B-Side Guys

Abstract Mindstate’s “True Story” isn’t just a comeback; it’s a declaration of artistic resilience etched in neo-soul grooves and conscious hip-hop bars. The track, featuring production from Young RJ and Dave Audinary, along with vocals from Simthandile Mtolo, serves as a sonic palimpsest, layering two decades of struggle and triumph over a beat that throbs with renewed purpose.

Olskool Ice-Gre kicks off the verses with the rhetorical finesse of a battle-hardened MC, his flow as smooth as aged whiskey. “Why so much hate up in your heart / Is jealousy the root of where it start,” he spits, each line a dagger aimed at fair-weather friends and industry vultures. The irony is palpable; after years in the wilderness, Abstract Mindstate finds themselves confronting the very envy their success has engendered.

E.P. Da Hellcat follows up with a verse that’s part self-help manifesto, part hip-hop koan. “New life is shed from an old soul / This life is only rehearsal,” she muses, her words dancing between existential pondering and street-smart advice. The duo’s contrasting styles – Gre’s direct confrontation and E.P.’s philosophical musings – create a lyrical yin and yang that’s as compelling as it is thought-provoking.

Simthandile Mtolo’s chorus acts as a soulful balm, her vocals floating above the track like a benevolent spirit. “All it takes is a choice to make the decision / To change all things I do,” she croons, offering a moment of introspection amidst the lyrical firestorm. It’s a clever juxtaposition; while the verses grapple with external conflicts, the chorus turns the lens inward, suggesting that true change begins with self-reflection.

Musically, “True Story” is a masterclass in neo-soul production. Young RJ and Dave Audinary craft a beat that pays homage to the golden era of hip-hop while pushing the sound forward. The result is a track that feels both timeless and utterly contemporary, a fitting backdrop for a group that’s bridged two eras of hip-hop. As Abstract Mindstate prepares for their European tour with Slum Village, “True Story” stands as a testament to their enduring artistry and a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. It’s not just a comeback; it’s a resurrection.