We at Definitive Jux weren’t exactly sure how to relay the totality of the MURS experience. Some things are easier said than done. Yes, he’s a west coast legend, in the same continuum of Digital Underground, Freestyle Fellowship, Hieroglyphics, Jurassic 5, Dilated Peoples, Madlib, Mystik Journeymen, etc…; Yes, he’s one of the most respected artists in indie hip hop; Yes, he’s a touring machine, winning fans all over N. America, Europe, Japan and Australia, not to mention over 200 dates in 2003 including the Warped Tour with Atmosphere; Yes, he’s a sarcastic, contentious, difficult bastard. But that’s why we love him. Anyway, we figured we’d let him break it down for you himself:

1. Where are you from/where do you rep?

Mid City, Los Angeles. Hell.A

2. How long have you been making music?

11 years.

3. How did you get your name?

God gave it to me.

4. Describe your style.

Sitcom Rap. Being able to take elements from everyday life and make it entertaining.

5. Who are your biggest influences?

My friends, plus E-40, Jay-Z and Sublime.

6. Who have you performed/recorded/collaborated with?

Company Flow, Little Brother and 9th Wonder, Mike Ladd, Def Jukies inc., Masterminds, Jean Grae, Atmosphere, Living Legends, Hiero, Lootpack, P.U.T.S., DJ Swamp, Mr. Dibbs, DJ Z-Trip, Aceyalone, Shock G (Digital Underground).

7. What should people know about you?

Believe everything you hear. It will probably keep us both a lot happier and healthier.

8. What is your album about?

This album is about a rapper who heard about this up and coming producer(9th Wonder). Tried tracking him down for 6 months, then finally runs across someone with one of his beat cd's. Calls were made, we both agree to work together. In the middle of sending music from Carolina to California, the producer gets a beat on the most celebrated/anticipated rap album of the year; Jay-Z, the Black Album, but he doesn't forget about doing the project with the independent rapper, in fact he only becomes more determined to make it happen. So the rapper flies to North Carolina to begin working and he does what few rappers have ever done... He humbles himself and actually let's the producer produce, meaning he followed his lead and allowed the producer to sonically shape and mold the project. The result is the best Murs album to date. Check it out.

9. Why should people buy it?

Because of Def Jux. El-P's a ***. Amaechi is an African ***. The whole staff is well… you know. So it should go with out saying that it would make them happy for my album to do big numbers. Hell, I've even thought about converting. But other than that, and once in a while some weirdo thinking my music is dope, you should buy it if you believe in what we're doing over here with this label, cuz it's only gonna get doper and more diverse.

10. What kind of impact do you hope to make in hip hop and music in general?

The kind God put me on this earth to make. Thank You.

Murs 3:16 the 9th edition dropping March 23rd 2004 on Definitive Jux Records.