NYC-based producer Endemic Emerald is proud to present the release of his 3rd album entitled “The Virux”. Featuring such renowned emcees as General Steele, Chris Rivers, Sadat X, Planet Asia, Tragedy Khadafi, Ruste Juxx, Rim & Royal Flush — to name but a few — the set is packed with high class talent embedded in electrifying soundscapes. Endemic, known for producing outstanding compilation records [Terminal illness 1 & 2] once again does not disappoint with this offering, which comprises a cohesive selection of epic, yet gritty east coast bangers. Collaborating with a combination of legendary and upcoming rappers “The Virux” has that classic feel from beginning to end, ensuring it to become an underground favourite.
On this project with the powerhouse of legendary and upcoming Hip-Hop features that should be enough to turn most ears of real Hip-Hop heads. If not, then I don’t know what to tell you as “The Virux” is filled with melodic gritty New York beats, intelligent rhymes, complex flows that are superbly delivered. I had to re-listen to the album several times and rewind tracks just to absorb what was being said.
What I really enjoy is the fact that there is more knowledge of self being spoken then the usual murder, murder, kill, kill we are overly exposed to. Also the contrast from the dark, grimy and melodic head bumping boom-bap beats to the knowledge that is being dropped really brings back that Hip-Hop thought provoking nostalgia. With the featured artists you can tell that they bounced off each other and in some ways tried to out rap each other. Which is what Hip-Hop is all about especially when you jump in the booth. Well I shouldn’t be surprised, I mean just check out the features.
“The Virux” features
General Steele | Best known for being a member of the duo Smif-n-Wessun with Tek, and also the supergroup Boot Camp Clik.
Tragedy Khadafi | Rapper and record producer who helped spawn other Hip-Hop artists such as Mobb Deep, Capone-N-Noreaga, Nas and many others both through production and influence. He was the first in the Queensbridge projects to create intelligent street music, and is documented to be the first to use the phrase “Illmatic” in 1988 on a record called “The Rebel”, from the Marley Marl album In Control, Volume 1, which was an inspiration and influence on fellow New York rapper Nas.
Ruste Juxx | He was a protégé of Sean Price, and a frequent guest rapper on Duck Down Music recordings. His first appearance was on the song “Magnum Force” off Heltah Skeltah’s Magnum Force.
Royal Flush | His 1997 debut album, Ghetto Millionaire, featured production from Buckwild, L.E.S., Da Beatminerz and some verses from Noreaga in various songs, and received critical acclaim.
Planet Asia | He is prominent for being one half of the now reunited Hip-Hop duo the Cali Agents and is currently a member of the groups Gold Chain Military and Durag Dynasty. He is also well known for his vast discography of mixtapes.
Darkim Be Allah | Wu-Tang Clan affiliate, renowned since the late 90’s for his work with the Wu-Tang family & educates with the 5% teachings of the Nation of Gods & Earths.
Revenge of the truence | Are a Duo composed of Lyricist MuGGz and Lyricist/Producer Tay Dayne (LTY Music). Together they bring a fresh and authentic brand of street science to the New York hip hop sound.
Sadat X | Best known as a member of alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian.
Chris Rivers | He is the youngest son of the late rapper Big Pun.
Supreme | Rose to prominence in early 1981 when he formed The Supreme Team based in South Jamaica, Queens, New York City, New York.
Additional features
Kasim Allah | Lucky Tatt | FRD FRLN | Rim | Innocent | Foul Monday | DJ Mr. Switch | kenyattah black | militant ethos | Skanks | DJ P.F. Cuttin | Mic Handz | Dready Kruger | Neek The Exotic
“The Virux” also doubles up as a great introduction to these artists and their works. I was truly pleased and surprised to see many of the artists on this project and was a joy to listen to.
Stand out tracks for me
Champion Sound Ft. Darkim Be Allah & Kasim Allah | The Awakening Ft. Planet Asia, Lucky Tatt & FRD FRLN | Critical Mass Ft. Rim, Innocent, Foul Monday & DJ Mr. Switch | Actual Science Ft. Planet Asia, Sadat X, Darkim Be Allah & Kenyattah Black | They Live Ft. Chris Rivers & Revenge Of the Truence | Battle Zone Ft Ruste Juxx, Skanks, Supreme & DJ P.F. Cuttin | Yesterday Is Tomorrow Ft. Innocent, Mic Handz & Dready Kruger
So, if you want to refresh your Hip-Hop palette and dig into something with some serious substance this project will do it for you. What a project for the wrap up of 2021.
“The Virux” is available now on all streaming platforms.
