The duo reunites for the YZY SND debut
In 2020, Kanye West was gearing up for what would become his new label, YEEZY SOUND (later changed to just YZY SND). Amongst that roster was Abstract Mindstate, the Chicago hip-hop duo who Kanye had worked with at the beginning of his career. Consisting of E.P Da Hellcat and Olskool Ice-Gre, the pair had two projects, We Paid Let Us In! and Still Paying; the latter never actually ended up being released. With the group seeking their own separate careers shortly after, it seemed as if it was truly the end of Abstract Mindstate. Yet, all it took was a phone call in 2018 from Kanye himself to bring the two back together. The product of that phone call is Dreams Still Inspire, the return of the group and YZY SND’s debut.
After a successful marathon of album releases consisting of Pusha T’s Daytona, Teyana Taylor’s K.T.S.E., his collab album with Kid Cudi and his own project, it seemed as if Kanye wanted to keep that momentum going. He called the two MCs and got them in the studio, where, for the past three years, they were recording on and off again. With Kanye taking control over production, it feels like a refreshed sound from the trio’s time working together in the early 2000s. Between the lyrical content and production, this sound is what YZY SND is calling “Adult Contemporary Hip Hop.”
Kicking off the album is the intro track, “Salutations (Intro),” which features Jonquia Rose. The triumphant production is like an introduction to who they are. They remind everyone that they aren’t new to this, and they aren’t like everyone out right now. Hellcat says, “We speak clarity, never mumble there” and “we the culture shock and we the opposite of how the vultures rock, so receive us well.”
“A Wise Tale” comes as the single of the LP. The funky production is the main focus as a sampled vocals echoes, “I love you.” The flows from the MCs push the story along and float over the beat effortlessly. “Elevation” is a call to action. Neighborhoods are getting worse, social media has done more harm than good and it feels as if it’s becoming hard to want better. Olskool tells people his wishes on the chorus with, “My goal is to go up higher…we speaking on that mentally, spiritually, gotta be more than what the eye can see.”
“Move Yo Body” has a pretty basic drumline with an emphasis on the snares. The bassline is really faint but it has a funky melody to it. Olskool and Hellcat both boast great rhyme schemes in this track, making it a fun track to listen to. With Tony Williams’ gritty vocals on the chorus, it becomes much more groovy. Another track with a great rhyme scheme is “Expository Mode.” It has such an old-school hip-hop feel to it as the MCs once again talk about how different they are. They tell about being reunited together, how Kanye helped and that what they’re making is real music. “Cause being back in the booth is like reliving my youth.”
“My Reality” is a chance for the two to talk about their careers aside from Abstract Mindstate and how they managed both at the same time. Hellcat says, “Despite the fact that I’m commuting, I still handle the biz,” and “my nine to five to the booth.” Meanwhile, Olskool revels in the thought of having his bills paid without worry. “I’m done playing catch up from bills accumulated. Zeroed out my debt, I promise I’m elated.” You can’t help but be happy that they both are able to maintain their everyday jobs while being back in the studio together. Kanye himself hops on a track on “The Brenda Song.” The production on this track is amazing; it feels like something off of Graduation. The mixture of high-pitched synths, the emphasized crash cymbal, the jubilant horns and the droning keyboard notes make it such a great track to listen to. It’s fitting for a song that mentions God and praising him.
“I Know You” is a chance for them to tell of the lessons they learned. They encourage those to be smarter with money, not letting fame get the best of them and humble themselves. The MCs are acknowledging the success of those they are speaking to; that’s why they are giving them this advice. They want them to be better and have this knowledge now before it’s too late.
The reunion of Abstract Mindstate is one that hip-hop lovers can appreciate. Dreams Still Inspire brings back memories of the magic that could be made when Olskool, Hellcat and Kanye West come back together. With YZY SND now off and running, people can only hope that Abstract Mindstate continues on their journey as the legendary Chicago duo.
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