Kidz In The Hall: He's The Deejay, I'm The Rapper

CraveOnline: Tell me your whole inception into music -- When did you all first become interested?? And, how did it all begin for you two??

Naledge: Although my parents always played music in our household, I never was really interested in music, so much as I was always interested in stating my opinions, and getting lots of attention. It just so happened that Hip-Hop was the popular form of self expression amongst my social circle back in Chicago (Illinois). When I was around 12 years old I started carrying crates for my cousin, who was a DJ in the underground rap scene, in Chicago. Being around him inspired me to become an emcee, and pursue a career in music. Me and Double-O met in college in a fate-like meeting during my recruiting visit. We've been joined at the hip musically ever since. It's wild because my life has been filled with so many fate-like encounters -- I think God meant for me to be a star.

Double-0: Music has probably been on in my household since birth. My dad used to be in a band and deejayed, so from early on I was immersed into music. Then, right before I started high school, I convinced myself I was going to be GQ from Juice. So, I got a turntable and mixer for Christmas, and so began my career in music. Like Naledge said, we connected right before he officially committed to Penn (State). Once he got there, (it) is was on.

CraveOnline: You both are natives of where?? So, growing up, who were some of your strongest musical influences??

Naledge: I am from the Southside of Chicago. I spent my childhood divided between the southeast areas of South Shore and another neighborhood called Hyde Park -- if you want to be truly technical. My biggest musical influence in terms of Hip-Hop would have to be Common Sense. The album Resurrection was the first rap album I ever bought with my own money, and it inspired me to want to rap. I am a big fan of Marvin Gaye, Miles Davis, George Benson and Frankie Beverly. I guess that I'm an old soul.

Double-0: I spent my childhood in Brooklyn, so there was a heavy Caribbean and World influence, especially in the 80's -- Third World, Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Sting, Sade, Phil Collins, groups like that. Video Music Box became big for me, too, once I got a little older. That's where anything Hip-Hop, especially N.Y.C. Hip-Hop jumped off. When I moved to (New) Jersey, and was deeJaying, there were older DJs around my way, Mike and Terrence, that really helped me along. As I started really getting into production, Timbaland and RZA really molded my initial foray into beats, then as I really started becoming a student of the art, everyone from Quincy Jones through Just Blaze have helped me along.

CraveOnline: At what point did you all decide that you wanted to pursue music on a professional basis??

Naledge: Since age 16, I always had a desire to pursue music professionally. It wasn't until I met Double-O that I ever felt it was really a reality. He was always way more gung-ho about music than I ever was. For Mike [Double-O] it was always, "All or nothing," as far as our music was concerned. He inspired me to push my lyrical ability to that next level. He believed in me when no one else did

Double-O: In college, I knew that any nine to five was temporary for me. I just got the music 'bug' one day, and it was one of those, "I have to be doing music, period." I couldn't settle until I was in that position. Sometimes, I tell you it can feel like a disease, because you look around and you have to make so many more sacrifices, and struggle much more, in order to make that a reality.

CraveOnline: Tell me where the name Kidz In The Hall derived from??

Naledge: We both came up with five names, and picked one out of a hat. I think an act of Jesus put 'Kids In The Hall' on Comedy Central that night.

Double-0: Yeah, it's funny because we had all kinds of names with Hall in them, Houston Hall, Study Hall, (but) that one just fit. It can apply to any genre of music, (too), rock group, punk band, rap group, etcetera.

CraveOnline: What particular string of events led to your hooking up with Just Blaze, and eventually inking with the newly re-birthed, Rawkus Records??

Naledge: Well, the deal is through Hustle Period Entertainment, and Rawkus Records. The deal was brokered by Chicago talent scout, John Monopoly. Just (Blaze) is credited as being the first person to recognize us, and endorse us, as being the next big thing in hip hop. He also is involved in our creative process of making songs. I met Just through Double-O, so I'll let him tell that story...

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Double-0: The string of events starts with me having to go get one of those 'temporary 9-5's.' I was working at T-Mobile, and I started when version one of the Sidekick came out. I knew it would really blow up within the entertainment community, so I reached out to all my contacts to get them out there. My homeboy, Gerard, knew someone who engineered at a studio Just Blaze was working out of at the time. So, I hooked him up with his first, second and, probably, third sidekick, and we just built from there. After a while, I started really pressing the issue that he needed to hear what we had musically. I'm sure he thought it was going to be wack, but when it wasn't, he really gave it a listen and realized it could be something worth messing with.

CraveOnline: How would you all describe and/or define the style of music that you two create and perform?? What do each of you bring to the table creatively as individuals??

Naledge: What we make is raw, no frills, pure Hip-Hop. It is a fusion of Jazz, Soul, Spoken Word and Funk, but with the Boom Bap of 1990's golden-era Rap. Basically, we are the surrogate sons of Native Tongues.

Double-O: I think we have properly 'evolved' the sound we grew up on. There are elements of our music that are reminiscent of that era, but there is also a level of progression that anyone, whether you were old enough to experience the early '90's or not, can (still) appreciate.

CraveOnline: You titled your forthcoming debut, Kidz In The Hall Presents, Naledge...The Broke Diaries -- What does this name represent to, and for, you all??

Double-O: The title has a double meaning. First, being that my music is literally a diary, and these songs were created during a period of time that I was nine-to-fivin,' and recording as a starving artist. The songs are literally my 'Broke Guy' diary entries. The title is also a reference to the book written by Angela Nissel.

CraveOnline: Let's discuss longevity in this business of music -- What do you all feel has been, and will continue to be, the key to your success?? And, what will keep sustaining you both in this grueling industry??

Naledge: We are both relentless workers. We don't know the meaning of failure because we go above and beyond whatever obstacle is in our ways. We are proven winners in everything we have ever done -- from sports to school and music. Never being content is what will keep us successful.

Double-O: We are goal oriented individuals, and we definitely push ourselves harder than anyone else can.

CraveOnline: Do you all have any other aspirations, maybe even outside of music altogether??

Naledge: I am very much interested in getting into the field of journalism, and possibly having a talk show. I also plan to go back to school and receive my doctorate at some point.

Double-O: No disrespect, but I don't want to be 45 trying to tour. I definitely want to teach later on at a collegiate level, and possibly jump in a few movies.

CraveOnline: Would it be fair to say that the members of Kidz In The Hall are happy with the current state of Hip-Hop music??

Naledge: No, but I am very happy with the state of my album, which is called Broke Diaries, and in stores in August -- Ha, Ha!!

Double-O: Definitely. The current state is what it is. You have more of a balance than you had a few years ago, but there is still a large level of crap out there. But, August comes round, and you'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

CraveOnline: Since everyone either knows you all already, or will become familiar with you, for and through your music, what would you want these same people to know about the two members of Kidz In The Hall that they won't get from listening to your record(s)??

Naledge: Know that we have lots of fun when we go to clubs. I am a professional bottle popper.

Double-O: We go hard. We enjoy everything we do; music, partying, performing, etcetera. In fact, where's the Patron?!?

CraveOnline: What would these same people find you all doing in your off/spare time, completely away from the music??

Naledge: If I'm not on Facebook, or buying Lacoste, I'm usually in the mirror admiring myself.

Double-O: Probably laid up in a bosom [He laughs]. I am a regular dude, I try to be outside in some sort of social situation.

CraveOnline: To date, what has been the biggest highlight of your career(s)??

Naledge: Looking down Pam Anderson's shirt at Kanye (West's) Grammy party.

Double-O: Waking up in the W Chicago, drunk off patron, with a record deal.

CraveOnline: Looking ahead, say, 5, or even 10, years from now, where do you see yourselves??

Naledge: I'll probably be starring on the Surreal Life with Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Tatyana Ali.

Double-O: Wearing chancletas and board shorts on a yacht somewhere in the Mediterranean.

CraveOnline: Any parting words??

Naledge: www.KidzInTheHall.com, tell a friend….

Double-O: Just Poke Us...Facebook that is!!