When you think of dynamic duos, there could be many interesting pairs that come to mind. When you think of dynamic duos from the world of music, these interesting pairs represent a relationship so unique, so refreshing that you can’t help but eagerly anticipate the next collaboration between these artists. While most artists might only have one easily identifiable significant other, in the case of one of Los Angeles’ finest Murs that might be harder to identify. We could say that his collaborations with the Living Legends are the most special. Even though it represents less of a dynamic duo, it does represent artists from southern California and artists from northern California coming together to form one of the best hip-hop collectives. We could say that it is his work with Slug as FELT. This group that wasn’t a group in the first place has become a fan favorite to the point that fans eagerly await any a rare opportunity to see them perform their incredibly entertaining adventures. What makes Murs special is every collaboration he participates in is unique, represents a different musical direction, and offers fans a chance to see Murs’ range as a lyricist. However, his collaborations with 9th Wonder and Chang Weisberg represent collaborative efforts made in heaven. With the benefit of 9th Wonder’s golden touch, Murs has produced some of hip-hop’s contemporary classics, and through his Guerilla Union affiliated Paid Dues festival, Murs has been able to work with and provide a platform for some of the best hip-hop has to offer while making it an outlet different from Rock the Bells. Recently, URB caught up with Murs to discuss his most recent project, his reflections on the Paid Dues series, and his thoughts on other possible collaborations.
URB: As you reflect on this year’s Paid Dues Festival (5th Annual), what were your fondest memories from this year as well as from the previous installments.
Murs: My fondest moments every year is knowing kids were able to get out have a good time and make it home safely. As far as personal fan of rap moments, I got to meet Lady of Rage this year. I got to shake her hand, which was awesome. Other than that, I can’t say too much because I was busier this year than any other year. I got to see the first two acts that went on, but other than that I was working.
URB: This festival just continues to grow. This year there was second stage and more artists than ever before. What are some of the responses you hear from fans and artists who want to jump on board and perform at Paid Dues?
Murs: Every artist wants to do it, and if they are not on it, they hate it, but if they are on it, the next year they want to do it again. That’s blessing. Probably the hardest part every year is making a decision for who will be on the lineup. Some people are actually friends and some people are just dope, and I am sure the kids who would love it, but we just can’t have everyone, so there is a lot of love and hate that comes with it. The reaction that I get from kids all across the country as I am on a nationwide tour like I am now, and I see them wearing their Paid Dues shirts is they love it, and as long feel like they are not wasting their money. Anyone who has ever gone says they got to see a lot of artists, meet a lot of new artists, smoke some weed, and it was the best concert I have been too, and I am going to go next year. A lot of people trip off of the headliners, but I want to create a brand in Paid Dues where people immediately want to go no matter what, kind of like Coachella. I trust Coachella and Paul Tollett to put on the greatest show ever. Even if I am not into the headliners, there will be 10 other bands that I want to see. Tickets can go on sale without a headliner, and that is the kind of brand that I am looking to build. I don’t think I have met anyone who went [to Paid Dues] and said they were disappointed. Thank god.
URB: Have the last five years of you doing this gone by really quickly?
Murs: I don’t know man. I got a gray hair. Promoting ages you. it does go by fast, but you definitely remember every year. It is rewarding if you are into it for the right reasons. When you see that many people having a good time at a party that you put together, there is no amount of money earned or lost that compare…seeing that is the ultimate satisfaction. I could tell you that it has flown by, but I would be lying.
URB: Are there any overlaps in the challenges between the grind that comes with being an MC and the grind that comes with being a promoter?
Murs: You have to be humble and you have to take a lot of shit from a lot of people because everyone feels like they are entitled to this or that. I learned not to treat promoters like that. There is so much to learn.
URB: Are you already planning the next year’s Paid Dues?
Murs: Yeah. I am trying to fight to keep certain artists off of the Rock the Bells lineup to save them for Paid Dues. We are not trying to give you the same thing with Rock the Bells and Paid Dues, at least I know I am not. Paid Dues typically is geared more towards the West Coast. I always try to put more because it is turning into a one off West Coast Festival. I don’t even know who is on Rock the Bells yet, but unfortunately it will have a lot to do with who is on Paid Dues. I wish it didn’t. I got to see how awesome how Rock the Bells will be and work 10 times hard for Paid Dues.
URB: Jumping into your most recent album, Fornever, how would you describe how your relationship has grow with 9th Wonder over course of multiple projects?
Murs: We are just more comfortable with each other and the trust grows. I like to let the producer take the lead and producer. I am much more of a lyrical person. I can handle the subject matter and structure, but I will let him handle the sound. Asian Girl he picked out the direction, but other than that it is rare. “Dream chaser” on Murray’s Revenge was originally a longer song, but he cut it shorter. I was like yo I just spent eight hours writing this song, and you want to cut it off? “
URB: What did you think when you heard the final cut?
Murs: Well I agreed, but I wish I would have saved the lyrics and have a director’s cut like they do for movies because “Bad Man” was two different songs before it became the song that it is now. It always comes out right. I am a spiritual, hippie person who believes that everything is right and is how it is supposed to be.
URB: “I Used to Love her (Again)” revisits a common’s classic song. The first two verses of the album stay pretty close to the original, but then on the third verse, once it shifts to the West Coast, it provides it from the perspective of the West Coast. Did you want to address it in this manner because it had never been provided before?
Murs: I think it had been addressed, but it had been addressed in the wrong way. I just wanted to restate it. I think a lot of people on the West Coast took offense to it, and I don’t think Common meant it like that. For once and for all, I wanted to clear it up and give a West Coast perspective on it.
URB: When you first heard it, you didn’t share in the reaction that Cube had that Common was trying to diss the West Coast?
Murs: Nah, I got it. I knew what he was saying. It still is one of my favorites. I don’t know what I was watching, but something came on T.V., and I was like, I have got to do it. Its time. I called him [9th], and told him immediately that this was what we were doing and to find a beat. I didn’t know what else he had planned, but I told him that this is what we would be doing.
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