Disco de Murs: “End of the Beginning”

This album is the most refreshing rap album that has come out in a long time. Murs comes at the listener not as a hard ass rapper, but as a normal person. That's what pulls this album over the edge, to have one song on almost getting shot on your block after playing NFL2K and another song about buying Star Wars figurines with nerd white boys. Murs is a nerd who raps and does all the things that everyone else does, including work, and is not afraid to admit it. How in the hell do you have a song about work and pull it off so gracefully. The beats on the album are all good and the guest MC's are great. Buy this album even if, like me, this is your first Murs album.

I was introduced to Murs a little over a year ago. I first heard of him during one of my daily quests for hip hop knowledge on the internet, and after doing some homework on him I decided to pick up one of his CD's. Murs has since become one of my favorite rappers (my other favorites include 2pac, Big Pun, Dre from Outkast, Jay-Z, The Gza, and Black Thought-just to drop some names). Murs is probably the most honest rapper I've ever heard. He speaks his mind, and he will rap about any subject. He has some interesting and controversial viewpoints, and I tend to agree with most of them. Dude is a very versatile emcee. The first Murs cd I purchased was Murs 3:16 the 9th Edition, which is a great cd in its own right, but overall I probably like The End of The Beginning better. I can relate to a lot of the subject matter on this cd.

The highlights of this cd include:

1) You and I --basically a summary of his rap career to this point

3) I know -- great track where Murs shares some of his viewpoints of view on life--without sounding like he is preaching

4) The Scuffle --track that was probably designed to get some s*** off of his chest

5) Last Night -- Autobiographical track where Murs tells reveals some of his episodes in his neighborhood. Great production as well.

8) Risky Business -- About girls and partying-simple but well done

10) Gods work -- Personal accounts about work, touring, and women

18) Done Deal -- Feel good track of the album

I have to admit there a couple of tracks with wack production, but the good songs far outnumber the bad ones. The lyrics on this cd are great though, and Murs always finds interesting topics to rap about. Dude is not your typical emcee, but that is what makes him so good.

While underground heads are already familiar with Murs, he is definitely not yet getting the recognition he deserves. Do yourself a favor and add this one to your cart. This dude is the best rapper you haven't heard of - yet.

From the moment track one begins until the final fade out, you won't regret this purchase. Finally, an underground rapper with enough action in his words to break out of the backpack. There's some great production here by El-P, Ant, and RJD2, but the rapping is so much better. If you find that underground rap it too cerebral and wishy-washy sometimes, you owe it to yourself to buy this.

First off I gotta say damn... This album is tight as hell. Murs' flows and rhymes are just the shhh... The only reason I didn't give it a 5 is because there are a few songs to skip, but almost all of them are tight. If you like Eminem's Slim Shady LP, you gotta listen to this, his flows and rhymes are just like Em's, and he tells stories just as good as Nas. If you don't buy it, at least listen to it, borrow it and burn it, whatever, just listen to it.

Wow!!! If you are into hard hitting lyrics with actual meaning, then Murs comes correct. It's nice to see someone in the rap game coming with actual meaning and does not care if it's mainstream. A wonderful breath of fresh air from the hip hop world. Murs puts it down for Southern California. His lyrics flow over endless beats that hit home with true lyricism. An instant classic that has the feel of old school hip hop. A must listen!!