Exclusive MP3: Kidz in the Hall featuring Nato Caliph, Talib Kweli, Bun B, "Work To Do" (remix)

Thanks to F5 Records for permission to post this MP3 for stream and download. It's a remix of the Obama version of Chicago/Jersey hip-hop duo Kidz In the Hall's "Work to Do" (hear it at their MySpace). This version of the tune features Bun B, Talib Kweli and St. Louis' own Nato Caliph. I have an email into the latter for more info on the recording -- apparently Kidz In the Hall producer Naledge and Caliph recorded it together in the Lou -- and will append this post when I hear back.

In the meantime, download and stream the song right here.

MP3: Kidz in the Hall featuring Nato Caliph, Talib Kweli, Bun B, "Work To Do" (remix)

[Update, 4:22 p.m.: Caliph interview after the jump! Also, Kidz In the Hall's album In Crowd comes out May 13.]

Annie Zaleski: So, you and Naledge recorded this here in St. Louis? How did that come about? What studio?
Nato Caliph: Yes, I ran into him in Austin, Texas at SXSW, I asked him if we could do a song together and he said he was cool with that, and since he would be in the St. Louis area for a little while immediately following SXSW, it would not be a problem at all to get the track done.

Now the song we recorded for me was my song "Mr. Irrelevant." Which was produced, mixed, and recorded by DJ Crucial at F5 Records studios right here in St. Louis. While working on that song, he asked if he could record a couple of verses for some mixtapes he had to complete to send off to New York, one of which was the "Work to Do" remix, so I asked him could I get on it and he said sure record a verse and lets see how things turn out. At that time it was unclear who would all wind up on the initial remix release (it was also rumored to also possibly include Mos Def).

What was the best part about working with him?
He's a talented artist who understands the music business, and the state of hip-hop culture. He, Crucial, and myself all shared interesting point of views of where music (all) was, is, and will be. He's a fast worker, who knows how to grasp concepts and not just throw you any old verse, as well as one who really values your opinion. None of those super-inflated ego issues like a lot of artists out there. Just an all-around good emcee.

Are you guys doing anything in the future together?
Yes, we have talked about futher collaborations in the near future, when he gets off his current tour with Gym Class Heroes. We've talked about a song with comprised of Black Spade, him, and myself. So stay tuned...

-- Annie Zaleski