picky person when it comes to hip hop. Mainstream literally has nothing to offer me for my addictions towards music. So when I like to co-sign someone in the hip hop world, you know it’s going to be an offering of intellectual art at its most entertaining. - Illest Lyrics

Brown Bag Allstars member Soul Khan has just put out his solo album "Soul Like Khan" to all the masses. An album that was two years in the making. And it's been well worth the wait, as this album surely delivers. With seamless production by Maticulous, Marink, Eloquent and fellow BBAS member J57. The album takes you on a trip through Soul Khan's mind.



Every single tracks knocks you on your ass, with how neck snapping and body slamming they each are. Attacking your ear drums from start to finish, and satisfying any craving for true, raw, uncut hip-hop. Soul Khan's unmistaken, boistureous voice, witty punchlines and ferocious metaphors, slice away at many of the mainstream music out right now.

You say you want real hip-hop, well you got it right here. One of the things I like about Soul Khan is how his appearance deceives many. And once he picks up that microphone, he murders the competition in horror movie fashion.

I would honestly put this album up against anything out right now. And I stand by those words, 100%. So do yourselves a favor, and check out the Soul Khan album. Your ears will and brain will thank you for it.
Brown Bag Season continues..... - My Word Is Vinyl

First leak off Soul Khan’s upcoming solo debut album, 2DopeBoyz.com Presents: Soul Like Khan, which is scheduled to drop in November. Also, folks in Atlanta need to come out and check the Brown Bag AllStar rock the 2DBz showcase at this year’s A3C Festival on October 9th. - 2Dopeboyz

Soul Khan is on a mission here, whether he agrees with me or not. The latest leak from his forthcoming free release, Soul Like Khan, is proof that this dude is more than just capable of spinning your head around five times in a freestyle battle. “Shot Glass Magnified”, which features a slick opening verse from Sense, finds Khan flowing with ease and precision over a killer Elaquent beat. And it’s a perfect display of how some freestyle-centric MCs can go beyond cyphers and battles to create actual songs. Well done, Soul Khan. You have my attention. - Potholes In My Blog

Don't you hate it when you're enjoying a nice rainy day at the park and a clan of evil clowns tries to jump you? Yeah, me too. If you're wondering how to respond in said situation, check out Soul Khan's new video "Fahrenheit" featuring Akie Bermiss. - Okayplayer.com

...despite the occasional notion that battle rappers are notoriously challenged when trying to create actual songs, Soul Khan does not disappoint with the song and video for “Fahrenheit,” off of his upcoming full length project, Soul Like Khan, to be presented by 2DopeBoyz on November 16. - Birthplacemag.com

This video rocks... The visuals are intense, the music is cinematic & Soul Khan packs as much vengeance in his lyrics as he does wielding a crow bar. My only gripe is that both the video & song weren’t longer. There is a method to Soul Khan’s madness, because this all leads up to his Brown Bag All-Star: Soul Khan’s Soul Like Khan free album which will be dropping November 16th. - The Smoking Section

Soul’s back on our pages with Fahrenheit, a new record that once again proves it’s a very, very bad idea to mess with the man. Sure producer Marink lays down a hard but haunting beat and vocalist Akie Bermiss comes in for high-quality hook, but as always it’s his destructive rhymes that hit hardest: “Here are a few of the things I’d burn: Cartier glasses and Louis V purses, money or the fools that think that she’s worth it / Nikes…” Well there goes all his corporate sponsorships. For more lyrically astute and completely uncompromising rhymes be sure to cop Soul Khan’s upcoming album Soul Like Khan, hitting eardrums everywhere on November 16. - DJBooth.net

Brown Bag All Star’s battle champ had ill beats, good eye glasses, and a fun set with his DJ. Saying that his DJ was forbidden to talk, he spoke with classic records that spoke to the crowd and had them in laughter. IN other words, he didn’t leave us rapped out and proved to us that not only battle rappers can make good songs, but he was making dope songs before that and he is also having a dope set. - URB

For Soul Khan, it’s a constant tight-rope, balancing between being one of the world’s most-respected battle rappers, but also being respected for his talent musically and his ability to put together full tracks. - Above Ground

Most Charismatic Performer (Honorable Mention)

Soul Khan looks more like a computer programmer than an emcee, but he gained a lot of new fans after his performance. With his mic in hand and water bottle in the other, he ripped it and made it look easy. - Hip Hop Lives

Here's a leak from 2dopeboyz.com Presents: Soul Like Khan, Khan's free album, that's set to drop in November. This is a great example of Soul's intricate lyrics, which you should have seen in numerous dismantling of MCs on the battle circuit. That hook is an anthem in its own, trust we. - Global Grind

Not for nothing, Soul Khan could take his style of battle rapping to a one-man show, off-Broadway. Granted the Brown Bag All-Stars member doesn’t pull off the same effect on this this take from his Soulstice album coming soon, but the cover art for the single and the album can give you a chuckle or too. Production credits for “Thunder in Paradise”: produced by Marink, bass by DJ Goo, scratches by DJ Brace. - Fader

Soul Khan "Soulstice": If you're not up on Soul Khan, whether its from the battle circuit or with his Brown Bag AllStar collective, know one thing: he's a beast. He's got an album coming this summer, and is attacking the blogs something serious. Take this opening salvo as an intro to homeboy's cipher. You won't be disappointed. Shouts to J57. - Rock The Dub

Soul Khan put up one of the most vicious performances I’ve seen in a freestyle battle. QP lost the battle when he referenced Khan’s Jewish heritage 11 times in one rhyme. I’m sure they caught a movie together afterward. - The Rap Up

Stay Tuned, there’s more Soul Khal / BBAS joints coming your way soon!

This is the first track in Soul Khan of the Brown Bag AllStars‘ blog campaign, “Soulstice,” leading up to his album release this summer. - Flawless Hustle

Soul Khan returns with a hot new track produced by J57. - Hip Hop DX