Few musical outfits have the genre-jumping appeal of Chicago rap duo The Cool Kids. Their clever rhymes and retro beats recall old-school rap (as they sing, they are “bringin’ ‘88 back”), a great way to grab the hip-hop audience. But “Mikey Rocks” and “Chuck Inglish’s” thrift-store wardrobe and silly subject matter (not to mention Pitchfork praise) also catch the eyes of the indie crowd. And their great music should entertain even the staunchest Third Eye Blind lover. On a Dillo Day where the musical acts cater to specific scenes, The Cool Kids stand as the act most likely to bring the boozed masses together.
Formed in 2005, the duo has received high praise. The Los Angeles Times say they are “one of the more promising new groups to emerge in recent years.” The Cool Kids have opened for M.I.A., and were also featured in an ad for music provider Rhapsody. The Cool Kid’s latest EP, The Bake Sale, was released on iTunes on May 20, and has been met with positive reviews, including being slapped with the “Recommended” tag on Pitchfork. The duo’s first full-length album When Fish Ride Bicycles comes out this fall.
Videos to watch
“Black Mags” — One of The Cool Kid’s best raps, about tricked-out bikes.
Interview — A nice interview with the duo that serves as a great introduction to the band.
The Cool Kids live at the Pitchfork Music Festival — A preview of what you can see on Dillo Day.
“I’m Mikey (I Rock)” – One more song for good measure.