Qualls - The Grey Area

Over the years writing for We Own This Town I became familiar with a lot of Nashville hip-hop. As a city, Nashville isn't exactly associated with any musicality outside of Country or Singer Songwriters. Memphis? Sure. Atlanta? New Orleans? Absolutely known for distinctive hip-hop styles. Not so much Nashville. But there's a healthy amount of talent here, albeit not a particular sound.

Qualls album The Gray Area is a solid example of Nashville hip-hop - great production, engaging flows and personal storytelling. All genres benefit from that last bit but you don't always hear it hip-hop.. Qualls lets it flow and it really works. Start with "HARDBODY" (featuring Chuck Indigo, one of many great features on the record). I'd be remiss if I did not point out that the last thee tracks of the record take on a different vibe from the rest and it's a very compelling coda.