The duo of Naledge and Double-O, collectively known as Kidz In The Hall, have transitioned from the stresses of Ivy League education to being heralded as the future of hip-hop. With "Drivin' Down The Block" -- the first single off their second album The In Crowd -- debuting at no. 5 on TRL only days after its premiere, the two have accomplished a feat far from common for indie artists.
But by no means is "Drivin' Down The Block" the sole reason behind Kidz' success; it is their fresh take on hip-hop. While Naledge isn't in the upper echelon of MCs, yet, although he seems to think otherwise, he is well on his way to the top. Naledge's well-crafted verses are enhanced by the sonic landscapes provided by Double-O, who proves on The In Crowd that he's hasn't fell victim to a characteristic sound.
"Black Out" launches the album with a welcoming old school sound, full of pizzicato strings and the occasional blaring trumpet. The intensity of the production, which is reminiscent of New York's dense drum beats, is easily matched by Naledge's lyrics and delivery, letting everyone know he's "complex with concepts." Phonte makes a strong appearance on "Paper Trail," which is another solid production effort by Double-O, while Naledge holds his own and matches Phonte's lyrical prowess on the track. The drum-heavy "Middle of the Map Pt. 1 and Pt. 2" are also standouts and feature the duo at their finest, along with the piano-driven title track, "The In Crowd."
The album's first hiccup comes with "Snob Hop," a track that fails to entice, despite a fair showing by Camp Lo. "Love Hangover" also brings another low point to the album with Naledge failing to click on all cylinders.
All in all, The In Crowd offers a much needed departure from the countless rhymes about spinners and bling. Double-O's production is nearly flawless and Naledge's lyrics and delivery are top notch. While other MCs are happy to rap about cash, they usually don't even have, the Kidz In The Hall rather kick a few concepts, a virtue that can take them far when matched with albums like this.
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