— Atlanta-based rapper and producer Dee Ace reflects, reminisces, and rediscovers his purest self all throughout his latest project, Inner Child.
Originally from Houston, Dee Ace is heavily influenced by the sights and sounds of southern Hip-Hop while adding his own unique flair. Dating back to when we first discovered him in 2021 with singles like “Roll On Em” and “Hold It Down” up until his most recent single, “QuikTrip” with fellow Atlanta rapper Booney, Dee Ace has showcased a unique ability to draw listeners in with smooth vocals, authentic lyrics, and truly relatable subject matter. On his latest album, Inner Child, he once again did just that.
Inner Child, Dee Ace’s long-awaited follow up to 2018’s Defrost, is an ode to those who have lost touch with their ‘inner child’ over the years. Before all of the woes of adulthood corrupted so many of us, we were so much different. When describing the meaning and purpose behind the new album, Dee Ace himself said,
“Your inner child is the purest form of you. It’s you in full alignment with yourself. That childlike faith. Before the world got ahold of you. Before expectations. Before the bills. Before the job. Before relationships shaped your outlook. This album is me rediscovering my inner child as an adult.”
Kicking the album off with a nostalgia-inducing intro supported by a somber piano melody and angelic vocals from Alice Aera, “inner child intro” flawlessly sets the tone for the entire project. As the skit compels you to think back to a time when you had no bills to pay and seemingly no care in the world, Alice’s mesmerizing voice carries you right into “inner child pt.1” where Dee Ace makes you reminisce even further. Recalling everything from using dial-up internet to first getting his driver’s license, Dee Ace speaks to every 90’s kid firmly rooted in adulthood who still thinks back to times that will sadly never return.
Dee Ace follows up on this same sentiment on the more upbeat “inner child pt. 2” as he raps,
“Way, way more to it than a n*gga thought, didn’t even notice
Way, way more stuff that I got goin’ on in these moments
Used to have way more time for the fam and my homies
Way, way more stuck all in my thoughts, all on my lonely”
Speaking to the genuine shock many of us feel today as we survey our lives and realize that it’s so much more different than we expected, Dee Ace says it simply, “If I’d have known it’d be like this, [I] would’ve never grew up.”
As the album proceeds, Dee Ace continues to put his powerful pen on display as he repeatedly evokes strong feelings of wistfulness coupled with unwavering optimism despite longing for elements of his past and feeling a bit unsure about the future. Through it all, Dee Ace truly appears to be soaking in every moment in real time, enjoying life with the loved ones still with him today while striving for an even more fulfilling tomorrow.
While tracks like “older” (featuring Ike) and “self doubt” (featuring Booney), speak to accepting all of the complexities that comes with aging or to the irrational fears we have about our own growth and potential, songs like “tokyo” and “ugk” speak to Dee Ace’s undeterred belief in himself and his enduring desire to stay in constant motion.
Refusing to lose steam toward the end of the album, Dee Ace ups the emotional intensity with a series of heartfelt records including the notably memorable “downfall” before closing out with the hypnotic “highs and lows” featuring Cam G, Ike, Ryka Universe, Goldie Davis, Ejimah, and none other than Dee Ace’s own mother.
Produced in large part by Dee Ace himself along with the help of Alice Aera, Dylan Graham, Chriz Beats, Dos Dias, Ejimah, Poynd3xter, and Hollywood Cole, Inner Child is incredibly well-produced featuring a dynamic range of sounds and moods making each song its own distinctive gem within a greater work of art.
In support of the album, Dee Ace also hosted the premiere of his upcoming Inner Child film at Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre last month. Stay tuned for more info on the official release of the film.
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Listen to Inner Child right here and be sure to follow Dee Ace on Instagram to stay up to date with his latest moves.