Dynamic producer duo, The Kids Next Door does not need an introduction. Apart from working with the likes of DJ Switch, co-producers Kiid Blunt and Luther Brax have also produced an array of masterpieces, including Home For The Holidays by VenomRaps.
The Kids Next Door dropped a beat tape titled Archive Vol. 2 in May of this year. This followed the release of their tuneful single, Imali. The 20 track beat tape is genre-bending, comprising of a variety of genres including Trap and Amapiano.
808 PLUG caught up with Kiid Blunt from The Kids Next Door to talk all things Archive Vol. 2 and get into the intricacies of being a music producer.
For our readers who are just getting to know you, who are The Kids Next Door?
The Kids Next Door is a producer and artist duo from Johannesburg. We specialise in music production, sound engineering and most recently – videography.
How did you and your co-producer Luther Brax meet and start working together?
I met Luther Brax in a Telegram Creatives Groups. I had been apart of the group for some time but had never interacted. This was until he sent a beat that I liked. I then told him that I wanted to work with him. We made 5 beats through email on that same day.
What can you tell us about your beat tape, Archive Vol. 2?
The beat tape is titled Archive Vol. 2 which is the second edition in the series. The first one dropped on SoundCloud and recieved positive reviews which inspired us to make a second installment of it.
What inspired the beat tape?
To be all the way honest, it was inspired by the versatility in the South African music scene. There are many different genres in the tape. Trap, R&B, Trap Soul, Amapiano and many more. There is a variety of sounds on the beat tape. Similarly, there are various sounds in the South African music scene.
Can you explain how you and your co-producer work together to make beats?
Well for the last two years, we would link up and work in the same space, as well as through email and Telegram. We send ideas, as well as project files back and forth. But since the pandemic hit, we have been forced to work through email.
Which producers and artists have you worked with?
We’ve worked with VenomRaps on his past two projects. We’ve worked with DJ Switch on his past two releases as well. We’ve worked with Ofentse Mwase Films for their YouTube skits. We’ve also worked with an international artist named SITE for her debut single.
When and how did your journey with music start?
Sheesh, I was a dancer first and I used to make all the music that we danced to . But, music has always been in my life since back when I would sing with my Gran during choir practice as a child. I’ve always been tapped in.
What are your all-time favourite Hip-Hop albums?
This question is difficult to answer. The Carter III by Lil Wayne, Trapsoul by Bryson Tiller, Levels by AKA, Refiloe by Cassper Nyovest, Thank Me Later by Drake – a classic. There are so many more.
In your opinion as a producer, what makes a good song?
I would say the sonics and cohesiveness of the song. How the song blends together in terms of the intro, verses and the hook. The hook and beat carry the song though.
Which music producers do you admire and why?
Locally, I’d say KindlyNxsh, Makwa, Zan D, Handrixx and Tweezy because of how they were able to tune people into a particular sound that had never been done on that level before. I also like how they handle the business side of things. They have secured deals in their respective fields. Internationally, I’d say Mike Will Made It and the whole 808 Mafia Collective. Soley because of how they’ve branded themselves and the longevity they’ve had.
Which artists would you like to work with in the future?
Kid X – definitely, many of the new wave artists including Crowned Yung and 808 Sallie. I would also like to work with Makwa and the Ntokozo Collective, P. Dot O, Emtee – the list is endless.
What’s next for The Kids Next Door?
More drops, many more singles are in the pipeline. We’ve started putting out vlogs and cook up videos so definitely more of that. We’re just going to drop more music is general.