KIDZ IN THE HALL
In the mid2000s, alternative hiphop duo Kidz in the Hall became the new face for the revamped Rawkus Records, the underground rap powerhouse responsible for introducing groundbreaking acts like Mos Def and Talib Kweli before its operations were temporarily closed in 2004. Naledge's intelligence, imagery, and lyricism combined with the progressive and often jazzinflected sounds of DJ/producer DoubleO easily recall the early ‘90s aesthetic of hiphop groups such as Pete Rock C.L. Smooth, Gang Starr, or Souls of Mischief. A native of Chicago, Naledge (b. Jabari Evans) was always the creative and lyrical type of guy, writing poetry and short stories since he was 13, but the New Jerseybred DoubleO (b. Michael Aguilar) always had been a techie, first DJing in the ninth grade and then composing beats in college. They first met each other at their alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. After witnessing Naledge's rhyme skills at a talent show during his recruiter's visit, impressed audience members pointed him towards the talented DJ. Over the years, the two Ivy Leaguers worked together and became good friends. Once Naledge graduated, he again hooked up with DoubleO, who had relocated to Los Angeles as an engineer for Sony Studios, and decided to form professionally as Kidz in the Hall. Naledge was already signed as a solo act to the reborn Rawkus and simply brought the Kidz in the Hall duo over to the label. The amount of (mostly Internet) press coverage greatly increased after prolific producer Just Blaze, a fellow techie, friend, and mentor of DoubleO, cosigned the group's efforts. Naledge and DoubleO heavily promoted themselves through the Internet and released several mixtapes.
The sons of the Golden Era of Hip Hop now take the reigns at the forefront of the next great Hip Hop dynasty. Call 'em elitests, call 'em smart asses or arrogant, but they are definitely one thing for certain, DOPE.
Co-signed by Just Blaze, 3H (50 cent, Kanye West), Matty C (Originator of Unsigned Hype) the Kidz music speaks volumes. It is no more evident than on there already critically acclaimed debut "School Was My Hustle" and follow up "The In Crowd".
In high school I was most talkative
Now I'm most decadent
Flow heaven sent
Laced intelligent
Your's irrelevant
Hot like fire cooler then peppermint
Still benevolent
Rose gold necklace
You was left negligent
Case closed, no settlement or arraignment
Spit for my sanity not for entertainment
Never on some lame shit
Lean to the left y'all on the same shit
Imitate the same hit
You think that's dope I say hardly
Don't listen to radio singled out like McCarthy
Trying to be the black McCartney
Got a degree so they call me artsy
But I'm just as vein as the next man
Lacrosse shirt way spinning like a jet fan
Difference is I keep it in perspective
Jesus ain't die for me to drive in a Lexus
He died for me to change the world
I ain't tripping off money and girls
I'm just tripping all around the world
I rather feel pain then feel nothing at all
But I'ma ride it out till the wheels fall off
Only way to lose it to fail to try
But I'ma hold it down till the day I die
Skill tone sinker
Flow taste is choice
You can hear my ancestors when I open my voice
You can hear my hunger with the words that I write
And my eyes is a reflection of the streets of the Chi
Piece of the pie I've been trying to get it
Make my own bed so I guess I got to lie in it
Whether I see a deal, don't waste my time wit' it
Leroy glow shines every time I spit it
No it's not a gimmick
You can still catch me in the avenue pushing in my baby girls Civic
Nah them ain't 20 them tens
N@##% need ends even if I rap about a Benz
I'm just conveying wishful thinking
We in the same boat but I can swim if it sinking
Self starter a go getter I flow better
Waiting for a fall off
C'mon y'all niggaz know better
I rather feel pain then feel nothing at all
But I'ma ride it out till the wheels fall off
Only way to lose it to fail to try
But I'ma hold it down till the day I die
What goes around comes around
And leaves again
Sorta like leaves in the wind
But we finna win
So everyday I try, strive, to get my piece of the pie
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