Cool Kids...

Too Cool for School
written by K.T.

In our constant search of new and impressive music from current hip-hop artists, we sometimes forget about all the unsigned and more refreshing talent that’s out there. That said, a few weeks ago, my homegirl did me the pleasure of introducing me to a hip-hop duo out of what seems to be the new Mecca of the genre. Hailing from Chicago and Detroit, The Cool Kids are made up of Antoine “Mikey Rocks” Reed and Evan “Chuck Inglish” Ingersoll and their sound is very reminiscent of mid-to-late 80’s hip-hop. Ingersoll is the primary tracklayer of the two and his beats are sparse in comparison to the wild, complex sounds of mainstream hip-hop. Check the joints “Black Mags” and “Gold and a Pager” To date, the duo has released five EP’s and their heavily anticipated (at least by me) album The Bake Sale hits stores May 20th under their C.A.K.E. Recordings label and distributed by independent outfit Chocolate Recordings.

To be sure, their songs do not have the tenacity of a Lil Wayne or the maturity and depth of a Jay-Z or Kanye, but if hip-hop is really going to advance as a musical genre, it’s groups like The Cool Kids (who are only teens by the way) who are going to move it forward. Their most well known song: “Black Mags” are all about those tiny BMX freestyle bikes and it makes you wonder about the scene out in the Midwest, where skate and bike culture have a pretty strong influence on the hip-hop culture there.

What makes me happiest about these two is the original sound. It invokes the Neptunes when you hear some of Ingersoll’s tracks, but they are so out there and eccentric at times, you almost can’t help but try to follow along. Their lyrical style, while still needing polish, is very good as it is. They don’t take themselves too seriously and the metaphors and wordplay is evident. These kids are definitely cool in their own right and here’s to hoping they continue to pump their sound through the streets.

P.S. – I think it’s time we give the Chi some real love. The talent coming out of there is serious right now. Look out next week for part one of the series: “…And You Say Chi City”

The website: www.coolkids.com
The videos: “Black Mags”

The tracks: