Murs Murs for President

Words: Janet Tzou
Label: Reprise
XLR8R Rating: 8/10

One of the West Coast’s best respected indie MCs, Murs delivers on his first commercial hip-hop album. Musically, Murs for President’s radio-friendly production moves smoothly through several different accessible sounds, from catchy and bouncy vibes (“Road Is My Religion”) to a clear homage to Native Tongue stylings (check the jazz-tipped riffs on the cerebral, politically charged “Science”). As always, it’s Murs’ nimble lyrical prowess that surges to the forefront: Expect his usual doses of cutting social commentary and humor, which go lock-step together as surefootedly as his razor-sharp flow. Check the hilarious “Looking Fly,” which satirizes one of today’s celebrity norms–the unseemly quest for fame and its accompanying ugliness. At your service, Mr. President.