Song of the Week XV: Kristoff Krane’s ‘Inside Out’

Each week I not-so-subtly suggest a song you should know by heart. For this hallmark fifteenth edition, I want you to understand how much I truly appreciate “Inside Out,” a free, not-very-hip-hop-sounding track from Kristoff Krane (the stage name of Saint Paul emcee Christopher Michael Keller).

The fact that “Inside Out” sounds more like the Beta Band than, say, N.W.A. shouldn’t really surprise any of us these days: Not only has Kristoff Krane been featured as a member of Eyedea’s adventurous-as-they-come Face Candy outfit, but he also holds a degree in psychology from Concordia University. In other words, he’s not your run-of-the-mill rapper.

“… What I love most about Kristoff,” fellow Twin Cities rapper Guante has been quoted as saying, “is that he doesn’t want to be ‘a really good emcee,’ he wants to make innovative, original, life-changing, beautiful music.”

After taking “Inside Out” for a test spin, I think you’ll agree with Guante when he ruled in Kristoff’s favor: “I think he’s really succeeded.” This is hip-hop that transcends its genre’s limitations.

Anyway, I’ll stop my preaching; if you like what you hear here, head on down to http://kristoffkrane.bandcamp.com, where you’ll find a number of free downloads (“Inside Out” included).

And, as always, happy listening!

Tags: budge a and e, arts and entertainment, face candy, kristoff krane, saint paul, christopher keller, song of the week, music, audio, download, stream, mp3, hip-hop, eyedea