Hip-hop duo Abstract Mindstate chatted about their new single “True Story.”
The musical duo is made up of E.P Da Hellcat and Olskool Ice-Gre.
How did ‘True Story’ come about?
E.P Da Hellcat: We heard the track, and it moved us immediately. We knew the feelings it evoked in both of us so we decided it would resonate with others.
Olskool Ice-Gre: In terms of the production, Young RJ (of Slum Village) brought the track to us. We had just flown into Detroit to work on a few new songs for the album. He started loading up tracks and said, “I have one I feel is perfect for Abstract Mindstate.”
When E.P and I heard it, we lost our minds! He said the track is a collaboration with a producer from South Africa named Dave Audinary, who is familiar with the group. I was like “this is so our vibe.” It made me want to write immediately.
I sat at the end of the console and about an hour later I’d written my verse. Abstract Mindstate is about honest storytelling, so I addressed a few things that transpired since the release of our last album and True Story was born.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
E.P Da Hellcat: Creating art that inspires!
Olskool Ice-Gre: Real life and all of the colors, curves, highs, lows, experiences and lessons that come with living it.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
E.P Da Hellcat: The methodology of getting the art out is different, it seems like it should be easier, but it isn’t. The methodology does not change the message!
Olskool Ice-Gre: It’s cool. Listeners word-wide have immediate access to your music and we can get the word out about a new release in real time but in my opinion, speed and convenience negatively affected the attention span of listeners.
Social media is a double-edged sword because on one side, you get to connect directly to your audience but in the same breath, the platforms allow anyone with an account to have a voice and quite honestly, everybody doesn’t need to be heard.
Gone are the days of across the board high-quality, expert, music journalism and criticism from individuals who have put in the work, acquired the knowledge, and honed their craft for years. Social media has become free for all to say anything we want without integrity of merit.
What do your plans for the future include?
E.P Da Hellcat: Touring the world and when I’m not doing that working on completing my doctorate.
Olskool Ice-Gre: Plans for the group include international and domestic tours, performances, sync and placement opportunities for our music and endorsement deals.
We have a documentary on the group that my team and I are working on executing private screenings (internationally), as well as securing a streaming situation for the film. As an individual, worldwide speaking engagements.
I’m a self-published author with a book titled “I Refuse to Quit! The Autobiography of a Dreamer.” It’s available on Amazon as well as on this website. I have a wealth of knowledge to share, and my goal is to motivate, inspire and educate dreamers.
I’ve done and seen a lot in this business of music and entertainment as well as worked at the highest level, with the brightest in the game.
How did the name Abstract Mindstate come about?
E.P Da Hellcat: We pulled it from a hat! “TRUE STORY”
Olskool Ice-Gre: Yeah, that is what ultimately happened but to give you the backstory, we were at a crossroads as a group. Our configuration had recently changed and unfortunately, a former member of the group found himself in a really bad situation.
We felt our direction change and the energy of the group shift after that, so we wanted a name that matched the spirit we were in at the time.
We came up with a few names, but it was four that really resonated with us, so we put them all in a hat and we both pulled one.
I can’t remember which but one of us pulled Misfitz of Dialogie and the other Abstract Mindstate. We loved both so much we became Abstract Mindstate the Misfitz of Dialogue. Over time Misfitz of Dialogue phased itself out lol.
What is your advice for young and aspiring artists?
E.P Da Hellcat: Hone your craft…don’t conform, if you love and appreciate what you do and how you do it, others will too!
Olskool Ice-Gre: Respect everyone’s position on your team, understand being famous and having a career are two very different things, be unafraid to be original, and avoid recycling trends as it relates to sound and style.
What is your definition of the word success?
E.P Da Hellcat: Being content in your spirit. And not having to answer to anyone…but God… Joy!
Olskool Ice-Gre: My definition of the word success is being able to do what you love and get paid for it or living comfortably off what makes you happy.
What would you like to tell our readers about “True Story”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
E.P Da Hellcat: A renewed sense of the spirit of real hip hop…the lyrics. Being a novelty and most importantly, the message.
Olskool Ice-Gre: I’d like to tell the readers that the song is available now, so please stream and download it…and it’s an actual true story lol. The one thing I want them to get out of it is understanding.
“True Story” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Abstract Mindstate, follow them on Instagram.
