Mindstate cover

Mindstate

Shades of Culture · 1998

44 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

Lyrical introspection and jazzy beats intertwine, creating a reflective soundscape of late '90s hip-hop.

Why this album works

'Mindstate' received critical acclaim for its thoughtful lyrics and distinctive production, solidifying Shades of Culture's impact on the underground hip-hop landscape in Canada. The album is often cited for its influence on subsequent Canadian hip-hop artists, contributing to a growing recognition of the genre within the country.
Career context
By the time 'Mindstate' was released in 1998, Shades of Culture had already established themselves in the Canadian hip-hop scene with their previous work. This album marked their second full-length release, following their debut 'The A-List', and showcased their evolving sound that incorporated more complex lyrical themes and production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors
Lil Wayne· Project Pat· Three 6 Mafia

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 0:37
  • 2 First Things First Standout 4:02
  • 3 Think Twice 4:07
  • 4 The Island I’m From Standout 3:24
  • 5 (E.P. interlude) 0:10
  • 6 Do the Math 3:26
  • 7 Main Objective 4:07
  • 8 The Revolution 3:06
  • 9 (E.P. interlude) 0:05
  • 10 Payin’ Rent II 4:29
  • 11 (E.P. interlude) 0:42
  • 12 Shine Standout 4:33
  • 13 Mindstate 4:18
  • 14 (E.P. interlude) 0:24
  • 15 What It Is 6:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata