Interview: MURS Becomes Hip-Hop's Candidate for Change

Los Angeles rapper MURS is a breath of fresh air in the world of hip-hop. He is an indie mc who can be very introspective on one hand, but he can also flip the script and talk about the harsh realities of the street and do so without glorifying it. He is a fan of the multiethnic mix of his city and is ok admitting that he is more "Coldplay than he is Ice-T". MURS is in the middle of a tour supporting his latest major label release "MURS for President". The disc itself boasts crisp, tight production from his Living Legend partner in crime 9th Wonder and lyrics dealing with the history of Blacks in America (The Science), life on tour (Road is My Religion), and relationships (Love and Appreciate II). MURS is ready to shake things up in the hip-hop world and he just may be the man to bring back a sense of conviction, substance and style to the genre. He enjoys saying he is better than your favorite rapper, and there just might be some truth to that statement. While on tour MURS took time out of his busy schedule to talk about his new disc, his indie rap festival Paid Dues how he is constantly striving for change.

Associated Content: MURS, would you say you got your start with the rap crew Living Legends?

MURS: Actually I have been rhyming since I was fourteen years old. I have been doing this for a while...when I hooked up with Living Legends...that became just another aspect or role for me to play. It was just another part for me to play in the grander scheme of things...organically it became time to do my own thing and play another role.

AC: Your latest disc "MURS for President" is your first disc on a major label. Have you gotten any flack from your hardcore fans for going with a major label?

MURS: People are gonna talk no matter what you do. What counts is that the music is good.

AC: In the past you have collaborated with Slug of Atmosphere and that has resulted in the "Felt" project and you recently got on stage with him here in LA. How did that collaboration come about?

MURS: Basically we had the same circle of friends in the industry and then we became friends. Once that happened it was easy for us to do something musical together. I also ended up joining him on the Warped Tour a few years ago and that was great!

AC: Speaking of tours/festivals, you are the point person for the indie hip-hop festival Paid Dues. What prompted you to start your own festival?

MURS: I got inspired by the Warped Tour. I just thought we could bring the same type of unity to Independent hip-hop. I went to the folks at Guerilla Union because they have a true appreciation for real hip-hop and they are great at putting on shows.

AC: Guerilla Union is also responsible for the Rock the Bells festival every summer. How did the tour treat you this summer?

MURS: I really enjoyed myself! It was great to be able to tour and work with artists like Rakim and De La Soul. These are artists who I truly respect and they really respect what I do! I was the only one from my indie hip-hop family representin' on the main stage on the tour. I proved that indie hip-hop could hold its own on the big stage at Rock the Bells!

AC: You mentioned doing the Warped Tour. Would you be up for doing that tour again?

MURS: Yeah I would love to do that tour again!! The hope is next summer I will be on the Warped Tour!

AC: What's your opinion on the state of affairs with hip-hop right now? Is the genre is need of a change and if so, is it gonna happen?

MURS: Change is definitely needed in hip hop right now. We do need something different and I do think it's gonna happen...its inevitable...things can't just keep going the same way...something has to give. There is no doubt in my mind we will get back to basics in hip-hop...people are ready for it to happen. Hip-Hop is a reflection of society. Right now in our society as a whole people are ready for change and it looks like it's gonna happen.

AC: How can hip-hop evolve? What's it going to take? Is it the consumer's responsibility? Is it the responsibility of the artists to create/demand change?

MURS: I think it's an organic thing...life is about change, evolution and growth...there's now way to stop it...it just happens.

AC: What's up next for you after this tour?

MURS: I will be doing more touring and I will be putting together another Paid Dues show...I will be working and promoting MURS for President!

If you are looking for true hip-hop change, cast your ballot for MURS for President