Chicago-born rappers Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. da Hellcat—who make up the hip-hop duo Abstract Mindstate—had slipped into semi-retirement prior to 2018, when Kanye West signed them as the first artists on his new label YZY SND. Flash forward to 2021: The duo released a brand new record (titled Dreams Still Inspire and produced by Kanye West) and a documentary (We Paid Let Us In! The Legend of Abstract Mindstate) that's been screened in film festival circuits worldwide, and were featured in the Neflix documentary Jeen-Yuhs.
You can learn more about Abstract Mindstate's resurrection at this special Time Out Market Chicago panel discussion in honor of Juneteenth, when the duo will be joined by Chicago poet and radio show host Mario Smith for a discussion about their reunion and all things Chicago hip-hop. Following the panel discussion, Abstract Mindstate will perform two singles off Dreams Still Inspire. Plus, don't miss an RSVP Gallery-curated exhibit featuring historic photos of Abstract Mindstate and designs by Don Crawley (aka Don C), the influential streetwear designer and music executive.