The opinion that we are in the course of a hip hop demise seems to be a relentless debate at the moment. Jay-Z and Nas have been itching to get back into the booth to reset the criterion and veterans like RZA have claimed that hip hop is in need of a saviour. Two intelligent artists; the revival of a renowned hip-hop label; the counsel of a producing heavyweight; 12 tracks and reports of undeniable creative chemistry are seemingly the break from this current musical impasse. And according to the hype, this is what hip hop needs right now…

The duo amidst the madness, lyricist Naledge and producer Double O, are Kidz in the Hall. Their debut album ‘School Was My Hustle’ is the first product to come off the refreshed and relocated (to Chicago) Rawkus Records, which was once the hub of the conscious hip hop movement of the late nineties; an era which saw Talib Kweli, Mos Def, The Roots and Pharoahe Monch, to name but a few, walk through the Rawkus doors.

After a few years of decisive shifts in the label’s musical agenda, this release is reported to be the return to its conscious roots. With the backing of Just Blaze and Pete Rock, things have fallen in place for the Ivy League graduates - fresh blood that surprised the underground hip hop circuit last year. Now, they have proved they are more than capable of carrying Rawkus into a new era. They have revived the conventional DJ and lyricist partnership and produced contemporary beats littered with old school influences.

First thing’s first though: the album intro is unnecessary. It’s too long and the street drawl sets the wrong tone for the album, so ignore it. The first track ‘Ritalin’ shows glimpses of Naledge’s lyrical strength which marries his intellect with lyrical clarity. Taking a jab at undeserving emcees he spits: “Most y'all rap n*ggaz cuffies/ Sh*t for brains/ I just remain the sh*t, no toilet/ All magnificent you can't spoil it/ Nor fight it dope, but I never got to light it/ All I do is write it, poet laureate.”

However, the next track ‘Wassup Joe’ is arguably where the album starts. The Kidz’ music and lyrics start to mesh organically and while continuing the theme of berating the fake gangster culture, it voices the Kidz’ self belief in starting a hip hop revolution: “Yo, I rock for the thugs, rock for the hipsters/ Rock for the backpack n*ggaz holding their fists up/ Spit it for them ignorant n*ggaz sipping from pimp cups.”

‘Wheels Fall Off (’06 Til)’ successfully samples Souls Of Mischief’s ’93 classic Infinity, and Double O’s old school hip hop production is at its best on ‘Don’t Stop’, which was recently swiped for Jay-Z’s ‘Show Me What You Got’ - (the Kidz’ version is better in my opinion).

‘School Was My Hustle’ refreshingly reflects a different hip hop sound from the dislocated rap of today, which is riddled with violence, womanising, homophobia and drugs and which has generally become synonymous with negative traits in society. More importantly, it encourages aspirational and attainable ideas for listeners, exploring and promoting principles of choice, education and self belief.

The duo also manage to find a balance between militant conscious hip hop, which can often be overwhelmingly lyrical and harsh, and soulful easy hip hop production. But the album is not flawless; songs like ‘Ms Juanita’, whilst well-produced, reduce credibility with its empty sexualised lyrics and repetitive hook and ‘Get Ill’ is easy on the ear yet forgettable. While it is admirable that Kidz in the Hall are stepping away from the negative hip hop stereotypes, the current hails of revolutionaries and saviours are perhaps a step too far.