subject: Kidz in the Hall - The in Crowd Album Review [print this page] Kidz in the Hall - The in Crowd Album Review
Now two years on, following a label jump from the revamped Rawkus to indie stalwart Duck Down, Kidz In The Hall are out to further assert themselves into Hip Hop's elite and prove that they can hang with The In Crowd.
A stylistic change is evident from the off-set, while still brimming with the almost wide-eyed optimism and passion displayed in their earlier work. The lead single Drivin' Down The Block (Low End Theory), complete with its southern-influenced production and Masta Ace Inc. vocal loop (chopped and screwed mind you), certainly caught loyal fans by surprise. While the single was quite an extreme musical detour for the Chicago duo, the majority of The In Crowd is less intrusive, smoothly transitioning between their earlier outings and a new, more polished sound.
The Kidz team up with Gym Class Hero Travis McCoy for the breezy and enjoyable Lucifer's Joyride, giving a nod to their musical influences, as they shout out the likes of Jimi Hendrix and James Brown. The current "it girl" Estelle lends her vocal talents to the old school flavoured Love Hangover. Again, it sounds somewhat out of character, but is delivered with such confident aplomb that it comes off lovely (pun intended).
Kidz In The Hall however cannot be accused of forgetting where they came from in favour of some cool new friends, working to fine effect with several of their talented working-class contemporaries. The pulsating soul of Paper Trail, complete with the kind of snare drum sound that smacks you in the face, provides one of the album's brightest moments, as Phonte (of Little Brother) does guest duties, delivering a classy performance. It's a Duck Down party on the triumphant posse cut The Pledge, which finds grizzled veterans Buckshot and Sean Price schooling young guns on the art of war.
It's the closing cut Inner Me though that is the album's masterstroke. The haunting production along with Naledge's poignant lyrics combine perfectly to paint a picture of the human struggle with inner demons - more specifically substance abuse.
Carefully balancing between musical purity and accessibility, Kidz In The Hall have carved out their own unique section of the industry, resulting in one of the year's most remarkable musical achievements. If the music found on The In Crowd is any indication of what direction the new school is going in, then Hip Hop music is in good hands. The In Crowd is first-class from start to finish. Class adjourned.
Available through Duck Down Music
By Andrew Hickey (Contributor and Content Manager)http://www.planeturban.co
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