JSD FROM VIRUS SYNDICATE AND ETHAN HILL: Tracks That Shaped Our Sound
Gear up for a seismic shift in sound as JSD of the globetrotting grime powerhouse Virus Syndicate, teams up with the illustrious producer and artist, Ethan Hill, for their groundbreaking project, Winter Olympics, live on all platforms now!
In a dynamic shift, JSD, a heavyweight producer himself, passes the production torch to Ethan Hill, focusing his unparalleled lyrical prowess on delivering verses that revive the competitive spirit of MCing and delve into the art of niche sampling. This collaboration births an album that shatters musical confines.
Originating from Manchester, UK, JSD has etched his name into the annals of grime history. Winter Olympics stands as a monument to his lyrical genius, set against the backdrop of Ethan Hill’s avant-garde production. The album, featuring nine tracks of eclectic hip-hop brilliance, leaves a lasting impression on the genre.
Ethan Hill, a beacon for UK Hip Hop, lays down a flawless foundation for JSD’s vocal finesse. Known for his work with artists such as Nolay and Sonny Jim, Ethan’s commitment to pushing musical frontiers while honing in on the artists' unique talents is evident in this collaboration.
The lead single, Winter Olympics, encapsulates the album’s audacious exploration of sound. JSD’s potent and energetic delivery, combined with Ethan Hill’s innovative beats, promises a listening adventure that captivates aficionados of genuine, pioneering hip hop.
With Virus Syndicate amassing over 7 million streams in 2023 and hot off a globally celebrated tour, anticipation is sky-high for this collaboration. Winter Olympics
JSD’s Tracks:
Klashnekoff – Murda
I’ve always been a big fan of the UK hip hop scene. From Jhest and Poisonous poets to Taskforce and the notorious Louis Slipperz £10 bag mixtapes. The level of skill in both production and lyricism in uk hip hop has always been elite. When Klashnekoff dropped “Murda” I was completely blown away. It had all the hallmarks of greatness; from the production by the prolific Harry Love to the penmanship from Klashnekoff. It had something I’d not heard often from UK hip hop before. It was grimey. It was hood. It spoke to a different generation. It spoke to me. And there are so many quotables from that record. The lyrics, flow and delivery were impeccable and full of attitude and finesses. I mean the opening line alone still stands tall….. “K lash ya rass clart neck off I split you in half like a gun blast from Lenox” jheeeeezzzz let’s go!!!!! This record had a big impact on me and still gets spun all these years later.
Mobb Deep - Shook Ones pt.2:
This is one of the best hip hop instrumentals ever created in my opinion. The beat first and foremost is just full of this brooding attitude. Moody, grimey and full of excitement. An absolute classic. Mobb Deep also drop loads of quotables throughout. Again, leading with the opening line “I got you stuck off the realness, we be the infamous you herd of us, official queens bridge murderers”. It’s so descriptive and visual which is something I’m drawn too as a lyricist. It embodies the vibe of a particular time and a place and transports you to streets of Queens bridge New York. Crazy record! With the Winter Olympics projects we wanted to similarly transport the listener to Manchester, UK. Give them a feel of the energy and vibe of the city. We wanted Manchester’s no-nonsense attitude to be present in the feel of the music and overall tone and wit of the lyrics.
Sean Price – Pyrex
The late great Sean Price is one of my favourite rappers of all time (RIP). It was hard doing a list and leaving off Nas, Action Bronson, Freddie Gibbs and a load of other amazing artists I fuck with. But Sean P for me just has this thing…. The way he puts his rhymes together speaks to me differently. His attitude, his swagger. He was just so free with his rhymes. A lot of his bars are about nothing and something all at the same time. He’s just having fun with it never taking himself too seriously but dropping some wild multis and punchlines. There’s lots of comedy in Sean P’s bars and that’s something I gravitated towards too, I think. I like those cheeky lines that make you go “nahhhhhh” haha! And that’s something I tried to weave throughout the Winter Olympics record. Again, the opening line in this record is fire (there’s a theme developing here lol) “whole lotta shots follow after I bust your snot box with the ciroc bottle” haha come onnnnnn!
Ethan Hill’s Tracks:
Drake - Lord Knows (featuring Rick Ross) 2011
When it comes to Hip Hop production, the drum programming is a crucial part for us producers. The greats of the genre always have so much flare and have a distinctive style. Drake - Lord Knows (featuring Rick Ross) produced by the great Just Blaze came out when I was 17 and it had an eye-opening impact on me. I could never understand how he programmed his fills and snare rolls to sound like real live dummer. So, on this album, there are a few moments that borrow from this technique accompanied by epic choir samples. It is always a classic combination for me.
Mos Def - Sex, Love & Money Produced by Warryn Campbell (2004)
Sex Love and Money. If I could make my music sound half as cool as this, I knew I would be on to something. This song instrumentally pushes all the boundaries of the conventional styles found in Hip Hop and Mos Def's delivery is the icing on the cake. I still get excited hearing this song today and it sounds brand new even 20 years later.
