diff --git a/lib/blockchain/chain.js b/lib/blockchain/chain.js
index b324282b..c78e6f22 100644
--- a/lib/blockchain/chain.js
+++ b/lib/blockchain/chain.js
@@ -1135,16 +1135,14 @@ Chain.prototype._add = co(function* add(block) {
   var initial = true;
   var hash, entry, prev, result;
 
+  assert(block);
+
   while (block) {
     hash = block.hash('hex');
 
     // Mark the start time.
     this.mark();
 
-    // Special case for genesis block.
-    if (hash === this.network.genesis.hash)
-      break;
-
     // Do we already have this block in the queue?
     if (this.hasPending(hash)) {
       this.emit('exists', block, block.getCoinbaseHeight());