This summertime Chi weather has been fantastic. Hopefully, everyone has gotten out of the crib and made time to rotate When Fish Ride Bicyles through some quality speakers (it makes a BIG difference.) All swag aside, the album is very good. I had a lot of fun at the album release party at Reggie’s and I would classify the new Cool Kids album as very fun. The tone of the album features many notable bangers. “Penny Hardaway,” “Bundle Up,” and “Gas Station” to name a few. I also rock with “Boomin’” very tough. Something about that track and production speaks to me. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is, but I definitely appreciate the progression of Sir Charles. The guest features were also creative. It was especially dope to see Ghost and Pharrell working with The Cool Kids. Tennille always compliments Chuck and Mikey. So does Bun B and Travis Barker. The Mayer Hawthorne-assisted “Swimsuits” and “Summer Jam” with Maxine Ashley are definitely smooth grooves. My cousin Dela already told me the mellow tracks have been instrumental in several of his skits, HA! Those chill cuts, much like the latter part of When Fish Ride Bicyles will make for some incredible visuals also. My fav track? Perhaps “Rush Hour Traffic” in the beginning or possibly “Roll Call” with Asher Roth, Chip The Ripper, and Boldy James towards the end. I’ve always been a fan of the “posse cut.” I suspect a lot more of those gritty grooves to be on their next LP, Shark Week. I get what the fellas were doing when they made this LP. Summertime soundtrack schitt. Mission accomplished fellas. I give this album a 4 out of 5 on my groove scale.

The interview itself was a lovefest. Everyone happy. Everyone elated over the release of the album. Culmination of the journey or perhaps just the start? I posed questions such as this and also how it felt for them to have the #1 hip-hop album on iTunes. The interview also had some very cool surprise guests (Hollywood Holt and Boldy James). This interview was one of my most rewarding ones personally because I’ve known Chuck and Mikey for a minute now. It’s always refreshing to see hard-working, humble individuals succeed in life.

The Cool Kids spoke on Tyga, whom Sir Michael Rocks said bites too many swags, and individuals in the rap game who aren’t really in the industry because of the art. “Bring raps back, n****! Fuck a hat! Bring your raps back, like, ya’ll ain’t even saying shit,” Chuck Inglish said. The guys told me it’s not a controversial, beef thing, but more about the art itself. The Cool Kids also rapped about said follow up LP, Shark Week…