Murs for President – MBE Debut!

It’s not often we have live hip hop here at KCRW, but Murs couldn’t have been a more perfect MBE guest. He wondered out loud between songs if he was “messing it up” for the other rappers out there, but he was nothing less than an inspiration for anyone listening.

Murs is totally engaging without any trickery, hype, or a fake personality put on just to get attention. He’s a confident performer and his lyrics are honest, hopeful and full of references to LA. He is truly a local artist and pays homage to the city in many of his songs. He even took a few classes here at Santa Monica College where KCRW is located (and he stresses it was truly only a few classes).

His optimism is contagious and inspiring. In fact, I was talking to someone from his record label, Warner Bros, after the set and they told me Murs once bought out the El Rey Theater with his own cash to throw a fan appreciation night. He wouldn’t take money from the label to put the event on because he wanted every single ticket to go to his fans. One of his many fans happened to be in the station before his set –none other than Meshell Ndegeocello. She was recording an interview with KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad and popped down to the live set afterwards, requesting a copy of the new CD. Jason made them promise that KCRW would get the first copy of any collaboration they may do together.
Check out this excellent set – especially “Everything” and “Can It Be?”

RR