Words By:   Joseph “J. Hyphen” Poakwa

          Two-thousand ten seems to be the year of the self-aware dreamer.  Over the past year our culture has acquired a new found sense of identity through art, fashion, and music.  Albert Einstein would probably proclaim it seems that we have reached the beginnings of a Great Awakening, the Renaissance of our time.  At the forefront of this Renaissance is the resurgence of honest music produced by honest artists.  Can you feel it? 

            Almost four years removed from “Keep-us-Rawlevant records”, the Ivy League duo known as Kidz in the Hall have returned with their latest effort, Land Of Make Believe, a more revealing look at the pair.  “With this album we wanted to take more of an honest approach and do a little bit more soul searching because we wanted to define who we are, not to ourselves, but more so to the public” said Naledge. 

            Happy at their new home Duck-Down Records, the group saw the opportunity to finally paint a clear picture of who they are for their fans, “the first two albums were almost always done as a precursor to Naledge’s solo project.  With all the mixtapes and projects up till now we tried to separate who Naledge the MC was from Double-O the producer, but that really didn’t define who Kidz the group was.  We decided to put it all on the table with Land of Make Believe and show our fans who we are as people so that they can better understand who Kidz in the Hall the entity was” said Double-O.

            In order to connect with their fans on a more personal level the duo retreated back to their roots.  For Naledge this meant going back to the one place he felt truly comfortable.  “The majority of this album was recorded in Chicago, and the best way to be honest, I think, is to be around people who’ve know you your entire life.  Sometimes on records we tell people the things we want them to know about us while others we hold back.  At times I would withhold some things because I didn’t think people needed to know that stuff yet; on the album there really is no holding back.”

            Double-O found his sense of identity elsewhere.  The recent growth of his Samson-esque mane has found him on the end of some harsh scrutiny, “I’ve been called a Puerto Rican vampire.  People said I look like when Spliff Star played that white dude in the Busta Rhymes video, all types of shit man”.  However, despite the comments he has been able to unknowingly help others, “There’s been at least four or five instances while on the road where there’s been like the random mixed kid that has come up to me and said, “Man, thank you for just growing that shit out.” 

            He further added, “When I was younger I had no role models except for like, Keanu Reeves and fuckin’, I don’t know.  So I said if I gotta be the dude to do it then fuck it, I’ll be the dude.  It’s all about pushing each other forward.  I have no problem being the sacrificial lamb.  I mean you know, fuck it!  Long hair don’t care, I can do whatever I want.”

            In today’s society the truth is what matters most to people, and Kidz in the Hall have given their fans the blunt reality of their lives, “With the album I just want people to not have to question who we are anymore” said Double-O.  From top to bottom Land of Make Believe is a playful in depth look into the minds of Naledge and Double-O that is sure to be a crowd pleasure.   

Currently Kidz in the Hall are touring across America to promote Land Of Make Believe on the Crowd Control tour with the likes of Donnis, Izza Kizza, and 88 keys.

Akademiks had sponsored Duck Down productions for a hip hop showcase in NYC during CMJ week. Boss Lady from Dr.Jays.com interviews some of Duck Down artists such as Kidz in the Hall, Skyzoo, and Torae and find out their past influences, where they think hip hop is going and where they will fit in, as well as if they remember wearing Akademiks back in the day.

B-Real sat down with Vimby to discuss his upcoming album “Smoke and Mirrors” dropping this February on Duck Down Records. This feature was shot on the set of B’s upcoming video for the track “Don’t You Dare Laugh” featuring the homey Young De. Look for the video to drop in the next few weeks.