Deathfame

On Deathfame, Quelle Chris reflects on the struggle an artist must go through in order to succeed in the music industry, and how that perceived success relates to the artists personal well-being, mental health, and peace of mind. Chris has discussed these topics on his past albums, but as he approaches middle age, they seem to be weighing on his mind more frequently. As he states on "Alive Aint Always Living," hes grateful to be alive, yet hes aware of how many artists legacies have grown after theyve died, and how theyve been exploited by the industry. He asks why people wait until someone dies before showing appreciation for them, yet instead of merely asking for recognition as an artist, he wants to be assured financial security -- as he says on the title track, "You can keep your flowers, I cant eat your flowers." The music is often some of Chris most abstract, defiantly anti-commercial work yet, with the verses on "Die Happy Knowing Theyll Care" seemingly delivered by a ghost, and the rumbling "The Agency of the Future" riddled with voices nagging "Kill hip-hop." He expresses deep isolation on "How Could They Love Something Like Me?," a lonesome piano ballad with simple yet poetic lyrics. Even on the tracks with more straightforward rap verses, the beats are generally sluggish and winded, reflecting sheer fatigue and vanishing hope. Chris acerbic sense of humor is still present, but its more deadpan than usual, and the album is less overtly comedic than skit-heavy past releases like Everythings Fine. Even as Quelle Chris music grows more challenging, its still highly compelling, and his lyrics are filled with sharp, powerful observations about life, death, success, and failure. ~ Paul Simpson