Story arcs, character development, drama, comedy, politics, social awareness. All the things that make a good season of television. Or in this case, a great record. Innocent Country 2 is the latest collaboration from Detroit rapper Quelle Chris, and Oakland producer/musician Chris Keys. QC’s rhymes are top notch, confident in himself, smart in his observations about the times we live in, and genuinely funny, too. With guests, including Earl Sweatshirt, Merrill Garbus (Tune-Yards), and others rotating in, the verses are tight and plentiful, and the hooks are irresistible. CK’s classical trained piano/keyboard skills are humble, but they do shine. The music ranges between funk, jazz, and even gets into strange territory. Laid back in mood, abundant in quality. The album opens with a sort of recap of the previous “season,” and interspersed are segues of clever sketches and monologues that give the whole work a conceptual feeling. But don’t worry, you won’t need to catch up to enjoy this sequel.