MURS

MURS does everything with purpose. Every song, every line, every collaborator seems to spring from deep thought. Even his name, which he asserts was received from the heavens, is an acronym for either "Making Underground Raw Shit" or "Making the Universe Recognize and Submit," depending on whom you ask. The...

By Sarah Ventre

June 3, 2010

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MURS does everything with purpose. Every song, every line, every collaborator seems to spring from deep thought. Even his name, which he asserts was received from the heavens, is an acronym for either "Making Underground Raw Shit" or "Making the Universe Recognize and Submit," depending on whom you ask. The vegan L.A. rapper has made lots of news this year with his third collaboration with 9th Wonder, titled Fornever. The man also keeps busy. Since 1996, he's released seven full-length solo records, 13 collaborative albums, and a total of 13 EPs. He's also got a record due out later this year with producer Terrace Martin, who's best known for the beats he's made for the likes of Snoop Dogg and Talib Kweli. His work with other artists extends beyond just those in the hip-hop realm. While punk rock and hip-hop don't usually partner with each other, MURS teamed up with Florida punkers Whole Wheat Bread to form The Invincible(s), who played at Coachella in 2008. In an age when the acts of most celebrities are self-consciously promotional, and the Kanye Wests of the world will do just about anything to grab attention, it's nice to find an artist willing to cross musical lines, claim divine inspiration, and hold meaning — albeit a little bit out there — behind all that he does.

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