In
the year 2000, two students (Naledge and Double O) who met at a University of
Pennsylvania talent show realised they had tremendous musical chemistry and
decided that they wanted to make music together. Little did they know that they
would be given the chance to revolutionise it. Kidz in the Hall are looking to become one of hip-hop's most admired acts ever, destined to leave a legacy of artistic brilliance. Double O and Naledge, the producer/DJ and lyricist/MC, are reviving a format that Gangstarr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth and Run DMC established as the set standard in early '90s hip-hop. They hope to wow both listeners and critics alike with DJ-style beatmaking and jazzy sounds, and insightful, conscious lyrics that aim to touch upon the everyday struggles of life.
Why are you called Kidz In The Hall?
Naledge: Because we’re just kids in the hall!
Double O: We put names into a hat and picked one out. They were all names related to school. Kidz In The Hall had a ring to it. There were other names like Study Hall, Hallway Kidz and Hall Pass but we didn’t like those as much.
Tell me a bit about yourselves, how did you get into music?
Naledge: We really just stumbled into music. I fell in love with hip hop and watched my cousin who produced beats. I wanted to be a part of it, I tried producing but the only thing I was good at was rapping.
How did you get together as a group?
Double O: We met at school when I was a Senior and he was coming into his first year. We met at a talent show and people kind of introduced us. Once we started, that was it. One of my goals in school was to make an album and Naledge was perfect for it. We were the last two people standing so that’s when we decided to become a group.
How did you become affiliated with Rawkus Records?
Naledge: That’s a long story. Basically our mix tape got into the hands of somebody who loved the music and he had a relationship with the owners of Rawkus and played our CD to them. From that point on, the guys at Rawkus were interested in everything we had to offer.
What are your feelings being signed with them?
Double O: It’s great to be part of that lineage. We grew up on listening to their [Rawkus] artists. It was a good time for hip hop and they were at the centre of it. We envision ourselves with a level of credibility that we can maintain and they’re a label that understands that.
Do you feel under pressure for this album to succeed?
Naledge: Yes and no. I think we put pressure upon ourselves. Anybody else putting pressure on us doesn’t really affect us. I don’t think there’s anybody harder on ourselves than us. It’s not about bringing Rawkus back or first week sales, we want to make the best music possible and want everybody to understand us. You can’t reach all people, some people will misinterpret it but we’ve had a great response so far. Without looking at sales, we know we’re doing well.
Which tracks on the album are most personal to you?
Naledge: I think every song on the album speaks to a different emotion on a different day. One day it might be Wheelz Fall Off or the next day it might be Go Ill. It just depends on the day. Fortunately we make good enough music where I like everything we make. It’s not like there are a lot of fillers on the album.
Double O: It would be messed up if people didn’t like any of our stuff at all.
Were you both involved in writing and making the beats or do you separate the roles?
Double O: I’m mainly the producer and he’s the MC. We like to throw each other ideas and concepts but we work well enough with each other to let the other person do their thing. I’m not trying to be the jack of all trades in this industry. I want to be the best producer that I can be then carry on from there.
Since your album is called ‘School Was My Hustle’ did you both do well in school?
Naledge: Yeah, I think we did alright.
Double O: I was in engineering school and I had a lot to deal with so my results probably suffered a little bit. I’ve got a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering.
If you weren’t doing music what else would you be doing?
Naledge: I’d probably be doing your job – writing!
What are you bringing to hip hop?
Naledge: A shot of magic. We’re bringing something that hasn’t been approached in a while. I’d describe us as ‘newness.’ We come from a different place with a new perspective but at the same time our music is good quality. The concept of the stories that we talk about aren’t often put out there with hip hop. We’re complex people but also simple at the same time. We’re a nostalgic but futuristic group. Very contradictory! To be human is to contradict yourself.
Double O: We bring a high sense of fashion and couture.
Naledge: We also have a great palette for wine.
Double O: His wine tasting skills are bar none. Come and hang out with us then you’ll know.
Naledge: I’m feeling like a dry red right now!
www.kidzinthehall.com
www.myspace.com/kidzinthehall
By Rashmi Shastri - Mar 2007