Their second album beefs up the guest list, with backpacker extraordinaire Phonte of Little Brother showing up, along with Skyzoo, Estelle and Travis McCoy (of Gym Class Heroes). The two also managed to pull 16’s from some legends as well, as Camp Lo, Sean Price and Buckshot all get a turn on the mic.
How did Naledge and Double-O follow up two classic albums? By expanding their sound and their message with 2010’s Land of Make Believe. It’s rare that an artist so comfortable in one lane can make a successful switch to another (unless your name is Kanye or Andre Benjamin), but that’s just what Kidz in the Hall did with their third album.
The album marked a shift in production duties, as Double-O only produced or co-produced on three tracks, though he did act as the album’s executive producer. As the album artwork indicates, Land of the Make Believe is more colorful than their previous two efforts. The music borrows more from other genres-electronic, disco, rock-while still managing to maintain a gritty, classic hip-hop aesthetic. Just check the skittering drums of “Out to Lunch” or the MC Lyte sampling, scratch heavy “Jukebox.”
While it didn’t quite capture the authentic soul satisfying sound of their first two albums, Kidz in the Hall took a risk with Land of the Make Believe, and that willingness to get out of their comfort zone and experiment is more than many other artists can claim.
On the duo’s most recent (and perhaps final) album, Occasion, the sound and content is pushed even further. The album, released in 2011, contains their biggest hooks and their most experimental sounds. Five years removed from their intimate and humble debut, Occasion consists of tracks worthy of its title. It’s a wonder some of these didn’t make it big on national radio, and with a little more push, I’m sure they would have.
Maybe if we give them the appreciation they deserve, Kidz in the Hall will bless us with album number five. Until then, The In Crowd stays in rotation.