The rapping duo Abstract Mindstate partner with producer Young RJ to release the collaborative album The Art Project. It is a conceptual piece that urges the questioning of what comprises art with skits interlaced throughout that focus on elements including design, aesthetics, appreciation and history. One skit, “Art 210 (3) Visual Thinking”, asks an imagined assembly of listeners: “I’d like to know – only by a show of hands – anyone who, regardless of setbacks or even accomplishments, continues to dream.” Abstract Mindstate have the right to raise their hands as their dreams still have the ability to inspire.

Abstract Mindstate were always on the edge of the spotlight. The partnership of Olskool Ice-Gre and EP da Hellcat formed in Mississippi and then relocated to Chicago in the early-2000s. They were associated with a local scene that was attaining national acclaim at the time; their early work boasts collaborations with Ye, John Legend and Common. Such attention was woefully unable to extend to the self-appointed Chicago’s hardest working in Abstract Mindstate who were limited to independent mixtapes as opposed to their major label peers. Such a career was untenable and the duo split to pursue regular life. Olskool Ice-Gre stayed associated with music including as an A&R for Ye’s GOOD Music while EP da Hellcat worked as a behaviour therapist.

Ye would become the one to serve as the uniting force over a decade later. He had provided them the beat for “Insanity” in 2005 and was due to record a verse for “Creepin” later that same year; Ye was in the midst of recording his Late Registration and his appearance is confined to a voicemail where he explains the reason for his delay. Perhaps such a regret was on his mind in 2018 when he was on retreat in Wyoming and received Abstract Mindstate’s Chicago’s Hardest Working Mixtape Vol. 2 (Project Soul) in a text from Olskool Ice-Gre with the intent to incite inspiration. Ye responded by inviting Olskool Ice-Gre and EP da Hellcat to his studio in a period of his career where his output was essentially frenetic. Ye created hundreds of instrumentals for Abstract Mindstate to choose for their reunited project which was finally released in 2021 as Dreams Still Inspire. It was a long time coming for the duo who finally had the spotlight reflect onto them.

It is four years later and Abstract Mindstate return for an album that is another collaboration with one producer. This time, it is Young RJ of Slum Village who is assigned the task of providing the backing. Again, the primetime Chicago connection reigns supreme: Young RJ is a protégé of fellow Slum Village member J Dilla who produced many memorable tracks for Common during the early-2000s. Young RJ supplies an excellent blend of laidback, jazz-influenced instrumentals for Abstract Mindstate to share their ambitions. “Hypothora” is a reflection of what had to be overcome, “Who Would’ve Thunk It” is an analysis of departed love and “Conjugality” is a touching tribute to each other. Guest appearances are supplied by Young RJ’s Slum Village partner T3; Mississippi compatriot David Banner; Chicago poet J. Ivy; rappers Blu and John Forté; drummer Daru Jones, bassist Christon Mason; and singers Day Underscore, Brittney Carter, Sly Pyper and Kaye Fox.

Abstract Mindstate sound excellent and Young RJ’s production is a perfect accompaniment. It is a reminder of what will eventually come with persistence and belief. Abstract Mindstate might have never expected to be here with this album; yet what is supposed to be will always be.

The Art Project
Abstract Mindstate & Young RJ
Featuring: Blu, Brittney Carter, David Banner, Day Underscore, John Forté, J. Ivy, Daru Jones, Kaye Fox, Christon Mason, Trizonna McClendon, Slum Village, Sly Pyper
Production: Dave Audinary, Christon Mason, Young RJ
Singles: “Bar Louie” featuring David Banner, “The Get Down”, “Who Would’ve Thunk It” featuring Sly Pyper