The Virus

Brotha Lynch Hung’s fifth solo album bounces through different kinds of beats, from smooth G-funk to tense, blocky rhythms. The one unifying principle is Lynch’s unstoppable flow. He has reached the point in his career where it seems there is nothing he can’t do. Each song presents a rhyme that appears to be even faster and more complex than the one that preceded it. Though he is still a Northern California rapper to the core, Virus shows the influence of certain Southern rap groups, particularly Goodie Mob, who share Lynch’s affinity for impassioned, unpredictable raps over brooding beats. The Southern connection is made explicit on the brilliant “Westside Dirty South.” The album contains no obvious hits except for “Gonna Die Soon,” which is easily one of the smoothest and most likeable songs Lynch has ever recorded (with a French-sounding accordion refrain to boot). Lynch’s formidable rap skills are reaffirmed on “Chico,” a radio freestyle that also features his Siccmade cohorts. While the younger rappers struggle to impress, the song intensifies as soon as Lynch takes the mic.