When the Kidz In The Hall released there first album, "School Was My Hustle" back in 2006, it was met with mixed reviews. Some people called it a good album, some great and even a few called it a classic. But it's now 2008 and their sophomore cd "The In Crowd".

Lyrically, the album is kinda mixed. Some songs tend to have more lyrical substance than others. "Blackout" is one of the most lyrical songs on the album with line after line of genious while other songs on the album, though good, don't have the same level of lyrical content. But this could be on purpose, as maybe they didn't want to go over too many people's heads while still making a good album.

Production wise the album is just on a whole different level. Though Double-O may not have the experience but some of his beats are just phenomenal. Mr. Alladatshit may sound like it would be just a flossy glamorous song but the horns mixed with drum line easily makes one of my favorite beats in recent times. Other production standouts include "Middle of the Map Pt. 1 & 2" and their single "Drivin' Down the Block" Most songs on the album have some sort of redeeming production values.

The CD features plenty of guess artists and I don't know if it's because Naledge didn't think he can carry a whole album himself (he most likely can't) or maybe he just a lot of friends. It keeps the album fresh to hear the diffrent styles and flows over the beats.

Overall all, the album is one of the best I heard this year due to the drought of real hip-hop. I give a 3 and 1/2 out of 5. The album is definitely good and worth the 10 bucks that it carries. Plus you shoud support Indie artists anyway.

My favorites songs:

Mr. Alladat Shit

Middle of the Map Pt. 1 & 2

Blackout

Paper Trail

Lucifer's Joyride