Chicago/Detroit-based duo The Cool Kids is hip-hop for the cool kids. Hipster tastemaker Pitchfork was an early fan, but Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks rode into the scene on a huge wave of hype, garnering attention in
Rolling Stone, Spin, The New Yorker, Fader and the cover of URB before ever putting out a single. Flagpole hopped on board the praise train, too—we were drawn to the nerdy charm of the band’s 2008 EP debut, The Bake Sale, with its songs about playing Sega and eating Fruity Pebbles.
On their new album, When Fish Ride Bicycles, The Cool Kids venture in bolder directions, filling out their sound with help from a slew of big name musicians while never being totally overshadowed by the guests’ star power. Travis Barker adds uncomplicated but resonant depth behind the drums on “Sour Apples,” rapper Bun B is featured on “Gas Station,” and Wu-Tang Clansman Ghostface Killah makes an appearance on “Penny Hardaway.” While most of the record is self-produced, they did manage to recruit Pharrell Williams (N.E.R.D., Neptunes) to work his knob-twiddling magic on “Summer Jam.”
Lyrically The Cool Kids pay tribute to Chicago summers and looking fly all year long. The fashion-conscious pair offers hook-heavy rhymes that go down smooth backed by booming 808s and surprising electronic elements. So while the group has perhaps parted ways with its prior minimalist tendencies, they haven’t totally abandoned their old-school influences. When Fish Ride Bicycles has just put The Cool Kids in an even better position for mass consumption with a more polished product and some celebrity credibility.
The duo’s upcoming appearance in Athens is part of UGA’s homecoming celebration, so admission is totally free for students with a valid UGA ID. Non-students are welcome as well, and tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the gate.
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