Emerging on the music scene in late 2007 with the retro-inspired single “Black Mags” were the rappers Antoine “Mikey Rocks” Reed and Evan “Chuck Inglish” Ingersoll, collectively known as “The Cool Kids.” Known for their late ‘80s, early ‘90s sensibilities, the pair recently issued the release of their debut EP, “The Bake Sale.” 

With an obvious affinity for the era of gold rope chains and velour track suits, the disc embraces a minimalist production style comprised of simple bass and drum patterns, maximizing the effect of their swaggering rhymes. Sure to make trunks rattle and speakers thump are “One Two” and “Mikey Rocks,” where Mikey raps on the former song, “what it is, what it is, come check the noise, it’s the new black version of the Beastie Boys.” The boast might be warranted as the producer/rapper, Chuck Inglish, channels his inner Rick Rubin on “88,” an ode to the classic year in hip-hop and source of their musical inspiration. Even on “Bassment Party,” the duo recaptures the energy and spirit associated with the Miami Bass sound. 

Without doubt leaders of rap’s alternative movement, “The Cool Kids” did something on “The Bake Sale” that hip-hop’s elder statesmen couldn’t—they made the ‘80s “cool” in the eyes of a generation born during that period of time.

Label: C.A.K.E Recordings/Chocolate Industries

Genre: Rap/Hip-Hop