Breathe in… now breathe out. How do you feel? Refreshed? Rejuvenated? If so, that’s exactly how you’ll feel upon first listen of the sophomore release from Kidz In The Hall, The In Crowd. I’m not gonna get all cliché and say that this album is a breath of fresh air. How many times has that really been said to describe an uniquely dope hip hop album? Too many. Let’s just say that The In Crowd brings a rejuvenation to this era’s hip hop. Could 2008 be a turn in style for hip hop? Every few years there comes an album that sets the tone for the next hip hop era. It seems that we’ve been stuck in 2003 for too long… damn you Lil Jon! 2008 could be the year of diversity in hip hop; musical diversity. Two albums this year have showed that potential; Nicolay & Kay’s TIME:LINE and eMC’s The Show. Now add to that list Kidz In The Hall’s The In Crowd. Let’s hope that 2008 is a year of change.

Kidz In The Hall take us back to the days of the one DJ/producer (Double-O) and one emcee (Naledge) album; the days of Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, DJ Premier & Guru, and Eric B & Rakim. But don’t get it twisted, I’m not comparing Kidz In The Hall to these greats. Double-O & Naledge bring a new fresh sound to the formula. Pete Rock has a sound, DJ Premier has a sound, and even Nicolay has a sound. Double-O has MANY sounds. First thing I noticed about The In Crowd is how each track is totally and completely different from the next; all different sounds and styles. And they do it without breaking the groove of the album!

The album kicks off with “Black Out”, a track reminiscent of early Eric B. & Rakim. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s 1988 all over again! As an opening track, this immediately caught my attention. Just when I’m about to break my Kangol out, Double-O hits us with a soul-laced track, which brings me back to the present. The obvious guest appearance, Phonte Coleman from Little Brother, pops in to help Naledge out. Though Naledge needs no help, Phonte of course adds to an already beautiful track.

“Driving Down The Block”, the first single off the album, finds Kidz In The Hall dumbing it down for mainstream radio. I’m definitely not faulting the Kidz. Dropping this track as the first single is genius, but even better the track is hot! Sampling Masta Ace on the chorus and interpolating Outkast’s “Elevators” on the hook makes for a great number to get these guys played on today’s radio.

Two of my favorite tracks on the album, “Let Your Hair Down” and “The Pledge” bring us some stellar verses from guests Skyzoo, Sean Price, and Buckshot. This whole album is actually sprinkled with guest spots. Although the Naledge doesn’t necessarily need the help, the assistance is like icing on the cake. Naledge definitely hold his own and brings a realness to hip hop. If Lupe Fiasco does indeed retire from the game, Naledge could most certainly take his place.

So far, each track on the album has been totally different in style and the rest of the album continues on with this formula. From the N.E.R.D.-inspired “Lucifer’s Joyride, the Outkast-sounding “The In Crowd”, and the Kanye-like “Inner Me”; Kidz In The Hall aren’t biting, they’re showing their musical diversity. They’re showing us that they can take the best styles of hip hop and meld them together in one album. If you’re a believer in evolution you need to check out this album. Kidz In The Hall, The In Crowd… exhale.

Notable Tracks: “The Pledge”, “Let Your Hair Down”, “Paper Trail”, “Mr. Alladatshit”

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