CRIMEAPPLE - Viridi Panem (CD)

CRIMEAPPLE's Viridi Panem is a deep dive into the complex dynamics of the eternal paper chase. "It's a conceptual piece about capitalism, greed and excess," says the charismatic heavy-bearded New Jersey-based MC, who adds that the album’s title translates from Latin into "Green Bread." The eight track project rolls out like a modern film noir starring a protagonist making connections with models in Medellín, splurging through fine dining scenarios, and navigating his way through a cast of aspirational characters lured into a clandestine contraband realm. Viridi Panem builds on the buzz of this summer's Medallo album, which CRIMEAPPLE cut with Cypress Hill figurehead DJ Muggs. Before making moves with hip-hop legends and collaborating with modern scene leaders like the Griselda Records camp, CRIMEAPPLE announced his talent with a relentless freestyle on Statik Selektah's Shade45 radio show back in 2017. That move paved the way for a run of four breakthrough EPs—including the Halloween-i