**The Cool Kids** emerged from Chicago’s vibrant hip hop scene in the mid‑2000s, carving a distinct path through alternative rap. With a retro‑yet‑futuristic sound rooted in old school golden age influences, they made their mark with the breakthrough Bake Sale EP and their chart‑topping debut album *When Fish Ride Bicycles*, packed with standout tracks like Black Mags, Mikey Rocks and Dang, setting them apart as genre‑defining tastemakers.
On stage they have built a powerhouse reputation – opening for MIA, headlining the NBA 2K Bounce Tour, and lighting up massive festivals like Rock the Bells, CMJ and Pitchfork. Their international tour across Australia and appearances at Laneway and Voodoo Experience delivered commanding stage presence and live energy that has become legendary.
Now, the Cool Kids are back in full force. Their ambitious 2022 triple album Before Shit Got Weird and the 2025 release *Hi Top Fade* showcase boundary‑pushing creativity and feature fresh singles like Banana in the Tailpipe, Foil Bass and Dang, reinforcing their cultural phenomenon status. Still touring and collaborating with peers like Chance‑the‑Rapper, Mac Miller and Lil Wayne, they remain a powerhouse draw in arenas, festivals and live performances worldwide.
