Manchester-based duo Virus Syndicate have been fusing rap and bass music for well over a decade. Their gritty vocals have become a signature in the scene making waves with collaborations with Barely Alive, Eliminate, Hairitage, and so many more. Closing out 2022 with a bang, the duo are set to release their new EP Deadsick this Friday via Deadbeats. Ahead of the full release, we have the distinct pleasure of giving fans a sample of what’s to come with the massive ‘Alphabet Riddim’ alongside L*o*J.
Proving to be the perfect team, Virus Syndicate and L*o*J sound right at home together. The backing is menacing, bass-heavy, and filthy. Chest-pounding wubs pulse throughout the track as JSD and Nika D drops fittingly gritty bars. Staying true to the title, the lyrics retain the alphabet theme as they bounce from bar to bar flipping letters with stellar wordplay. Both verses kill, with the emcees going Z-A and back A-through-Z respectively. Just peep a quick sample of the potency, “I move with the A-Team, don’t touch B, but we all smoke weed, that’s drug class C, man are causing a ruckus, no I don’t creep, no D-Block Europe, selling them E’s, till they all got effed, straight up G.” Add in the in-your-face and catchy hook, and this one’s a smash.
Alphabet bars have been a strong feature since the very beginning of British MC culture. The alphabet has always been a way for MC’s to show off their lyrical ability and flow. From Skibba and Shabba to P Money and more we’ve grown up listening to our favourite MC’s give their take on the alphabet and we really wanted to pay homage to British MC culture and where it all began for us. So, what better way to start than turning it backwards? Haha! We had a lot of fun with this one just capturing a vibe and enjoying playing with the words. And of course, L*o*J came with an absolute banger which set the pace and vibe. – Virus Syndicate
Rap and bass music just sound right together, ‘Alphabet Riddim’ is yet another powerful reminder. Stream the track below and be sure to presave the Deadsick EP.
