When hip-hop exploded in the 1980's it was characterized by flashy outfits, breakdancing, and of course, ghetto blasters. The music was primarily comprised of ridiculously big bass, rather simplistic beats, and free-flowing rhymes. Over the years hip-hop has been repeatedly flipped on its end and repackaged for all to enjoy. Many might just see Chicago-based duo The Cool Kids as retro-themed hip-hop for the hipster culture... and it may be just that. But it is also hip-hop for anyone that loves hip-hop music, and when it's done right, it just doesn't matter.
The Bake Sale kicks off the ten-song affair with "What Up Man." The listener is immediately hit with voiced beats of "tick" "clap" and "bass." The throwback doesn't end there as the big beats provided by Chuck Inglish and smooth rhymes of Mikey Rocks scream of hip-hop from yesteryear. While the sound may first come across as juvenile, repeated listens prove otherwise.
Throughout the EP, the listener is bombarded with the big beats of 80's titans like Run-DMC and NWA. This isn't to say they're straight rips though, there is some modernized updates to the sound. Cuts like "88" call to mind the party-days of The Beastie Boys. You've got that sound mixed with a little bit of the snyth flavoring of today.
Amongst the better songs on The Bake Sale are "Gold and a Pager" and the single' "Black Mags." These songs stand out to me because, while they still evoke that retro hip-hop sound, they've also incorporated a slightly different take on hip-hop, thus making them the most original pieces of the EP. "Bassment Party" is another prime cut that has likely made its way onto numerous mix-tapes across the globe and is heard at every party
well
everywhere.
Lyrically, Mikey Rocks is the audio equivalent of Family Guy as he constantly references whatever pop culture nugget rhymes with his last verse. Everything from clothing, food, video games, and any other "Oh man, remember
" items get the nod. Nothing is safe!
While it may be nothing new to the game, The Cool Kids' retro hip-hop sound is a welcome change the world of cheesy one-liners, high-end beats, and easy-way out sample-liftings provided by the bulk of the hip-hop/rap world. If this duo continues on this path, expect big things from them to come.
