Murs L.A. Times Interview

L.A. Times: Presumably, one of the things that attracted you to a major label like Warner Bros. was their ability to get you on the radio. Yet you had songs with Snoop Dogg and will.i.am. "Can it Be" was great and had a Jackson 5 sample, but you still couldn't get on Power 106? What happened?

Murs: They weren’t happy with what I was saying or where the album was when it was released. My management was able to force their hand into releasing it. "Can It Be" was supposed to be for the underground heads and the Snoop and Will singles were supposed to be the radio hits. They didn’t want to take the chance on what I was saying and it also came out at the end of 2008 when the economy was in a downturn. The head of the black music department at Warner had been fired and the new guy didn’t agree with what the old guy had told me.

There were lots of changes, but I didn’t get caught up in them. I was able to say, "This isn’t working for me. You promised we would go to radio. I expect you as a gentleman to let me go." Six months later, I was let go. It was ... with my business. I took a pay cut to come to a major label who only gave me an $85,000 advance, when I was grossing $200,000-$300,000 on my own. I still was able to make that, but only because I put on a festival and a national tour. They were holding me in limbo and it was like, if you aren't going to make me famous or put me on the radio, then why am I here? I went to a major to make a positive contribution and help stop the killing of the music that I love. Six months later, I was gone.

L.A. Times: Your career has been characterized by lots of change, whether it's your collaborators or labels or just different ideas you want to express. However, you've now put out four albums with 9th Wonder. What keeps on drawing you back to work with him?

Murs: I think I work with him because the fans want me to. People seem to love when we're working together -- they're always asking when the next album is coming out. In this business, there aren't many responsible people, but 9th always gets things done. We're very close -- every Thanksgiving our families get together. Whether we're recording an album or not, we're always in touch. He's a committed dude and he works as fast as I do.

I tell him what I want to say, and then I let him produce and pick the music. We have a formula that works and makes people happy.

L.A. Times: How did you end up working with Suga Free? Did he come into the studio to work with you guys?

Murs: That was a last-minute addition. We usually don't add anyone who doesn't come through the studio, but my manager also manages DJ Quik, and wanted him to do "West Coast Cinderella," but he couldn't do it in time. So they mentioned Suga Free and I was like "Suga Free and Quik are back together?" I'd always wanted to do a song with Suga where he talks about girls the way he does, and I talk about girls the way I do.

L.A. Times: It was reported earlier this year that you were planning on releasing 10 records. What's the status of all that music?

Murs: Basically, I had a lot of records done when I was at Warner Bros. -- songs that didn’t make "Murs for President" for whatever reason. Over 100 of them -- there was a lot of downtime because I wasn't touring for two years. A lot of people thought I was rushing to record music, but that wasn't the case. Unfortunately, my computer was stolen with a lot of the songs. Thankfully, there' a couple projects already finished, and a comic-book project that I'm almost done with.

L.A. Times: How was the computer stolen?

Murs: The night before Paid Dues, someone broke into my car and stole me and my wife's computers. We were driving by a club and stopped to get out and promote and hand out fliers.

L.A. Times: What are the next releases you have planned?

Murs: There's the soundtrack to the comic book [MerchGirl: The Curse of Yumiko Morales] that I'm doing with the producer Foundation. I've got a record coming with producer Terrace Martin -- it's like DJ Quik meets 2 Live Crew meets Steve Aoki. It's just nasty sex raps. I also have a record with my punk rock band called the Invincibles, done with the members of a Florida punk band called Whole Wheat Bread.

L.A. Times: Who are your favorite punk rock bands?

Murs: Definitely Rancid -- I've always wanted to remake "Time Bomb. " Green Day. Bad Brains. I really like the Deftones too, but they're more of a rock band. (source)

Little Brother Perform Live In DC

Little Brother performed live at the Black Cat in Washington DC on their Farewell Tour Friday May 14 promoting Leftback.

Little Brother Farewell Tour Dates:
Wed May 19 - Chicago, IL at the Double Door
Wed May 26 - San Diego, CA at 4th And B
Thu May 27 - West Hollywood, CA at the Key Club
Fri May 28 - San Francisco, CA at The Independent

Little Brother Left Back on Hall of Justus in stores and online now!

(video courtesy of S-Roc)

David Banner & 9th Wonder Team Up For 'Death Of A Pop Star'

via the press release

(May 6, 2010 - Los Angeles, CA) Grammy Award winners David Banner and 9th Wonder, two of hip-hop's heavyweights, are teaming up for the collaborative album Death of a Pop Star slated to be released this summer on Big Face Entertainment. Serving as the artists' first collaborative work together, Death Of A Pop Star offers fans of both David Banner and 9th Wonder a fresh and unique perspective on the music industry.

9th Wonder has a history of teaming with legendary emcees and crafting dream projects that have resulted in both critical and commercial success. With top-selling hit maker David Banner at his side, it's obvious that the respected producer's winning streak isn't slowing down. David Banner's most recent successes include writing, producing, and arranging (with guidance from Jimmy Smith and The G Team at Chalt Day) the new non-hip hop Gatorade theme song "Evolve," performed by Kermit Quinn. To some, pairing with Banner, who is also a celebrated producer in his own right, having produced smash hits like T.I.'s "Rubberband Man," might seem like an odd thing for 9th Wonder to do but this project was a wholly mutual vision between both artists.

The duo's driving creative force for the album stems from shared feelings about the state of the music industry and the de-valuing of music. Concerned that listener's today exist in a world where style wins over substance to the detriment of both the music industry, and the arts, the pair decided to take action. "We first were going to make it a free mixtape release, but then we realized it was bigger than that," explains Banner on their intentions. The duo set out to create a set that would help bring the focus back to music; not image.

While their project began in earnest with their eye on the state of hip-hop, a mutual respect for each other's artistry helped drive the partnership. "9th Wonder is probably one of the most soulful cats in our generation," says Banner, praising the North Carolina producer know for his work with Little Brother, Jay-Z, Beyonce, and more. "Death Of A Pop Star is needed for a balance in the music landscape right now, just like 2 Live Crew and A Tribe Called Quest were once needed at the same time."

9th Wonder adds, "David Banner and I both share the same views on topics such as manhood, being black in America in present day, and the state of black music in general. David and I hash out a lot of options before we actually do a song. Once we get past all the options, the end result is always clear." For fans looking toward the summer release, this David Banner and 9th Wonder collaboration may serve as only a beginning, rather than the pinnacle, for the Death Of A Pop Star concept. Visualized as an ongoing concept, the duo is keeping their options open. Satiating fans, Banner says, "Who knows what concept Death Of A Pop Star may be in the future, next year it might be Lil Wayne and Pete Rock. 9th Wonder and I would still oversee it, but we don't know what it's gonna be." He continues, "This concept is bigger than hip-hop music. It shows us that young people do have soul."

Murs Performs 'Can It Be' Live In San Francisco

Murs live at the Fillmore in SF Thursday, April 29.

Murs & 9th Wonder ForNever on SMC Recordings available now!

video courtesy of Always Hustle

Little Brother - 'Curtain Call' Video Trailer

Little Brother Leftback on Hall of Justus arrives in-stores tomorrow.

Pre order your copy at:
iTunes
Amazon
or your local retailer.

Murs & 9th Wonder - 'The Problem Is' Ft. Sick Jacken & Uncle Chucc (video)

Directed by Estevan Oriol

Murs & 9th Wonder ForNever on Team Taco/SMC Recordings arrives April 13

Murs & 9th Wonder 'ForNever'; Part Of 10 Murs' Albums In 10 months In 2010

via Baller Status

Murs is back. After a stint with Warner Bros. Records that resulted in the release of 2008's Murs for President, the Los Angeles rapper has returned to the indie circuit.

Later this month, he'll be dropping the highly anticipated collabo album with producer 9th Wonder called ForNever, their fourth pairing. But, the project is just one of 10 albums Murs plans to drop throughout the remainder of 2010.

During an invite-only listening party for the forthcoming album on Friday (March 5) in Los Angeles, Murs told us about his plans to release a new album during the last week of each month through December, each one consisting of 10 new songs.

With an indie mentality, Murs says a slew of unreleased material was built up during his tenure with Warner Bros. So, now that he's free of his contract with the major label, it's all going to see the light of day ... during the 2010 calendar year.

"Warner Bros. kind of ... stifled me creatively 'cause I was used to having product flow every year -- touring, album, tour, album, tour, two tours and album," Murs explained BallerStatus.com. "I'd do two 60-city tours, something in the summer, then new album. I was a workaholic. They kinda shut me up. I have all this music coming outta nowhere, so I'm ready, and I think this is an ultimate way to kick it off...

"During that time, I created so much music that I have a surplus," the rapper added, "so, I'm trying to do 10 records in 10 months this year. It's 2010, we're gonna have 10 records with 10 songs."

Despite leaving the Warner, Murs say he and the label parted on good terms and commended the people he worked with. In the end, he said they just had a "difference of opinion."

The first of the music to come out of the vaults will be ForNever, which features the production of 9th Wonder, and guest appearances include Sick Jacken, Uncle Chucc, Suga Free, Kurupt, and Verbz.



The first single is the Sick Jacken and Uncle Chucc assisted "The Problem Is." A video was shot with director Estevan Oriol last month, and is scheduled to surface in the coming weeks.

ForNever drops March 30th.

Additionally, during our chat, Murs revealed that one of the next projects -- of the 10 dropping this year -- will be a collaborative effort with rising west coast producer Terrance Martin.

Further details about other upcoming albums were unknown at press time though.

More information:
MursWorld.com

Related:
Murs & 9th Wonder 'ForNever' Los Angeles Listening Party

Murs & 9th Wonder 'ForNever' Los Angeles Listening Party

via the L.A. Weekly

​Writing about a listening session at a Los Angeles clothing store is about as exciting as detailing the events of a family birthday party. While the music is playing, it's great to catch up with familiar faces over free drinks, but there's very little insight to offer those that didn't attend. Who wants to look at pictures of grandma opening her presents next to a cheese-grilling DJ Rhettmatic?

A bigger challenge arises when the unveiling of an anticipated record is the center of such events. The reason that 100 people gathered at La Brea clothing store And Still on a Friday night (March 5) (other than the free drinks) was the third collaborative LP from L.A. rapper Murs and North Carolina super-producer 9th Wonder, ForNever, coming out March 30 on SMC Recordings. Unfortunately, because everyone was busy chatting and drinking and the soundsystem was far from perfect, there wasn't too much listening at this listening session.

Plenty of people heard Murs' superhero combination of get-girls humor and sociopolitical proclamations, but it's not an amicable situation to truly digest new music. What comes through instead are brief flashes that turn into bookmarks for when ForNever leaks onto The Internets some time this month. There was the unnamed song with a hook about "cigarettes and liquor" that seemed to capture the best of Murs' FELT collaborations with Slug -- without actually featuring the Atmosphere front man -- by getting the party started and enjoying the shit out of his efforts. Or maybe it was an indictment of tobacco and alcohol companies... it was kind of hard to tell.

Then there was Murs and 9th's follow-up to Common's classic hip-hop-as-lady-friend metaphor, "I Used to Love H.E.R" -- featured in the video above. Murs doesn't so much as update the 1994 staple as he covers it, aided by a loop from 9th Wonder that might even out-jazz the original. That final flash from last night's listening session came from the ForNever lead single, "The Problem Is."

Featuring Sick Jacken and Uncle Chucc, "The Problem Is" succeeds with big epic strings and a heart-heavy hook. Murs spends his time addressing the world's problems mostly by attacking capitalism and the inevitable evils it carries. Psycho Realm's Sick Jacken then questions the balance between guns and education while "not preaching, [and] just giving you the real 24." It's a memorable track on an album that should shape up to be one of the year's best indie rap albums and you can download "The Problem Is" right there, should you want to listen. If you just want to hear it, however, you'll need to wait until the next party at a clothing store.

(video courtesy of theerapjournalist)

Little Brother 'LeftBack' Advance Album Preview

via Planet Ill

Revenge

A well flipped usage of James Brown’s “Big Payback” buffered by ambient chants and ill rhymes. Standard fare, but executed well.

So Cold Featuring Chaundon Prod. by King Karnov

Bottom heavy beat with the crooner on the hook doign their best D’Angelo impression (not sure if it’s Phonte singing). Phonte runs the middle leg of this track with malice intended; crisp delivery and lines that make yourburrow your eyebrows and bob your head. Guest emcee Chaundon brings a flare to the cleanup slot with a bit less laser sharpness but much more energy. The bridge is well places and while synths give the beat rhythm, the bottom heavy bass rules here.

Second Chances Feat. Bilal & Darien Brockington (Prod. By Denaun Porter)

Dithering keys and a slithering bassline allow Bilal to bring his trademarked neurosis to full tilt. The music on this song is beautifully arranged and Bilal takes it to the bridge and jumps off. The interplay between the rapped verses and the sang chorus on the last stanza weave in and out like red and blue Tron cycles racing each other. Flawlessly finished.

Go Off Go On

The chorus on this is very weak but the track is notable because Big Pooh really spazzes out on it. It’s a bit too similar to the previous song in tone but pales in quality.

What We Are Feat. Quiana

A relationship song (one of many). It’s not syrupy by any means and is well put together. the song deals with what happens when you hook up but you realize the relationship isn’t going anywhere.

After The Party

Piano key opening and a semi comedic internal monologue from Phonte showcases his range, humor, and personality. The track runs on a well balanced thump, with beat and rhyme fusing nicely.

2 Step Blues

Picks up the pace of the album with lively vocals. It’s really “Just Got Paid” 2.0 in function. Nice horn solo and piano keys close the song out nicely.

Get Enough

Towering aggressive drums push the momentum of this song. Phonte comes out swinging on all sucker emcees but Big Pooh steals the show on this Khrysis-produced banger.

24 Feat Torae

Torae muscles this high-powered song from inception, changing the energy/pace of the entire album. Everyone in the room looks up as soon as this track begins. His aggression immediately stands out and forces Pooh and Phonte to raise their energy level above what they have shown on the rest of the album. This song would have done better in the middle of the album, serving to break up the monotony of a few too any similar in feel songs.

This album has a strange energy to it. There are some extremely high musical highs, in particular ‘24″ and “Second Chances,” which surpass much if not most of their previous material. However there are a few too many songs that remind you of each other, in either spirit or theme, without really placing an overall theme or narrative on the album. Arrangement wise, most of these songs are places together. It’s not their worst overall work, but as a unit it doesn’t surpass The Listening or The Chitlin Circuit 1.5. What it does do is make you wish they could have toughed it out for a really focused album with the best elements showcased on Left Back. These are two talented rappers who are as good as their production and focus allow them to be.

Little Brother To Release Final Album 'Leftback' April 20

via A.V. Club

If you're like me, North Carolina's Little Brother is one of your all-time favorite hip hop groups. The group has experienced all sorts of highs, lows and creamy middles since its classic 2003 debut The Listening was championed by the likes of ?uestlove and Pete Rock. The trio was signed to major label Atlantic and then abruptly dropped after its second album, The Minstrel Show flopped.

Super-producer 9th Wonder left the group after landing a beat on The Black Album and becoming one of hip hop's most in-demand beatsmiths. Most recently, frontman Phonte was nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative performance Involving Black People with soulful side project Foreign Exchange.

Alas, the long, strange, often glorious story of Little Brother appears to be coming to an end. The duo of Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh has announced that their forthcoming CD, Leftback (on the duo's boutique label Hall of Justus), will be its last. The album will be released on April 20th and feature production from Khrysis, Denaun Porter, Zo! and others. Back in my video store days I used to play a long-form Abba video that featured an interview with a fan who was asked, "If you could say one thing to Abba, what would it be?" The fan's answer gave the video (and box set and hardcover book) its name: Thank You For the Music. With that in mind, goodbye, Little Brother and thank you for the music.

Skyzoo Schedules A Los Angeles In-Store At Fat Beats

Fat Beats
7600 Melrose Ave # J
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-8997

Skyzoo - The Salvation on Duck Down/Jamla in-stores now.

DJ Khalil & 9th Wonder In The Studio Together

DJ Khalil and 9th Wonder in the studio together, look out. It's East (9th Wonder's from N. Carolina) meets West (DJ Khalil is based in LA) with these two and there's no telling what they'll cook up, but guaranteed the hop hop public wants to hear their creations.

(video courtesy of nonstophhnw, the la network.ning.com)

Producer 9th Wonder M-Audio Artist Spotlight

With a 9th Wonder produced track, you can always count on the vibe to have that soul hip hop feel to it. Seen here, 9th Wonder talks about some music gear which are his "tricks of the trade," - the gear he can't live without mainly M-Audio products and of course Pro-Tools.

To learn more about M-Audio products visit:
M-Audio