Murs

Compared with his dense and cerebral Definitive Jux label mates, Murs is downright pop-y.
He trades sex raps with Humpty Hump on "Risky Business" and waxes woozy with Aesop
Rock on "Happy Pills." But he's most affecting on "Last Night," a hood dirge that laments
"niggas killing niggas they played kickball with." JON CARAMANICA (From RS 916 – February
20, 2003)

Born 1978, which means L.A.'s Living Legends kingpin released his first single at 15 and is already an old pro on his first major-minor album. Like so many undie hip-hoppers, especially black ones, Murs sells common sense where the big boys deal mythology. He avoids beef until his best friend comes under the gun, has trouble making the rent and trouble holding onto a buck, and comes up with advice for the little brother he knows isn't him: "Keep it gangsta in your CD changer not your residence." A commanding rapper who can separate the simple beats from the dull ones, he peaks when he calls in the auxiliaries. Humpty Hump and Shock G help out on a Risky Business rewrite. And Aesop Rock joins an exasperated praise song for their favorite drug: serotonin uptake inhibitors. (Grade: A-)