Press Pass: Abstract that Rapper

Abstract that Rapper

WoodChuck jumped at the chance to sit down with Abstract that Rapper, Charleston-based lyrical whiz-kid, one December evening. We’d heard his songs, seen his Instagram, already knew the basics of who we were about to meet. But we didn’t know what we were in for.

We didn’t have an artist sitting across from us in our living room, discussing his musical endeavors and flaunting a vague, or even calculated, persona. Rather, we got to know a genuine, well-rounded, and inspirational guy.

Positivity and empowerment are two key themes in the work of Julian Harrell, otherwise known as Abstract that Rapper. Much like his pseudonym, Harrell can’t quite be defined: he’s a rapper, student, radio co-host -- you name it. Harrell has a full plate, but luckily also an eager appetite.

He manages to balance school, work, and play – studying marketing and arts management at the College of Charleston (his momma said “you can do this rapping thing, but you’ve got to get a degree”), holding down two internships (as co-host on Cody Slim’s Slim Fixin’s radio show and intern at BME, LLC with Quentin Baxter), and continually working on artistic projects.

Doing it all, it’s difficult to keep artistic progress the top priority. “I’m itching sometimes when I need to write something.” However, Abstract has not let his other goals stifle his creative expression: Among other things, he has planned an event with Vaughn Postema for his radio station internship, worked closely with CofC’s SPECTRA program (even making a video for the program, Straight Outta SPECTRA), and performs around town, from the Marriott to open mic nights at Boone's.

One of Abstract’s goals is to expand his vocabulary and practice lyrical exercise. But his music goes beyond surface level words that fulfill a certain aesthetic or gangster, rapper schema. Abstract’s lyrics are witty and “thought-oriented.” When he writes, he considers what his audience will think about when they hear his lyrics. “It’s not gonna be exactly what you think the first time.” As someone who likes lyrics, Abstract believes that “a person who delivers them [has] to talk about something.” Abstract’s personal motif is that of empowerment.

“I just want to empower… especially within the minority community, just make ya feel good… though the media/statistics/whatever tells you you can’t do something…”

Abstract’s message is for us all, regardless of any demographic consideration. He aims to inspire “the guy who inspires the next Obama or the next Einstein… it’s cross-racial… I think about looking up to a little child – and he can comprehend what I’m saying.”

Although he is a full time student, Harrell does not study music in school, preferring to spend his formal education on topics that are more challenging to learn outside of an academic setting. He studies the culture of hip-hop on his own, from widely popular stars to the new local talent.

Growing up, he listened to popular artists like Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Lil Wayne, but he started listening to more local artists when he went to college. He began to “experience different genres of music in its entirety - go[ing] to the shows, hear[ing] their music, and interact[ing] with the artists.”

The local scene has been a huge influence on his rap career, both allowing him to learn by observing others and by offering him valuable opportunities and connections. Living in Georgetown, Harrell saw things happening for others and he was “just in proximity.”

Now, in Charleston, though, he is closer to the scene. “I associate with, just, cool people - they’re into their own personal projects.” Abstract is contacted to rap places because of his association with Cody Dixon and others who are active in the scene, and collaborates with local talent.

Inspired by sounds, from moaning to his own humming of tunes in his head, Abstract and good friend Cody are collaborating on a future project. Though Abstract is not proficient with producing beats, he has “sounds in [his] head” and Abstract and Cody are “trying to get those sounds out.”

Rapping has intrigued Abstract for quite a while. When he first started out, he would text his pieces to his friends, not wanting to rap in front of anybody. Though he recalls a vivid memory of early inspiration. In entrepreneurial class, “there was a Spanish guy by the name of Saul Corpeño, MC Blank, dope dude. I saw him rapping in class in a span of five minutes for a project.” And a spark went off.

Harrell quickly advanced his skill. He started off with a USB mic and an Inspiron laptop and improved to the point he achieved MC Blank’s approval. The two recorded in Blank’s basement-studio. “It all started from that basement and I got to be a part of that for like a quick minute.”

Fast-forward to Jeanette Guinn’s Understanding Creativity course at the College of Charleston: Harrell gave a presentation on Kendrick Lamar (this time he was the one rapping in class). In this same course, Abstract met his future collaborator, Willy Soul. He helped Willy plan an arts event for another class (Chucktown Funkdown). After the show, they were hella cool, kept in touch, and soon recorded an EP together.

Motivated by personal desires for creative expression rather than academic necessity, the two cranked out a lovely lil EP, Slo-Motion Wax. Their collaboration was organized and scheduled but free from artistic restriction. The result of the efficient, creative environment which the two fostered: four funky, fresh tracks for us to enjoy. “Just growin' with people. That’s really what it is, on a really deep level. Just chillin' with somebody, trying to crank something out. It’s not an assignment. It’s just like, ‘cause we want to do this’.”

Slo-Motion Wax seamlessly melds funk and hip-hop influence to achieve a culminating vibe that feels pretty damn fresh and pretty damn good. The EP facilitates the continued presence of funk/hip-hop culture, making it accessible to the modern listener. Reminiscent of the ‘80s, Slo-Motion Wax’s first track samples James Brown. The fourth track Summatime, reinvents Sublime’s Summertime. Abstract and Willy Soul’s EP carries on the tradition of the enduring genre, while offering a unique, personalized experience.

Abstract maximized this opportunity working with Willy Soul, finding musical inspiration in his artistic partner and adopting an expanded perspective from his classmate. Will loves funk and hip-hop - being a DJ from up North, Will provided Abstract a cool perspective and Abstract was able to learn music from Will, “which is dope for musical influence and reference.”

Abstract and Willy Soul performed their EP at ETV’s screening of Hamilton’s America. They received super positive feedback, to which Abstract says, “it was a different demographic, and they enjoyed it still so, you know, that’s when something is cool.” (The pair has also performed at the Music Farm!)

Though Abstract admits, “I can’t tell you about my life when I’m not done living it,” he does offer us some sound advice: “You have to continuously learn your life. You can’t just be stagnant. You don’t know what you like until you try it.”

Inspired by the influence of Kendrick, Nas, and Wu Tang telling their own personal truths, Abstract has a noble goal: “Having a message and trying to say it in a proper manner. Increasing in quality every time.”

“I’m still trying to learn what image I truly want - other than positive empowerment... That’s something I try to live by. Amongst the hate, I try to shower you brothers with love.”

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