Quelle Chris has recorded with plenty of producers but his bond with Chris Keys extends beyond music. After linking through mutual collaborator Roc Marciano, the two Chris’ became fast friends. About four years worth of hang-out sessions, bong hits, video games and take-out food culminated in 2Dirt4TV3: Innocent Country, a deceptively subtle character study of self disguised as an excellent piece of stoner headnod hip-hop. Throughout the 33 minutes that comprise Innocent Country, our two protagonists are in synch like a pair of Jaeger pilots. Though the LP certainly has instances of energy and aggression, “Madness In The Oasis” and “Where The Wild Things Roam” are two, more often than not it lives within introspective mid-tempo moments like the languid “Nothing Moves.” Quelle is the wayward MC waxing bittersweet on the reflective “Well Running Deep,” filling Chris Keys’ sweeping string samples with palpable nostalgia. Our peregrine rapper is the lowkey consummate artist, powerful enough to give a rousing performance on the moving “I Asked God,” then turn on a dime and nail the hilarious and self-effacing “Drugfest TooThousandToo.”
Upon repeated listens, one might see that Innocent Country speaks to the blissful naivete of youth. It’s the soundtrack to self-medication as an escape from reality, but it doesn’t jump ship before the inevitable moment of clarity. Innocent Country is a party, but it’s also the morning after and the day before. A sweet experience on the surface, this is therapy billed as reefer night at your man’s spot. credits
1. "Quelle Chris continues his run of great albums, fans will enjoy this one" In response to Reply # 0 Fri Jul-10-15 02:00 PM by mashpg89
That's three in a row now and based off my initial listens I would say Innocent Country is as good if not better than Ghosts At The Finish Line but not as good as Niggas Is Men (classic for me).
This album cements why Quelle Chris is one of my favorite rappers out right now. He has a knack for crafting concept albums that are cohesive and succinct. He also seems like he has a lot of fun in the studio, which allows him to tackle heavy subjects without taking himself too seriously.
Favorite tracks right now are Well Running Deep, Murphy's Law, and The Plan. Chris Keys killed it, he should get more work. Quelle's usual crew provided strong features as always. Lyrically this might be Quelle's best album. There's a lot to unpack and as I expected, it has earned its way into my very competitive rotation right now.
Can anyone name a better three album run in Hip Hop over the past 2 years than NIM, GATFL, and now IC? Quelle Chris is the type of rapper that will get his due praise ten years from now. Don't sleep Lesson.
4. "yea, I should probably revisit that one though" In response to Reply # 2
It didn't hit me like NIM or GATFL but I know a lot of people think that's his best work. NIM is one of those albums that holds a special meaning for me though, I can remember where and when I was playing it heavily.
His brother Mosel released a great album For The Love Of It if you're not up on that. Denmark Vessey & Cavalier have some good stuff too. I want Quelle Chris and those two to form a group.
Rappers should take note though, because plenty of them don't know how to make albums that can be played from front to back. Quelle isn't the greatest rapper in the world but he has learned how to make excellent albums.
5. "RE: yea, I should probably revisit that one though" In response to Reply # 4
>Rappers should take note though, because plenty of them don't >know how to make albums that can be played from front to back. >Quelle isn't the greatest rapper in the world but he has >learned how to make excellent albums.
8. ""the ones to watch" is the best slum village impression i've ever heard" In response to Reply # 0
and that is not at all a slight against quelle chris and/or the producer (one in the same?). the track is fucking fantastic. i don't think i've ever felt such a strong SV vibe from a song before. the call & response reminds me of another song but i can't quite place it at the moment
10. "Another good album; also, impressed by Chris Keys" In response to Reply # 0
I wasn't aware of him until the Georgia Ann Muldrow album earlier this year, but that and this Quelle album gives him 2 nice releases in 2015. __ I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!
Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno
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