by Charles Davis (@LosDoghouse)
A few years back, Tha God Fahim & Your Old Droog skipped a flat stone onto an otherwise unsuspecting, placid lake - relatively speaking, that lake was the world of hip hop, and the stone has since made its way down stream, creek, river, delta, straight across the high seas. Currently riding atop a great wave of rapid, gilt-edged output, we are gifted their newest collaborative LP, Tha YOD Fahim; an organic, roots-futuristic expression of the modern day epoch.
Having only recently released Tha Wolf On Wall St., Tha YOD Fahim is the duo's second album in just three weeks. Ever-sharpening blades, here we hear the pair's lyricism reach radiant heights; strikingly profound wordage and natural cadence, via a readily absorbable, infectious expression. Interwoven themes span as vast as the relative vocabulary, ranging from surreal, phantasmagorical imagery, to legendary basketball mythos, to self reflection, to broader, modern global culture. There is an immediately captivating crux, as well an ever expanding creative dimension - this work not only invites you in, it inspires and nourishes - you're hooked immediately, but more appreciative in each listen.
Featuring a (limited) guest list of two MCs - the always-on-point Pharaohe Monch and Dumpacalypse Now collaborator Left Lane Didon - from top to bottom, there are exclusively swift, precise lyrical displays. The exchange of verses funnels into a natural cypher; “You're better off moonwalking in quicksand; make your life more miserable than a Knicks fan,” Your Old Droog declares, in a classic battle rap fashion. While the competitive aspect is strong, the implications are broader - destroy the enemy within; there is only (artistic) expansion. With production ranging from the likes of Preservation, Nottz, Theravada, and, of course, Fahim, the sonic planes conjured offer listeners a truly unique and adventurous experience.
We've had a heaviness on the horizon for quite some time, and while we persevere, we look to artists to help us articulate our experiences. Perhaps moving forward, toward a better tomorrow, begins with actualizing dreams - Fahim reflects: "Discover greatness: Work hard and patience. Tenacious. Got a lot of new ventures ahead, so I'm anxious. Master my destiny; fulfill my aspirations." Approach this music with your third/ fourth eye open, as it has much to offer - truly some of the finest hip hop of the day.