NEW ORLEANS | With their 2004 song "Halftime (Stand Up and Get Crunk)" becoming an anthem for the Saints' landmark season, Atlanta crunk rappers the Ying Yang Twins have returned to New Orleans after a long hiatus to join in on the festivities.  I had the opportunity to speak to twin Kaine (and briefly, brother D-Roc) before the duo's performance at the Metropolitan Nightclub Sunday night.

We began by discussing the relationship between the Ying Yang Twins and the city of New Orleans, particularly the suddenly overwhelming popularity of "Halftime." Kaine told me about the influence the city has had on the duo's music, including providing the inspiration for one of their earliest singles (Whistle While You Twurk).

"We always have the love for New Orleans," Kaine said. "Lot of people didn't know it, but the whole "twurk" word came from New Orleans, so it was kinda a hen and the chicken situation."

• See pics of the Ying Yang Twins at Metropolitan

 

 

On the subject of "Halftime," and the entirely new audience being exposed to their music through the NFL and Saints games, Kaine was laissez-faire saying and expressing great support both for the Saints in their Super Bowl appearance and the city as a whole.

"One thing I can say is I got love for whoever has love for the Ying Yang Twins," Kaine said. "The people who don't know of us hopefully when they begin to know of us they like us, but you know you're never going to get everyone to approve of what you do."

When I asked him about some favorite party spots in New Orleans, the rapper reminisced back to the duo's early years and their first visits to the city, mentioning in particular his love for the crawfish bread at Slidell's Semolina restaurant.  There was also talk of the Twins relocating to New Orleans, though Kaine says he would "only be moving down here to eat."

Kaine revealed that the duo has spent considerable time in Europe recording with DJs Teddy-O and Benny Blanco for their new album "Ying Yang 010: Future to the Back,"  which will also feature production from longtime collaborator Mr. Collipark and appearances by Kaine's cousins, New Orleans rappers Partners N Crime. He was hopeful for the album's success ("when you are blessed, you don't have to be cursed by the recession," Kaine said) and mentioned the possibility of a double album to "give people everything that they been missing."

He ruminated a bit on the duo's ongoing success, decrying the lack of energy in today's up-and-coming artists and discussing the difference between chart success and actual performing talent.

Eventually brother D-Roc arrived looking suitably toasted and helped Kaine flesh out a few more details of the new record, which seems to feature more Ying Yang relatives than an Atlanta Thanksgiving dinner.

"Anyone who's black and buys our record, we're a kin to 'em," Kaine said, smiling. D-Roc added "And if they're white and buys our record..."

"We're a kin to 'em," the pair finished, laughing.

The duo also revealed an upcoming collaboration with fellow ATL crunkster Lil' Jon, though they are actively focusing more on their own tracks these days and avoiding the "piggyback" scenario of featured songs. They will, however, be featuring artists Willie Sweet and Peter Pancake for their new record.

Finally, the Twins discussed their two new liquors, "Ying Yang" vodka and a dark liquor called "Brown Sugar" which is tied into their new track "Somethin' in the Water (Brown Sugar Baby)," also a New Orleans tribute. Kaine again expressed the mutual love between the Ying Yang Twins and our fair city.

"The people showed that they love us," Kaine said quietly, "and now we want to show that we love them back."