of the album at fellow American rapper Mac Miller's Los Angeles home: "We had a lot of fun in that red room," Ab-Soul says. "Very psychedelic, you could lose track of time. Just open the door and it's daylight. People like recording there 'cause of the vibe." Release and promotion On August 6, 2013, Ab-Soul announced that he was working on a new project. The following day he would speak to XXL, to confirm that JMSN and Jhené Aiko will be appearing on the upcoming project. On October 17, 2013, Ab-Soul stated that he was close to finalizing it. On October 25, Ab-Soul released a track, titled "Dub Sac". Later that week, he confirmed that his new album has been turned in for mixing and cleared up these rumors that it was initially titled Black Lip Pastor. On January 6, 2014, in an interview with Bootleg Kev, when speaking on the album, Ab-Soul stated: "Ali is mixing it right now," and that they were waiting on the perfect way to present the project, as a result of creative releases such as Nipsey Hussle's Crenshaw. He also revealed that the album is about progression and confirmed there would be appearances from his TDE label-mates, as well as the production from a hip hop producer Statik Selektah. On April 18, 2014, Ab-Soul premiered a song, titled "Tree of Life", to promote the album. On May 5, 2014, Ab-Soul took to Twitter, announcing that his third solo effort would be titled These Days…. On May 22, Ab-Soul released a song, titled "Stigmata", via TDE's SoundCloud page. The song was produced by Rahki. The song was inspired by Nas' "The Cross", and features guest verses from Action Bronson and Philadelphia-based rapper Asaad. On May 30, its music video, which was directed by Dave Free and APLUSFILMZ, was released. The video clocks in a minute and a half, because of the removal of the two guest rappers' verses, finds a blood-soaked Ab-Soul, re-imagined as Jesus Christ, trekking alone through a desert environment with a wooden cross on his back and a crown of thorns on his head. The clip ends with the album's cover art and release date. Top Dawg management took it to Twitter to confirm that These Days… is scheduled for a June 24, release date. On June 1, 2014, Ab-Soul appeared on Hot 97's Real Late with Rosenberg, to discuss and promote