Switching labels may have been the best career move the members of Kidz in the Hall have taken thus far in their short span as hip-hop entrepreneurs. After making a deal with Duck Down Records, Chicago natives, rapper Naledge and producer Double-O have set out to reinvent their sound on their sophomore album, The In Crowd.

“Lucifer’s Joyride” is a track best described as provocative, freewheeling lyrics on cruise control. Featuring Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, each rapper creates a controversial fantasy. As Naledge raps about traveling the country for some excitement, McCoy responds, “I’m gonna go scoop Naledge and a couple college hoes / Line them all up, knock them down like dominoes.”

Switching gears, Double-O lays down a beat that seemingly touches the skies with its empowering horns and strings on “Mr. Alladatshit.” Following his lead, Naledge boasts, “My style’s 747 leer jet fly.”

Cleveland native and rapper Chip tha Ripper rounds out the track with a smooth flow that complements the beat as he rhymes, “I be on that cool s***, cooler than a Heineken / If she cute and not high maintenance, tell her she can bring a friend / All them girls be telling me I’m something like a celebrity / And when I wear them Gucci shades, I bet they can still tell it’s me.”

The highlight of The In Crowd comes in the form of a dual collaboration between Double-O and Detroit producer Black Milk.

“Middle of the Map” is broken into two parts; each producer takes the same sample and puts their own spin on it. The final products are two blazing tracks that rectify a true passion for creativity.

Songs like “Inner Me” and the title track “The In Crowd” significantly differ from songs in the duo’s debut album, School Was My Hustle. In this instance, we see Kidz in the Hall take a reflective mode rather than a step backward.

Midwest, and specifically Chicago hip-hop, has always had its certain flare of social conscious rap. However, this title has ceased to exist with acts like Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Common. Kidz in the Hall is no different. Alongside label mates and friends alike, Kidz in the Hall has created a much-needed refreshing perspective with The In Crowd that will reverberate throughout the coming months.