Album Review: Kidz In The Hall – Land of Make Believe

I’ve had Kidz In The Hall’s Land of Make Believe album in rotation since it dropped two weeks ago, and what I find most refreshing about the project is its ability to be played straight through; a trait that’s becoming harder and harder to find with today’s growing focus on hit singles over complete albums.

The sample free-production put forth by Double O, and personal lyrics let loose by Naledge, make every track interesting.

This marks the third album release from the Penn grads, who’ve been creating a type of “paid dues” feel around themselves, releasing a number of underappreciated raps since 2006.

The group addresses their feelings of being underappreciated in the album’s “Introlude.”

Kidz In The Hall – “Introlude”

I like how Court Dunn brought the album’s intro to life by providing a dueling glance of the group’s present and future states.  Watching the video is just as entertaining as listening to the song!

The last few lines of “Introlude” really grab my attention:

“I’m not from the street, but I’m far from the beach,
It ain’t what you grab, its how far you reach,
Tryin to sit in jets, like the beauty of the week,
Tryin to get free is the duty of my speech,
Preach,
Church on the move, tabernacle to the congregation,
Fuck you if you even think of hatin’,
Best in Chicago, that ain’t worth debating,
Nigga I’m the best in the nation.”

Although there’s no denying his talent, I don’t agree with Naledge’s final line.  Having said that, the boastful comment did get me thinking, and while not the best, Kidz In The Hall are definitely one of the more important groups in hip hop.  They’re currently making major moves with an independent hip hop label (Duck Down Records) during a time when many artists are thinking about abandoning the traditional major label system.  Emerging artists should pay attention to the group’s moves!

Getting back to the music, the first leak off Land of Make Believe was the impressive “Flickin’,” which heightened my anticipation for the album back in August.  Although it was received well, Kidz In The Hall chose “Jukebox” over “Flickin’” to be the album’s lead single:

Kidz In The Hall – “Jukebox”

I thought Kidz In The Hall made a mistake in going with “Jukebox” over “Flickin’,” until I saw the crowd’s positive reaction to the song being performed live at two different concerts.  I now really enjoy listening to “Jukebox,” and watching its hilarious video where the guys hit on every girl they see!

“Take Over The World” is another track that’s starting to win over fans at the group’s live shows.

Kidz In The Hall – “Take Over The World”

Colin Munroe provides the catchy hook on “Take Over The World,” and thanks to Double O’s epic-sounding beat and Naledge’s motivational lyrics, can easily serve as any sport team’s pump-up music.

On this track, Naledge spits one of my favorite lines off the album with, “Dreams like women, If you only sleep with ‘em/ nothing ever comes from ‘em/ But I bet you still love ‘em.” It’s nothing too deep, but subtle thought-provoking quotes are sprinkled throughout the album.

After many listens, I now stray away from the obvious singles and go straight to the smooth “Will II Win,” and the hookless “I Am” when starting up my Zune.  Two other tracks that caught my ear are “Out to Lunch,” featuring The Kid Daytona, with it’s traditional hip hop feel, and the high energy “Fresh Academy,” featuring Chip Tha Ripper and Donnis.

Versatility is a major strong point of the album, and it really shines through on the wide range of beats produced by Double O.  This range can best be felt in tracks such as the upbeat “Bougie Girls” and the fast paced, dance record, “Running.”  The latter reminded me of Laws and his 4:57 mixtape.  I’d love to hear Kidz In The Hall link up with the southern emcee for a track in the future!

Interested in hearing more?  Buy Land of Make Believe here.