In the spring of the year 2000, two students who met at a University of Pennsylvania talent show realized they had tremendous musical chemistry and decided that they wanted to make music together.
When Chicago native Jabari Evans began developing his literary gift in elementary school, he'd write short stories, poems, and things of the like. As Evans drew toward hip-hop, a fateful meeting convinced him that he had a bright future as an MC. During a recruitment visit to the University of Pennsylvania he decided to enter a talent competition and perform a freestyle rap. Afterwards, many of the students urged Evans to introduce himself to Michael Aguilar aka DJ Double-O, a track star from New Jersey who had honed his DJing skills in high school and at the time was starting to get into producing beats. Evans, then known as J-Naledge, impressed Aguilar during their time together, and before Evans entered for his freshman year at Penn, Naledge and Double-O formed a partnership that eventually spawned the Kidz in the Hall.
“The reason why we make dope music is because our music isn't forced or filtered. Musically, we are two like minded individuals and we strive to make a unique sound that is unordinary but portrays the lives of ordinary people,” says the 20 year old Naledge while lounging in a studio chair. “Hip Hop is like literature and not everybody is interested reading the same things. The rap game is full of either cheap comic books or people pretending to be Shakespeare no one is providing “A Raisin in the Sun” –like shit anymore. To me, ordinary people provide some of the most masterful and relatable stories.”
After the summer of 2000 Naledge and Double-O began to put their resources together in efforts to begin to record songs together. After creating a makeshift studio inside of an off-campus apartment, The duo began making demo CD's together and performing local shows on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey underground hip hop scene. After building a strong buzz they are now poised to not only resurrect hip-hop that they grew fond of growing up as children of the late 80's and early 90's, but create what they perceive to be the “perfect album”.
“The most critical part of this album is going to be the sound of the beats,” says Double-O. “If I cannot provide the perfect landscapes for his (Naledge's) words, no one will pay attention. His sound and my sound somehow became the same sound. That's what makes our group different. I am assured we will be successful for that reason.”
Although the Kidz were poised to get a record deal on their own, once Super-Producer Just Blaze publicly laid his claim on the group industry heads turned. “Not only does he dig the music but he understands us ,” says Double O. “He's the most forward thinking music producer that I know and for us to be around him and get his stamp on our music is a blessing. When the right deal is presented we will do a joint venture with Fort Knocks (Just's label imprint).”
Kidz in the Hall are looking to become one of hip-hop's most admired acts ever, destined to leave a legacy of artistic brilliance. Double O and Naledge, the producer/DJ and lyricist/MC, are reviving a format that Gangstarr, Pete Rock and CL Smooth and Run DMC established as the set standard in early-'90s hip-hop. With their debut release, “ The Broke Diaries ” (Executive Produced by Just Blaze), they hope to wow both listeners and critics alike with DJ-style beatmaking and jazzy sounds, and insightful, conscious lyrics that aim to touch upon the everyday struggles of life.
Cruise Control
Kidz in the Hall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're now rolling with your boy N-A-l-e-d, G-E
Bring good things to life
The flow won't leave no gashes, believe the hype
All skill all real
Lack will
Bust a rhyme
No slip with a star
Sickly
Haters point it out but I let their words miss me
Mad can't stand the rain sorta like Missy
Naledge in the club getting tipsy for real
Posted up taking big shots like Shaquille
Social butterfly, y'all be the caterpillars
Bitch made, staying on point like a switch blade
Balling on a budget foam ball and a milk crate
Y'all ain't shit to me
Like Magic, y'all ain't sick to me
[Chorus]
Rock and roll and roll and rock
Real hip hop don't ever stop
Rock and roll and roll and rock
Verse 2 about to drop
Kick off your shoes and relax your feet
And party on down to the Double OV
Got the heart of the street and the eyes of the ghetto
With the brains of a nerd so insane with the words
Got to drive and I'm driven at the same time
Write a song a day never hear the same line
Remain on the same grind, dodge pettiness
Flow picturesque when I put that pen to that papyrus
Southside scribe
Read it for the village
Loved in the Mecca but I never made a pillage
Water my own grass, it's greener on my side
Now the leeches asking can a brother ride.
[Chorus]
College bred rap star
Walking contradiction
Judge the position, black middle class
And son in two positions
Still hungry niggaz heavy in the D like they was playing for the Pistons
Unpopular, popular kid in the cipher, they didn't really want to hear what I was kicking
Now I'm shaking up the world sorta like I hit Son Liston
Son listen, what I'm cooking in the kitchen
Food for thought, you've been caught
Ultra magnetic wads from pathetic energy kinetic
Searching for love, found it in a pen and a pad
I don't need a platinum chain, or Benz or a Jag
Only thing I'm really turning down is my collar
Why can't fame with your scholar
I want to see millions
But I rather see millions of black educated children
The song "Cruise Control" by Kidz in the Hall is a celebration of the power and potential of hip hop music. The opening lines of the verse invite the listener to relax their mind and let their conscience be free, setting a peaceful and reflective tone for the song. Naledge, one of the rappers in the Kidz in the Hall duo, delivers a confident and playful verse that showcases his skill and creativity. He boasts about his ability to stay focused and true to himself in the face of criticism and negativity, comparing himself to basketball star Shaquille O'Neal and dismissing his haters as "bitch made". The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "rock and roll and roll and rock / real hip hop don't ever stop", emphasizes the connection between the rebellious spirit of rock and the raw energy of hip hop. The second verse builds on this theme by describing Naledge's own journey as a hip hop artist. He acknowledges the challenges of being a "college bred rap star" and a "walking contradiction" but asserts his determination to succeed on his own terms, without compromising his integrity or values.
The lyrics of "Cruise Control" can be interpreted as a call to action for listeners to embrace the power of hip hop to break down barriers and promote positive change. By blending elements of different musical genres and celebrating the diversity of urban culture, Kidz in the Hall are promoting a vision of hip hop as an inclusive and transformative force.
Line by Line Meaning
Relax your mind let your conscience free
Take a deep breath and let go of your worries and doubts.
You're now rolling with your boy N-A-l-e-d, G-E
You're now hanging out with the rapper named Naledge and his friend GE.
Bring good things to life
Make positive changes in your life.
The flow won't leave no gashes, believe the hype
The lyrics won't hurt or insult anyone, they are as good as people are saying.
All skill all real
The music is all about talent and authenticity.
Lack will
There is no shortage of determination or motivation.
Bust a rhyme
Rap a verse.
No slip with a star
The rapper won't disappoint or make a mistake when performing.
By far with a cause with a broad, that is certified slaws
The rapper is working with a purpose and a woman who is attractive but not too bright.
Sickly
The rapper is not feeling well (possibly sick or exhausted).
Haters point it out but I let their words miss me
Critics may insult or criticize, but it doesn't bother the rapper.
Mad can't stand the rain sorta like Missy
The rapper is annoyed with something, like how Missy Elliott doesn't like rain.
Naledge in the club getting tipsy for real
Naledge is getting drunk at a club.
Posted up taking big shots like Shaquille
The rapper is taking bold chances, like a basketball player shooting his shot.
Social butterfly, y'all be the caterpillars
The rapper is well-liked and outgoing, while others are still in their shell.
Bitch made, staying on point like a switch blade
Others are weak or cowardly, while the rapper is ready for anything.
Balling on a budget foam ball and a milk crate
The rapper is making the most of what he has, possibly referring to his upbringing.
Y'all ain't shit to me
The rapper doesn't think much of others who criticize or underestimate him.
Like Magic, y'all ain't sick to me
Just like the basketball player Magic Johnson, others are not impressive to the rapper.
Rock and roll and roll and rock
The music genre is moving and energetic.
Real hip hop don't ever stop
True rap music will continue to thrive and evolve.
Verse 2 about to drop
A new section of the song is about to begin.
Kick off your shoes and relax your feet
Get comfortable and enjoy the music.
And party on down to the Double OV
Enjoy the music at a club or party location.
Got the heart of the street and the eyes of the ghetto
The rapper understands and represents his community.
With the brains of a nerd so insane with the words
Despite his street smarts, the rapper is also highly intelligent and creative with his lyrics.
Got to drive and I'm driven at the same time
The rapper is motivated and ambitious while also being focused on his current work (driving).
Write a song a day never hear the same line
The rapper is highly productive and always creating something new.
Remain on the same grind, dodge pettiness
Stay focused and avoid getting distracted by trivial matters.
Flow picturesque when I put that pen to that papyrus
The rapper's writing is beautiful and artistic when he puts it on paper.
Southside scribe
The rapper is from the south side of a city and is a writer.
Read it for the village
The rapper's writing is for the community he is a part of.
Loved in the Mecca but I never made a pillage
The rapper is respected and appreciated but doesn't take advantage of his success (pillage).
Water my own grass, it's greener on my side
The rapper is tending to his own life and it's better for him to focus on himself instead of others.
Now the leeches asking can a brother ride.
Now others are trying to take advantage of the rapper's success or connections.
College bred rap star
The rapper is highly educated and also a successful hip-hop artist.
Walking contradiction
The rapper is difficult to characterize because he doesn't fit into certain expectations or stereotypes.
Judge the position, black middle class
The rapper is aware of culture and class differences within the Black community.
And son in two positions
The rapper is a father and also has multiple roles or responsibilities.
Still hungry niggaz heavy in the D like they was playing for the Pistons
Other rappers in the city are still competitive and motivated, like basketball players on a strong team.
Unpopular, popular kid in the cipher, they didn't really want to hear what I was kicking
The rapper is talented but not always well-liked or accepted by others in his community.
Now I'm shaking up the world sorta like I hit Son Liston
The rapper is making a big impact and changing things up, much like the boxer Muhammad Ali did when he beat Sonny Liston.
Son listen, what I'm cooking in the kitchen
Listen up, the rapper has something important to say or create.
Food for thought, you've been caught
The rapper's lyrics are meant to make you think or consider something deeply.
Ultra magnetic wads from pathetic energy kinetic
The rapper's music and creativity are powerful and energetic, despite negative influences or setbacks.
Searching for love, found it in a pen and a pad
The rapper found comfort and purpose in writing and creating music, instead of searching for love in a romantic partner.
I don't need a platinum chain, or Benz or a Jag
The rapper doesn't depend on material possessions to define his success or happiness.
Only thing I'm really turning down is my collar
The rapper is confident and doesn't need to show off with jewelry or expensive clothes.
Why can't fame with your scholar
Why can't being intelligent and educated also bring fame or success?
I want to see millions
The rapper's ambition is to reach a wide audience and make an impact on many people.
But I rather see millions of black educated children
The rapper's ultimate goal is to see a new generation of Black children achieve education and success.
Contributed by Daniel N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Peace Is PRICELESS
This beat is 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Allan 55
🔥🔥🔥🔥
Corey Hendricks
Dope 😎