Classical guitar loops unfurl into sails carried by the wind of smooth live bass lines. Seas below jostle and jump with the heavy hits of a boom bap drum kit, but the ship seemingly flies overhead in perfect harmony. A voice tells the story of a difficult life, one turned into a success through relentless strategic planning and outmaneuvering. All told, these songs progress like a fascinating story being told by a friend, with each slight pause and hesitation causing the listener to sit up a little straighter in anticipation.
Expanding upon the work of previous progressive hip hop, the duo composed of Tha God Fahim and NicoJP presents a cutting-edge rendition of one of hip hop’s most traditional styles. In the absence of vocal delivery, lyrical content, and melodic loops, this record plays like a classic boom bap tape from the 90s. However, the addition of all of these tasteful embellishments elevates Chess Moves into something unquestionably modern.
To differentiate themselves from major hip hop trends, Tha God Fahim and NicoJP turn their backs from major dynamic leaps in favor of a more measured approach to emotional movement. Production remains largely consistent throughout each track, but the tension tucked away within the samples in the form of discordant piano riffs or incomplete melodies bubbles slowly to the surface throughout each verse. Musical tension draws the listener even closer to the vocal delivery, redirecting focus to the spoken story without increasing the levels of any audio tracks. With brilliant subtlety, Chess Moves revives the storytelling ethic of hip hop, reminding us that this musical style conveys vital messages that otherwise would never see the light of day in mass media.