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| Album Cover Illustration by Albane/DyN |
Two years ago, the world stopped for one minute and fitfy-five seconds when I stumbled upon the Vyrus - "Inner Body Experience" video on myspace. It happened to be the last that most of us would see of myspace but in actuality, it marked the beginning of a project that AJ Privitera aka Vyrus had put into motion shortly after he moved from Los Angeles out to Atlanta, Georgia. He called it Silent Kaos.
Three Eyed Cowz - The Evil Cow Burger, was a compilation that Awol One recorded with several artists and released on cassette back in 1997. It is considered to be the flagship of the 4-track tape movement of the late 90's. Some may be familiar with Vyrus from Three Eyed Cowz. He had one of only three solo songs on the twenty-one track Cow Burger album titled, "Computervirus". Upon first listen, Vyrus had my immediate attention at; "I eat gorilla feet and alligator teeth when I'm starvin".
As one of the founding fathers of EX2 aka E Times Two aka Endangered Elements, Vyrus has not only appeared on Awol One's Noise cassette & the Three Eyed Cowz tape but he has also contributed on several other compilations and posse cuts. Most notably on the classic Tommy V (Imprints) crew cut, "Pepsi On The Record", which included EX2, The Shape Shifters, and Global Phlowtations all on one song together. His involvement with EX2 spawned four albums in the span of twelve years. This past summer, EX2 released their latest album, Resurgence, on Abolano Records. Vyrus considers Resurgence "a well polished, classic record".
Shortly after the release of Resurgence, Abolano Records hit the hip hop community with another gift. Literally. On November 7th, Vyrus' debut solo album, Silent Kaos, was released as a free download. Scored entirely by Virginia based producer Rezult of Tree Dusk Muir. According to Vyrus, "Silent Kaos is testimony hip hop". "A chance for me to clean out my closet", he adds.
Silent Kaos is fourteen tracks deep. Vyrus forged with his crew and hip hop family on five of the Kaos cuts. Throughout this album, every guest artist accompanies Vyrus' conscious-awakening impact in perfect harmony. Vyrus' delivery strikes a well tailored balance with the half suicide orchestra, half canibal-monk, bone-banging beats provided by Rezult.
Silent Kaos leads off with, "Time Is Now". Where we are forewarned with a distorted alarm which begins looping as if there has been some sort of security breach. As the many layers of drums follow in unique rhythm, Vyrus starts off urging, "The time is now to rhyme with style...". Although this track is only two and a half minutes, it is definitely packed with more style than one can imagine. "Don't Stop" featuring Gel Roc and Massive, has the sound of a street anthem dedicated to the hustle. Awol One & Gel Roc join Vyrus on, "One Love, No Less", a song which recognizes the unique fellowship amongst fellow artists.
Lead single "Spotlight Whore", proves to be a harsh-reality check for those seeking vanity. On the track, "Life Is Short", Vyrus sheds light on the dark subject matter of his past drug addiction. In contrast to the struggle, he shares the inner peace involved with recovery. The last song, "Tired", Vyrus thoughtfully discerns with valid regard instead of condescending judgment, over the decisions that people in powerful positions are making.
There is a unique transparency that Vyrus displays which is more than just a breath of fresh air. With a confidence that there is redemption in the truth, his conviction is relevant. Silent Kaos is packed with wit and wisdom that we can apply into every day of our own lives.
Vyrus is part of another project called,
The Element Tree. Which is a collaboration between himself, Gel Roc as well as Rezult and Ovate of Tree Dusk Muir.
The Element Tree is scheduled to be released in January of 2011 on Abolano Records. He will also be featured on the upcoming, self-titled Tree Dusk Muir album. Scheduled for a 2011 release also on Abolano Records. For more information check out
http://www.facebook.com/abolanorecords
