Murs preview

Murs
Abbey, Chicago
Tuesday, October 21, 2008

After years of helping define the DIY indie hip-hop movement with his Living Legends crew, Murs is moving out of the underground for his Warner Bros. debut.

Delayed more than a year, Murs For President is not as radio-friendly as expected. In fact, Murs still keeps it lyrical with songs like “The Science,” in which the Angelino intricately raps about the ongoing black struggle in America. But even on the bouncy, Will.i.am-assisted single “Lookin’ Fly,” Murs doesn’t have to sell himself as something he’s not. This MC is an animated act and as this album demonstrates, he makes joints for the club and deep contemplation alike.

While there’s an overabundance of predictable love songs (e.g. “Me And This Jawn”) on the second half of the LP, Murs’ romantic reflections do sound authentic. In reality, though, these tracks might not work so well in the live setting and Murs knows this. That’s why in recent shows he still eagerly performs his slick mack anthems like the reggae-tinged “Bad Man!” (from 3:16 The 9th Edition).

Just as he emphasizes on the new “Road Is My Religion,” Murs is one of hip-hop’s most dedicated performers who tours frequently, and whether he’s sharing his narratives about life on the road or his wild past in L.A., he’s an MC who’s worth listening to in person.

Astonish, Aristacats, and Seel Fresh open.

— Max Herman

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly