ThaWilsonBlock Magazine

  Follow Abstract Mindstate on Instagram If you’re tapped into Chicago’s Hip-Hop roots, then you already know the name Abstract Mindstate rings with reverence. The dynamic duo—made up of South Side’s Olskool Ice-Gre and West Side’s E.P. Da Hellcat (a.k.a. Ebony Poetress)—made waves in the early 2000s with their signature blend of soul-soaked production, sharp lyricism, and raw, introspective storytelling. Together, they helped define what they now proudly call Adult Contemporary Hip-Hop (ACH), a term coined by Ice-Gre to describe their mature, message-driven approach to the genre. The pair’s 2001 debut album We Paid, Let Us In! quickly became a cult favorite among Chicago Hip-Hop heads and underground tastemakers alike. With their golden-era sensibilities and authentic voices, Abstract Mindstate was poised to make a major mark with follow-up projects Still Paying and You Owe Us Change. That second album, Still Paying, was set to feature some of Chicago’s brightest stars at the time...

The story of the Chicago Hip-Hop duo known as Abstract Mindstate is one of extraordinary resilience. Their debut album We Paid, Let Us In! reached cult status in the early 2000s, but the male/female pair comprised of Olskool Ice-Gre and E.P. Da Hellcat didn't get their first big break until 20 years later, long after they had already called it quits as recording artists. After connecting with their Midwest compatriot Young RJ for new music and touring in Europe with Slum Village in 2024, Gre and EP return today (4/9/2025) with renewed momentum and motivation on their new Young RJ-produced single "Bar Louie". Available on all major digital streaming platforms via Honest Music/Barak With Love/ Vydia , the song features a fervent guest verse from David Banner. The Olskool Ice-Gre-directed music video was shot in Atlanta, with visuals ranging from literal and sarcastic translations of the song's lyrics. Stream/purchase "Bar Louie" here . Abstract Mindstate has ...