Heem Stogied x Tha God Fahim - Chiefstogied Review

Chiefstogied is Heem Stogied's debut EP, released on February 26th, 2016. It's produced entirely by Tha God Fahim, who is also featured on half of the track list. The album artwork shows a traditional Native American smoking a long pipe in a green-tinted hue.

"Tha Crown" utilizes a layered, atmospheric instrumental which gives Heem Stogied plenty of room to operate. Everything about this track, from the beat to Heem's flow and chorus, recalls the chill, laidback style of early Ab-Soul. Heem's first verse and the chorus are the most memorable elements, establishing this as one of the EP's standout tracks.

"Makes Me Sick" features a jazzy keyboard melody over a hard boom-bap drum. Heem and Fahim take turns passing the beat back and forth, spitting quick verses. This track is by far the highlight of the EP, the duo perfectly complement each other on this smooth instrumental.

"Grimiest" starts with a looped voice sample over the drum. Fahim kicks off the track with his verse, then Heem follows up with two solid verses. The beat is slightly repetitive, but still an enjoyable track from the duo.

"Last One's" is built around a funky instrumental that Heem Stogied fully dominates with his rapid-fire, laidback flow. It's a shorter track that lets us bask in the prominent twang for the final minute as the beat rides out.

"Reminiscing" uses a lush instrumental that evokes a nostalgic, mid 2000's vibe. Heem handles the beat with a pair of verses and a chorus with some motivational and self-reflective bars: "Reminiscing about the days we were younger, do you ever just wonder? Get the bloody money, took it in the plunder."

"Weed Farm" concludes the EP with a lush guitar loop layered with eerie strings over the drum. Heem delivers motivational bars centered on cannabis, accompanied by a chorus that recalls the style of Aesop Rock. Fahim closes out the track with a quick verse, which recycles a few bars from tracks in his previous work but still manages to drops some gems: "I failed all my tests in high school, I'm high as school, which is not cool, but fuck it."

Chiefstogied is an effective introduction into Heem Stogied's unique voice, one we'll get more acquainted with the deeper we dive into Fahim's discography. This EP flies by, clocking in at just over 18 minutes. Fahim's production and presence alone make this project well worth a listen.

1. Tha Crown - 4/5

2. Makes Me Sick (feat. Tha God Fahim) - 4/5

3. Grimiest (feat. Tha God Fahim) - 3.5/5

4. Last One's - 3.5/5

5. Reminiscing - 3.5/5

6. Weed Farm (feat. Tha God Fahim) - 3.5/5