Emcee of the Month: Murs

I've been debating with myself tonight. Should I look for Murs' most recent offerings or post one of his tracks that initially caught my attention? After skimming through a few clips (all of them impressive I might add), I felt it best to post this:

I first encountered this track while doing college radio at Louisiana State University in 2005. The format of the station was primarily indie rock with a little underground hip hop thrown in for spice. During one of my normal regular-rotation shifts, this song popped up in the mix. Now, most of the hip hop the station kept in the library was familiar to me. But I had never heard Murs' stuff before and I was immediately impressed. It had been a while since I heard an emcee as direct and unapologetic as Murs is here. And in relation to many of the cultural difficulties still facing the south, this song seemed especially appropriate.

Plus, it's super-fresh.

peace.

Emcee of the Month: Murs

A Bit of Context:

I like this cat's live feel quite a bit.

With the immeasurable availability of free downloadable music, hip hop artists must spend more time and effort developing who they are as live performers. It's simply the only way can still make a living as musicians. Even the most lucrative artists aren't selling much more than three or four million records per release.

Therefore, artists like Murs who are more than competent live performers stand more of a chance at success.

Lemme go check Murs' tour dates. I wonder if he's going to be in Philly any time soon...

peace.

Emcee of the Month: Murs

Here's a really good clip of Murs performing at the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin, Texas back in 2008.

Considering I just got home from two days of twelve-hour rehearsals, I'm going to hold of making any observations about this until tomorrow. However, I will say that judging from this video, I'm willing to bet Murs is quite the performer.

Enjoy!

peace.

Emcee of the Month: Murs

They couldn't find a tripod some decent lighting for this?

There are two more parts (here and here). Please have a look.

Obviously, I didn't choose to post this video because of the production value. Nevertheless, of all the interview clips of Murs I found this one is by far the most insightful. It's always fascinating to hear these artists give these kinds of accounts describing their thoughts and beliefs on their music and the surrounding society. So many times these interviews are unable to illuminate all but the most pedestrian elements of an emcee's inspiration. This is quite refreshing.

I'll have a few more thoughts on this interview tomorrow.

peace.

Emcee of the Month: Murs

Murs may be one of the best rappers you've never heard of. In fact, I would go so far as to say he may actually belong in the No Wack Verses Club. Honestly, I've never known Murs to write anything other than outstanding stuff.

Here's a freestyle like you've never seen (for all of my folk guitar-loving friends).

This is going to be a good month.

peace.