Marty and I were having a conversation today regarding this throwback rap duo known as The Cool Kids. He was going on and on about how that Gone Fishing mixtape was dope and he just likes himself some good old fashion 808 rap music. Personally, I thought that mixtape was some hot garbage. Not to mention Don Cannon made me want to shoot myself in the ear by the time I reached the one track worth listening to, the “Pennies” remix.
On that same note, I wanted to talk a little bit more about the throwback groups like The Cool Kids, Pac Div and U-N-I. While it did look like they were going to make a true killing a few years ago, it appears that they have now missed the boat entirely when it comes to succeeding on any sort of mainstream level. Sure, they make great music on occasion, but the fact of the matter is that this old school hipster rap movement was more of a fad than anything else. But I really can’t hate, I am one of the many that truly fell in love with The Bake Sale EP, which is why I am making this post. In the hopes that this project restores my faith in this group as a force in hip-hop, and not just two dopes that rap about beepers and Air Jordans. [via]
[audio:http://potholesinmyblog.flywheelsites.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/The-Cool-Kids-Neat-Feat-Tennille.mp3|titles=The Cool Kids -Neat (Feat Tennille)]Download: The Cool Kids – Tacklebox [We do not take any responsibility for the STDs that your computer may acquire from clicking this link]
Track Listing:
1. Fishing Lessons (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
2. Flying Kytes (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
3. Freak City (Prod. Chuck Inglish & Old Young)
4. Neat (Ft. Tennille)
5. Going Camping (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
6. Volume II (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
7. Birthdays (Prod. Ski Beats)
8. Great Outdoors (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
9. Strawberry Girl (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
10. Systems (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
11. Good Afternoon (Prod. The Productionix)
12. Parking Lot (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
13. Summer Nights ft. Tennille (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
14. Los Angeles Leakers Outro (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
15. Gettin’ Flicked ft. Boldy James (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
16. Volume II [Remix] ft Like of Pac Div (Prod. Chuck Inglish)
Oh and one more thing. I gained a lot of respect for these dudes knowing how minimalist some of their recording process can be. I can’t help but dig when MCs/producers put in the effort to make their shit sound raw beyond clicking an effect button on Pro Tools or Reason.
Because I was involved in the convo (yeah, I’m that “Marty”), I’ll comment here, too.
I was a longtime “hater” of the music made by the Cool Kids and other so-called hipster rappers because, well, I maintain the fact that the hipster movement aggravates me. But this whole throwback, laidback sound has really grown on me. You can thank Pac Div for that. I feel like they displayed that sound the best out of everyone involved, from the Cool Kids to U-N-I. And the reason Pac Div caught my attention is because they speak on more than just fly kicks and smokin’ weed. Sure, most of their shit is braggadocio-laced shit-talking, but they seem to have a bit of a conscience/soul, too. And it’s for that reason I think Pac Div will go far, though [i]Don’t Mention It[/i] was filled with fluff/trunk-rattling music.
So far, I’m feeling [i]Tacklebox[/i] but it does sound stylistically like more of what I’ve heard from the Cool Kids and their pals. I have to admit I think it should be recognized more often that Mikey and Chuck are from the Midwest as their sound has totally been bit from West Coasters, especially those mentioned in this post.
OK, I need to stop rambling and just break it down.
I like the Cool Kids, U-N-I, Pac Div and so forth. Do I think what they’re doing is groundbreaking or mindbendingly awesome? Sometimes. Do I think they are going to takeover in any sense? No, simply because the mainstream is too heavy on Young Money’s foolishness right now. Do I think they are going to be around for a lil’ while? Yes. Once their proper debut finally drops, I feel like the radio/mainstream will embrace the Cool Kids a bit (again) and maybe this 808s-based shit will get more widespread recognition beyond Pitchfork readers and bloggers.
And I agree, if it’s not about the money in the end then you are just being stupid. If you have at all been involved in the music industry, you will quickly realize that money is what keeps things rolling, not the “love.” As sad as that is, it’s true with just about any industry.
@Justin I don’t think people are nearly as interested in these guys as they were when the Bake Sale EP dropped. They have their fans, but I think they lost their luster quickly. Like I said, I believe it was more of a fad. People still buy Razor Scooters, but they cost like 20 bucks now, not 100.
I’m not a fan, but The Cool Kids aren’t missing any boats. That whole team is all about smart business and they get merch money, ad money, overseas touring money, and almost total blog coverage for any move they make. I think these cats are a great example of how much indie and mainstream are no longer really useful distinctions.
Someone will probably comment that it’s not about the money. Sure, whatever, that’s great. If you want to make a living off music, then yeah, it’s totally about the money. They’re running a smart, successful small business. They’ll be around, making music, for quite awhile.
In terms of audience, shit…MC Paul Barman happened. Juggalos happened. Nikki fuckin Minaj happened. Every possible scene and movement is happening, all at once, all over the country these days. The US is less than 5% of the world’s population and everyone in the world loves hip hop.
And as for mainstream success, it ain’t what it used to be. The turnover is crazy now! Careers used to take up a whole decade, these days most rappers and pop stars are over before they get to release their first album. It will only accelerate in the future. I mean, I thought Wacka Flocka Flame was an internet joke like Tubesteak for the past year.
In conclusion, vote Banner/Badu 2012. Thank you.
they aint even wanna be on the mainstream boat thats what kills most good artists while some can sustain their dope most just get addicted to the limelight and say fuck the music and go for money witch is lame
Color me impressed with this mixtape. Much better than the previous one.
I have to agree with you. While I thought The Cool Kids Totally Flossed Out EP was dope, I think they are a day late and a dollar short with their upcoming album. The so-called-hipster movement is indeed slowing down, and I think the groups you’ve mentioned should have capitalized off the hipster wave, especially The Cool Kids, they should have been released When Fish Ride Bicycles. BTW, not really feeling this joint, but I still give them a chance.