Naledge
Encyclopedia
Jabari Miles Evans, better known by his stage name Naledge, is an American
rapper and one half of the acclaimed hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall
.
neighborhood of Chicago
. The son of mental health experts, Dr. Robert Evans and Dr. Helen Evans, Naledge displayed lyrical ability at an early age and by fourteen he had become a member of a local Chicago-based rap group called FFC (Famous From the Chi). In addition to his early musical accomplishments, he demonstrated an interest in academics, writing and publishing a book entitled “The Straight Jab” at the age of 16. Upon his graduation from Luther South High School, he attended the University of Pennsylvania
, an Ivy League
school, where he majored in Communications with a minor in Sociology
. At Penn, Naledge became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi
fraternity
. While attending college he met fellow classmate Michael Aguilar, a hip-hop producer now known as Double-O
. The two began working together and formed the hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall
.
in 2004, he and Double-O signed with Rawkus Records and in 2006 released their well-received first album, School Was My Hustle
.
In early 2007, Kidz in the Hall created a song entitled "Work To Do" in support of democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama
, who has ties to Naledge's hometown of Chicago
. They were among the first artists to support Obama in their music. The song features a sample from The Main Ingredient's version of the Isley Brothers original of the same name.
In November 2007, Kidz in the Hall were officially signed to Duck Down Records, an independent label started by founding members of the Boot Camp Clik
. The duo's second album, The In Crowd
, was released in May 2008, with the lead single "Drivin' Down the Block," which samples Masta Ace
's song "Born to Roll" for the hook and contains an interpolation of Outkast
's "Elevators (Me & You)" on the bridge. Many other tracks on the album use samples and interpolations of early 1990s hip hop, including their song "Snob Hop" featuring Camp Lo which uses the hook from Black Sheep's
song "Flava of the Month" for the chorus. Their song "Blackout" was featured on the soundtrack of Madden '09. The group's most recent album Land of Make Believe was released on March 9, 2010 and features guests MC Lyte
, Just Blaze, Chip tha Ripper, Donnis, Amanda Diva
and co-production by Just Blaze and Picnic Tyme. The album was declared the most "commercially viable" album the group has made thus far and was well-received critically, receiving an XL rating in XXL Magazine.XXL Staff (March 9, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=72993”.
Naledge has released solo work in the past, having dropped the mixtape
Chicago Picasso on June 30, 2009. The mixtape was in anticipation of the release of his solo album. It was hosted by Mick Boogie RTC and DJ Timbuck2, and featured guest artists include Chip Tha Ripper, Jay Electronica
, Mickey Factz, Bun B
, Curren$y, with production by Double-O
, Analogic, Picnic Tyme, Nez & Rio, and many others. The first single off the mixtape, entitled “Star Struck” (produced by Sa-Ra
and featuring Rus Soul), was released on May 6, 2009.
In June 2009, Naledge was featured in Chicago Magazine as one of the city's top singles.
In September 2010, Naledge announced on his Facebook Page and Twitter account the release of his second upcoming mixtape " Twentysomething LP" hosted by DJ Moondawg on September 10, 2010. He also announced an exclusive preview of his mixtape on iTunes on September 7.
)
Studio albums
Mixtapes
Singles
Music videos
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rapper and one half of the acclaimed hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall
Kidz in the Hall
Kidz in the Hall is an American hip hop duo from Chicago, Illinois.-History:Group members Jabari Evans and Michael Aguilar met in 2000 during a talent show at the University of Pennsylvania. They began recording songs, making demos, and performing at local shows which eventually led to Double-0...
.
Early life
Evans grew up in the SouthsideSouthside
-United Kingdom:* South Side, County Durham, a village in the County Durham, England* Southside Wandsworth, a shopping centre in Wandsworth, South London.* South London, the area of London south of the River Thames....
neighborhood of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. The son of mental health experts, Dr. Robert Evans and Dr. Helen Evans, Naledge displayed lyrical ability at an early age and by fourteen he had become a member of a local Chicago-based rap group called FFC (Famous From the Chi). In addition to his early musical accomplishments, he demonstrated an interest in academics, writing and publishing a book entitled “The Straight Jab” at the age of 16. Upon his graduation from Luther South High School, he attended the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
, an Ivy League
Ivy League
The Ivy League is an athletic conference comprising eight private institutions of higher education in the Northeastern United States. The conference name is also commonly used to refer to those eight schools as a group...
school, where he majored in Communications with a minor in Sociology
Sociology
Sociology is the study of society. It is a social science—a term with which it is sometimes synonymous—which uses various methods of empirical investigation and critical analysis to develop a body of knowledge about human social activity...
. At Penn, Naledge became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi
Kappa Alpha Psi is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin...
fraternity
Fraternity
A fraternity is a brotherhood, though the term usually connotes a distinct or formal organization. An organization referred to as a fraternity may be a:*Secret society*Chivalric order*Benefit society*Friendly society*Social club*Trade union...
. While attending college he met fellow classmate Michael Aguilar, a hip-hop producer now known as Double-O
Double-O
Michael Aguilar, better known by his stage name Double O, is an American producer and one half of the acclaimed hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall.-Early life:...
. The two began working together and formed the hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall
Kidz in the Hall
Kidz in the Hall is an American hip hop duo from Chicago, Illinois.-History:Group members Jabari Evans and Michael Aguilar met in 2000 during a talent show at the University of Pennsylvania. They began recording songs, making demos, and performing at local shows which eventually led to Double-0...
.
Kidz in the Hall
Upon Naledge’s graduation from the University of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
in 2004, he and Double-O signed with Rawkus Records and in 2006 released their well-received first album, School Was My Hustle
School Was My Hustle
School Was My Hustle is the first studio album from Kidz in the Hall, a Chicago hip hop duo. It was the first release since Rawkus Records was reactivated independently after its catalog was purchased by Universal Music Group. It was created in the fall of 2010 in the basement of Naledge's mom...
.
In early 2007, Kidz in the Hall created a song entitled "Work To Do" in support of democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
, who has ties to Naledge's hometown of Chicago
Chicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
. They were among the first artists to support Obama in their music. The song features a sample from The Main Ingredient's version of the Isley Brothers original of the same name.
In November 2007, Kidz in the Hall were officially signed to Duck Down Records, an independent label started by founding members of the Boot Camp Clik
Boot Camp Clik
Boot Camp Clik is an American hip hop supergroup from Brooklyn, New York, which is composed of Buckshot , Smif-N-Wessun, also known as Cocoa Brovaz , Heltah Skeltah and O.G.C....
. The duo's second album, The In Crowd
The In Crowd (album)
-References:...
, was released in May 2008, with the lead single "Drivin' Down the Block," which samples Masta Ace
Masta Ace
Duval Clear , known better by his stage name Masta Ace, is a rapper from Brownsville, Brooklyn. He appeared on the classic 1988 Juice Crew posse cut "The Symphony"...
's song "Born to Roll" for the hook and contains an interpolation of Outkast
OutKast
Outkast is an American hip hop duo based in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta native André "André 3000" Benjamin and Savannah, Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton. They were originally known as Two Shades Deep but later changed the group's name to OutKast...
's "Elevators (Me & You)" on the bridge. Many other tracks on the album use samples and interpolations of early 1990s hip hop, including their song "Snob Hop" featuring Camp Lo which uses the hook from Black Sheep's
Black Sheep (hip hop group)
Black Sheep is an alternative hip hop duo from Queens, New York, composed of Andres "Dres" Titus and William "Mista Lawnge" McLean. The duo is from New York but met as teenagers in North Carolina, where both of their families relocated. The group was an affiliate of the Native Tongues, which...
song "Flava of the Month" for the chorus. Their song "Blackout" was featured on the soundtrack of Madden '09. The group's most recent album Land of Make Believe was released on March 9, 2010 and features guests MC Lyte
MC Lyte
MC Lyte is an American rapper who first gained fame in the late-1980s becoming the first solo female rapper to release a full album with 1988's critically acclaimed Lyte as a Rock.-Early life:...
, Just Blaze, Chip tha Ripper, Donnis, Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva is a female rapper, actress, and former replacement of the musical group Floetry.- Personal life :...
and co-production by Just Blaze and Picnic Tyme. The album was declared the most "commercially viable" album the group has made thus far and was well-received critically, receiving an XL rating in XXL Magazine.XXL Staff (March 9, 2010). “http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=72993”.
Solo career
Naledge is also planning to come out with a solo album in the near future. He was quoted by rap website Hiphopdx, "My solo album is still in the process of being put together. I’ve been busy with shows, but I have some tracks in the works," says the rising MC. "I got beats from 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Double-O, Pete Rock and [two or three from] Just Blaze. Just Blaze has been my ‘yes man,’ okaying tracks for the album."Naledge has released solo work in the past, having dropped the mixtape
Mixtape
A Mix Tape or Mixed Tape is a compilation of songs recorded in a specific order, traditionally onto an audio Compact Cassette.A Mix Tape, which usually reflects the musical tastes of its compiler, can range from a casually selected list of favorite songs, to a conceptual mix of songs linked by a...
Chicago Picasso on June 30, 2009. The mixtape was in anticipation of the release of his solo album. It was hosted by Mick Boogie RTC and DJ Timbuck2, and featured guest artists include Chip Tha Ripper, Jay Electronica
Jay Electronica
Timothy Elpadaro Thedford , better known by his stage name Jay Electronica, is an American hip hop recording artist and record producer...
, Mickey Factz, Bun B
Bun B
Bernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
, Curren$y, with production by Double-O
Double-O
Michael Aguilar, better known by his stage name Double O, is an American producer and one half of the acclaimed hip-hop group Kidz in the Hall.-Early life:...
, Analogic, Picnic Tyme, Nez & Rio, and many others. The first single off the mixtape, entitled “Star Struck” (produced by Sa-Ra
Sa-Ra
Sa-Ra is a hip-hop group based in Los Angeles, California, also known by its full name, The Sa-Ra Creative Partners. The group is composed of Om'Mas Keith, Taz Arnold, and Shafiq Husayn...
and featuring Rus Soul), was released on May 6, 2009.
In June 2009, Naledge was featured in Chicago Magazine as one of the city's top singles.
In September 2010, Naledge announced on his Facebook Page and Twitter account the release of his second upcoming mixtape " Twentysomething LP" hosted by DJ Moondawg on September 10, 2010. He also announced an exclusive preview of his mixtape on iTunes on September 7.
Discography
(with Kidz in the HallKidz in the Hall
Kidz in the Hall is an American hip hop duo from Chicago, Illinois.-History:Group members Jabari Evans and Michael Aguilar met in 2000 during a talent show at the University of Pennsylvania. They began recording songs, making demos, and performing at local shows which eventually led to Double-0...
)
Studio albums
- School Was My HustleSchool Was My HustleSchool Was My Hustle is the first studio album from Kidz in the Hall, a Chicago hip hop duo. It was the first release since Rawkus Records was reactivated independently after its catalog was purchased by Universal Music Group. It was created in the fall of 2010 in the basement of Naledge's mom...
(2006), Rawkus Records - The In CrowdThe In Crowd (album)-References:...
(2008), Duck Down Records - Land of Make Believe (2010), Duck Down Records
Mixtapes
- Detention (2007), Major League Entertainment
- Geniuses Need Love Too (2008)
- "The Professional Leisure Tour" (2009) LRG
Singles
- "Wheelz Fall Off ('06 'Til...)" (2006), Rawkus Records
- "Drivin' Down the Block" (2008), Duck Down Records
- "Love Hangover" (2008)
- "Take Over The World ft Colin Munroe and Just Blaze" (2010)
- "Jukebox" (2010)
Music videos
- "Wheelz Fall Off ('06 Til...)" (2006)
- "Drivin' Down The Block" (2008)
- "Love Hangover (feat. EstelleEstelle (musician)Estelle Fanta Swaray commonly known as Estelle, and formerly as Est'elle, is an English R&B singer-songwriter, rapper and record producer.-Early Life:Estelle was born 18 January 1980 in Hammersmith, London, England...
)" (2008) - "I Got It Made (Reebok Classic)" (2009)
- "Jukebox" (2010)
Solo Discography
Mixtapes- "Will Rap For Food: The Mixtape" (2006)
- "The Crown Jewel" (2007)
- "Chicago Picasso" (June 30, 2009)
- "Naledge Is Twenty Something" (September 10, 2010)