Intro By Jason Hortillas
“The Cool Kids? What kind of name is that?”
You would think these cats were joking with a name so generic. But in fact, The Cool Kids surpass the status of their moniker, delivering more buzz than acts who actually have albums under their belts. Riding on the strength of singles like the BMX friendly,”Black Mags” and the ode-to-retro track “88,” blog posts have given the duo enough net exposure where they now tour globally. Currently, there still is no full length album (it’s in the works) but there’s more than enough of their audible treats available to keep the people happy.
The duo is comprised of two Chicago natives – emcee Mikey Rocks and beatsmith/emcee, Chuck Inglish. Their sound however is not indicative of their location. Hell, I thought they hailed from the left coast – but even with their limited resume, you can see this is not just another regional sideshow act. Combining the thump reminiscent of a classic Bay area anthem and the swagger of NY old school party rockers, TCK successfully does so, with only Chicago blood in their veins.
Its funny because a lot of the critique about TCK centers not around their music but their apparel. Getting attention in the street wear circles because of their so-called retro look, hipster acceptance has added to the fan base. Image definitely effects response, but will the duo get the same respect from their more atypically dressed counterparts?
So with that we got the man himself, Gottyâ„¢ to talk to the elusive Cool Kids, whose packed schedule has kept them moving at a frenetic pace. TCK’s Mikey Rocks talks about touring the globe, that damn Rhapsody commercial and why they never will come out with their own clothing line.
Photography by Rich Parry, Graphics by P.
TSS: Gentlemen, how are you doing this evening?
Mikey Rocks: How are you?
TSS: Just wanted to touch base with you. We’ve been trying to knock this out for a minute. Where you all at now?
Mikey: We’re back in Chicago…
TSS: Back in Chicago?
Mikey: Yeah, chillin.
TSS: You sound a little fatigued. Where were you all at last or this weekend?
Mikey: In Texas. We did SXSW
TSS: How was that for you?
Mikey: It was cool. We did some of the more publicized shows out there so it was cool to go back to SXSW and see what’s changed over a year cause we went there last year & that’s where we basically got started in terms of doing shows outside of our city & stuff like that.
TSS: Yeah, that’s kind of where the buzz originated I guess you’d say, no?
Mikey: Yeah, a little bit of it. Definitely from there because you’ve got a lot of writers & stuff there.
TSS: That’s a good spot to get your name poppin’ because there’s so many different media outlets attending. What did you all see there because I’ve heard various things, specifically that there was more hip-hop this time around. What was the difference in your eyes since you say you were there last year. What was the energy like & what was the audience & acceptance level like?
Mikey: It was really good man. I think a lot of people that were there knew what they were coming for, knew what they wanted to come see. Wasn’t too many stragglers off the street, walking in not knowing what was going on & just trying to check out shows. There was a lot of hardcore fans of people & who knew what they were coming to see. So everybody was really excited & the crowds were really dope.
TSS: I know recently, because I’ve been talking with your manager, that you all were in Australia if I’m not mistaken right?
Mikey: Yeah, we went there before we went to Paris.
TSS: Now how the fuck do two…excuse me, how do two young Black males from Chicago…which side of Chicago ya’ll from?
Mikey: South…
TSS: Southside…How do two young black males from the Chicago’s Southside end up in Paris & Australia? How does that feel to you? Read the rest of this entry »
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