thecoolkids-thebakesale music reviews Virgin Media
Chicago duo take rap back to rhyme 'n' beat basics
Not to be confused with The Black, Cold War or New Kids, this rapping duo has more in common with Kid N Play and other heroes of 80s hip hop and believe themselves to be "the new version of the Beastie Boys".
With gangsta rap becoming increasingly overblown and ego driven this pair are a reminder that when the genre began rappers relied on rhyme and wit rather than bravado. With stripped down, skinny beats and lyrics that name check The Smurfs, Sega, BMX and The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, Mickey Rocks (20) and Chuck Inglish (23) pull off their smart geeky homage to the likes of Run-DMC, LL Cool J and Eric B and Rakim with playful hooks and gags.
Not that it's all totally light and old skool. Gold And A Pager and One Two warp the formula with skewed, slowed-down vocals and grimy cheap synth squelching. Cool as ice (PS: and we don't mean the film with Vanilla).
More to try:
Run-DMC: Raising Hell
Lupe Fiasco: The Cool
Spank Rock: YoYoYoYoYo
Eric B & Rakim: Paid In Full
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