- Like clockwork, a brand new year means a brand new project from underground Detroit rapper Quelle Chris. Collaborative or solo, Chris has consistently raised his bar with quality releases annually and has made a name for himself with his unique approach to rap. His latest tape Innocent Country 2, sees him reunited with producer Chris Keys in a sequel to the duo’s glanced over 2015 record. Just like Quelle, Chris Keys brings an approach to production that is unique in both its nostalgia and forward thinking mindset for a brighter future.
Following an introductory skit that provides a catchup for the previous project, Outro/Honest plays as both an ending to a relationship and Innocent Country as a whole. Quelle Chris delivers a verse reminiscent of Eminem’s Stan as he directly ends a relationship in letter form, detailing every gripe he has with his partner. Chris Keys begins his implementation of live production that, despite the themes of the track, is as blissful as the dawn sun and introduces his style effectively.
To put it bluntly, I am in love with Sacred Safe. The gorgeous, soulful production and vocals give me the same warm feeling get from early '70’s Marvin Gaye or Isaac Hayes. The three verses from Quelle and guest rapper Cavalier and Homeboy Sandman are bleak and depressing. Quelle is in great form here as he implements a strong Jamaican accent that annunciates his rhymes. An exploration of self-destruction, the three rappers struggle to latch onto something to give themselves hope.
Grease from the Elbows is sure to please underground rap fans with features from Billy Woods and Pink Siifu. While still using live production, Keys switches his style up, warping the beat into a distorted and drunken affair. Quelle complements this by having his flow slightly off the beat, causing the listener to feel unbalanced and dizzy.
Black Twitter is glorious as an affectionate ode to black excellence through which Quelle and guest rappers Mosel and Nelson Bandela detail their love for their culture and the skin in which they live. Keys’ production is chirpy and specifically matches Mosel’s verse about new-born children in a heart-warming manner.
Lead single Sudden Death manages to be excellent despite its lack of rapping. Keys focuses on making another soulful cut as he expertly weaves his piano and driving rhythmic bass into a playoff against each other. Quelle surprises with a solid singing voice that gives off the vibe of an amateur D’Angelo. In fact this cut could easily have been off Black Messiah. Quelle ends the track with catchy adlibs that make the fingers snap concluding the message of relaxing despite life’s imperfections.
The last third of the record is more uplifting in tone as Quelle and Keys detail the need to keep your head up through any struggle. Notable tracks such as Make it Better, Mirage and When You Fall explore these themes with great contributions from guests such as Starr Busby, Earl Sweatshirt and Nappy Nina.
Innocent Country 2 is, for the most part, a great reflection on self-love, life and striving through the hard times. While the project is slightly long at sixteen tracks, Quelle Chris strives to constantly reinvent the way in which he approaches rap over Chris Keys’ driving, live instrumentals. A warmer, infectious fusion of rap, jazz, and soul than you’re likely to find elsewhere, the project makes waking up in the morning feel worth it.
- James Chadwick.