There was a time when hip-hop collectives ruled the world. Diggin’ In The Crates Crew, Wu-Tang Clan, The Diplomats, and more, found power in the combination of all its members’ talents. Each group offered a different interpretation on how hip-hop should sound. It would seem that this mentality is not lost on the current generation. G.O.O.D Music, Maybach Music Group (MMG), and YMCMB all have albums releasing in the summer. While these are all notable releases, it would be an underestimation to neglect mention of Black Hippy, composed of West Coast rappers Ab-Soul, Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar, and Jay Rock.

Karen Civil caught up with Ab-Soul and Schoolboy Q to talk about their recent activity, including their feature inXXL, Control System, the upcoming “Under the Influence” Tour, and more. Though they maintain their cool, Karen received concrete answers from the enigmatic rappers in their conversation, and even some details on Schoolboy Q’s upcoming album. As we face a new renaissance in the history of hip-hop, Black Hippy’s developing legacy looks cemented.