The Cool Kids
BEFORE SHIT GOT WEIRD
Album · Hip-Hop/Rap · 2022
Back in the Myspace era, the duo of Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks bubbled just below the mainstream: two Chicago producers-turned-rappers who bonded over throwback streetwear, BMX bikes and ’80s-style beats that knocked pictures off the walls. Though they disbanded shortly after their long-awaited 2011 debut album to focus on solo projects, real heads rejoiced upon news of The Cool Kids’ reunion in 2017. On BEFORE SHIT GOT WEIRD, the duo make up for lost time, chronicling their inimitable brand of flyness (which includes hibachi restaurants and trips to Topgolf) and trading hilariously deadpan punchlines about esoteric stunting. With an assist from Chance the Rapper, “LOW SODIUM” is a deadpan but cocky homecoming celebration: “Don’t go too heavy trying to imitate us/Low-key, we them n***as that they been afraid of,” warns Mikey, ice-cold as ever.