Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon.
Chicago-based rap duo Kidz in the Hall (Naledge & Double O) represented a new breed of lyricists, a generation of talented greenhorns inspired by Kanye. That era helped shift the attention back towards party rap where fashion and style were king.
It was a trendy time (think Cool Kids and pre-Lasers Lupe Fiasco) that had traditional rap fans furrowing their brow in uncertainty. Not because of the focus on style (that’s always been a part of rap), but the lack of lyrical content to balance it out. Kidz in the Hall combined both.
The duo released their debut School Was My Hustle on the Rawkus imprint. It was a mutually beneficial pairing; Rawkus needed young blood and KITH needed a place where they could grow organically. Their debut was well received and drew comparisons to a young Pharcyde; freewheeling, bright with optimism and brutally honest.
“Go Ill” stood out as a mature track, indicative of what they were experiencing in Chicago. It differed from other like minded artists because it embraced the idea of being fresh but down to earth as well; classic Chicago: [LISTEN]
Kidz in the Hall stood at the creative arch between the underground and mainstream. They were seeing Common and Kanye blow up and tried to find their place without riding coattails. When they signed with Duck Down Music in 2008, they found a crew who was willing to take them to the next level, which they embraced wholeheartedly.
The In Crowd was supposed to be their big breakout, but it didn’t quite pan out that way. There were far too many guests on the album, which was an attempt at inheriting already established fanbases. And they didn’t need that. They had all the style and charisma to do it on their own; it alienated their early fans. But even with the snafu there were plenty of bright moments.
On “Inner Me,” one of the few track that does not have a feature, Kidz in the Hall lay out their deepest fears for all to absorb. Their self-deprecation and honesty captured the uncertainty many lyricists were feeling about trying to make rap a career: [LISTEN]
Since their sophomore album Kidz in the Hall’s career has been a series of peaks and valleys. They have outgrown each other in many ways, which happens in rap groups. But the two albums they released mark an important movement in rap; one that predates some of the styles grabbing the spotlight now, the Vic Mensas and Chance the Rappers of the world.
Kidz in the Hall was part of the first wave of party rappers and they’ll hold that accolade on their mantle regardless of whether they release another album or not.
