Music Review: Chess Moves – Green Street

So I promised a friend of mine, known as A-Live, a review of his freshly dropped, much anticipated CD, “Chess Moves”, by his group Green Street.

On their first album, I wrote: “These two young artists (A-Live and Renaissance) have created a unique blend of jazz and hip-hop that stands out from the crowd and shouldn’t be missed. ‘Livin’ on Green Street’ showcases their multifaceted talent and knowledge of jazz with tight rhymes and instrumentals laced with smooth beats. Their love and passion for what is quickly becoming known as the ‘Green Street lifestyle’ shines through on this impressive debut CD, and everyone’s sure to find at least one track they can vibe to. Myself and many others eagerly await their sophomore album — keep your eyes out for these boys in the future, as they are bound to make a name for themselves.”

Between their debut album and “Chess Moves”, the group has definitely been making moves (sorry for the cheesy line), producing various mixtapes, collabing with a number of other young and talented artists, making physical moves to Brooklyn, and even opening for Lupe Fiasco himself. Yes, you read that right. Lupe. Fiasco.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend that show, but I hear it was ridiculous. But, much to my listening pleasures, and yours, Chess Moves quickly preceded the concert. Now for an honest review of their CD. (A-Live, you asked for it.)

One of the first things you notice on the CD is the number of collabs. Nearly every track features another artist, with a number of them without a Green Street member at all. Although I did enjoy the collaborations, I hope that for their future albums, they’ll put more songs that are purely of the duo that started it all – A-Live (emcee) and Ren (producer).

Now on to the music itself. Right away, your ears are bombarded with some of their characteristic slick beats and jazz samples, seamlessly meshed by Ren. A-Live comes in with his new rhymes, where the past few years of work and sweat definitely shows, layed over the tracks. Rap, jazz, and beats you say? Somehow, they make it work. Seriously.

Unfortunately, some of their songs can sound a bit similar, IF you zone out enough. But pay enough attention and you will pick up on the nuances of each track and appreciate them. On other tracks, you lose a large chunk of the jazz elements and have to check that you’re listening to the same group. While this isn’t a total critcism, as every group must evolve their sound a bit with each album, it only stood out because some of their songs were largely reminiscent of the easy-on-the-ears “Livin’ on Green Street”, while others were a newer sound with harder beats.

But overall, I can’t complain! (I’m definitely nit-picking in the above paragraph because these guys get so much love!!!) Each track easily had me nodding my head to the beat, following the word acrobatics of A-Live. The collabs, although many, show that Green Street Records also support fellow young artists and aren’t blind to the talent around them! And I would even dare to say that some collabs push Green Street beyond their boundaries to new heights. So the sound of “Chess Moves”, although different, is fresher and still manages to retain their roots in the elements that started the Green Street Movement. — Definitely something you want to see groups do. (Retain the elements, but don’t give me the same CD!)

So some of you don’t like rap. That’s fine. With the rap scene out there today, I don’t blame you. BUT — I urge you guys to give this record a spin. You will likely be pleasantly surprised! These young artists have a unique flavor that is FAR from the auto-tune using, grill showcasing, womanizers that dominate the airwaves. And plus, it’s free. You have nothing to lose!

So GO! DOWNLOAD THIS NOW! And if you like their stuff or have a critique, drop me a line and I’ll give your word to A-Live himself.

Download Chess Moves — FREE — http://greenstreetrecords.blogspot.com
Listen to: “Top of the World” and “New World”
Also, find their first album on iTunes! or go to www.myspace.com/greenstreetrecords

And here’s a freebie for you. From me. HA!
With the rhymes so tight, it’s like word acrobatics,
Got you checkin the track, thinkin it’s Illmatic,
Attacking these lines with guerilla tactics.
But check the track twice, it’s still A-Live,
Straight from Green Street, reppin the Green Street life
Ease into the beats and feel the summertime vibe.

Embarrassing. Why do I subject myself to this? Haha! Enjoy the free DL!