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Abstract Mindstate Share New Single ‘True Story’
With an evergreen legacy in hip-hop’s evolution and a proven track record of relentless grit, Chicago-born hip-hop duo Abstract Mindstate returns on March 8 to release their newest single ‘True Story’ via Honest Music / Barak With Love distributed by Virgin Records. The song, featuring Simthandile Mtolo, is a soulful, feel-good track that cleverly shares the tale of their growth and journey despite the trials and roadblocks of the industry.
‘True Story’ is an adult-contemporary-hip-hop groove interlaced with a melody of Simthandile Mtolo’s raw, jazzy vocals. Following his opening verse, Abstract Mindstate member Olskool Ice-Gre taps in with his signature powerful rhymes. His heartfelt words are a detailed depiction of the woes of the deceptiveness and secrecy of others. His verses describe the emotions of discovering the true motives of those who were thought to be trusted. The other half of the duo, E.P. Da Hellcat, later chimes into the song with a beautifully effortless verse alluding to the darker side of artistic and personal growth – the bitterness received by those who are still left in the shadows by choosing to stay stagnant and watch as others decide to reach new light and choose to grow. With a beat co-produced by Young RJ of Slum Village and Dave Audinary (who was introduced to the duo by Young RJ himself), ‘True Story’ is a timeless blend of classic hip-hop and soul-filled melodies to tease the anticipated release of Abstract Mindstate’s upcoming album.
Reflecting on the single’s creation, Olskool Ice-Gre states that “Once the team heard ‘True Story’ and agreed it was a perfect first single, Young RJ immediately began mixing it. I sent it to Day Underscore (my artist/producer) from It’s A Cool Day to master it. He’s also a studio engineer. Everyone was very satisfied with the final product and we had our first single from the upcoming album”.
Hip-hop veterans with their roots planted deep into the genre’s history, Abstract Mindstate is a name recognized across the board. Working closely throughout the years with a plethora of accolades, Abstract Mindstate made hip-hop history. In fact, Olskool Ice-Gre was the one who mentored as well as executed the business that aided Kanye West in his journey of transitioning from being a producer to becoming a solo artist. They’re also known to be the first and only female-male rhyme duo. Their last album ‘Dreams Still Inspire’ (2021) has the unique distinction of being the only album to have been solely produced by Kanye West. Back in the 2000’s the duo was on track to have their breakthrough moment to stardom. However, life took a turn as the industry falsely strung the duo along and the promise faded into an unfair outcome. This lead to a momentary sixteen year hiatus. Deciding to come back stronger than ever, Abstract Mindstate proved their hard work, dedication, and unmatchable grit, highlighted through a 2021 documentary titled ‘We Paid, Let Us In! The Legend of Abstract Mindstate’. The documentary (produced by Emmy-Award winning producer Trizonna McClendon) was so impressive it was selected as ‘Feature Documentary’ in Barcelona, Spain and a multitude of film festivals across the US in 2022. Now in 2024, plans are being executed for the film to be privately screened across the UK and parts of South Africa. Abstract Mindstate will also perform as special guests to Slum Village on their European tour starting early April ending in early May.
London-based multi-instrumentalist and producer Waz-u returns with his second album, Preludes: Dusk Psalms, set for release on 16 May 2025 via independent label Biodiversity. The 15-track record further refines the artistic depth of his debut, blending electronic textures and classical compositional techniques in an intricate, immersive listening experience.
Ahead of the album release, Waz-u is dropping an exclusive vocal version of ‘Vermillion: G Major’ from the album, accompanied by its original instrumental version. ‘Vermillion’ with Lilyg will be released on 18 April 2025, evoking intimate indie-folk and pop and follows the release of a vocal version of ‘Lament’ with Tom Norrington. ‘The singles are a way to give a voice to the atmosphere of the record and to lyrically encapsulate some of the themes explored,’ explains Waz-u. ‘Lily and Tom are good friends of mine and have both been listening to early iterations of these preludes – it felt right to involve them directly on this record.’
‘Preludes: Dusk Psalms’ marks a new branch of Waz-u’s emerging sound, guided by the duality of tradition and innovation. Combining his musical roots in early ‘90s dub techno and classical music, the album weaves carefully layered synthesizers and electronics to evoke the ambience of sacred music — from the gentle timbres of a choir or an organ to the quiet, open, and reverberating spaces of a church. Also featured throughout the album is experimental musician G9 LUV, who creates textures and drones by bowing his bass guitar, resulting in cello-like sounds. The release follows Waz-u’s 2024 debut LP, Prayer For Dawn, which merged dub, techno, and electronica in an exploration of the ritualistic traditions associated with both organized religion and dance.
Bringing the album’s themes to life, Waz-u will celebrate the release of Preludes: Dusk Psalms with a special performance at Our Holy Redeemer in Clerkenwell, London on 14 May 2025. Set against the church’s resonant acoustics, the event will feature live performance arrangements, including a choir, with further details to be announced soon.
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