End of the Beginning

Murs | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 25, 2003)
• Original Release Date: 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Definitive Jux
• ASIN: B00007LTIY
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #199,327 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Murs joins the Definitive Jux family, May 3, 2005

By 

Alan Pounds "Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: End of the Beginning (Audio CD)

I was first exposed to Murs from the album he made with Slug, "Felt - A Tribute to Christina Ricci" (2002). I then later saw him perform with Slug on the "Scribble Jam 7" video. That amazing 30 minute performance was enough to make me get off my a$$ and check out some of his work. Murs has been making music for 10 years prior to this album. It's pretty shocking that he hasn't found his true fan base yet. He makes hardcore underground gangster rap music, and it seems that only white kids (for the most part) are listening. Maybe it's because he raps with a lot of white guys. Maybe it's because he's into things like skateboarding instead of playing "ball". Either way, I'm happy that I was able to make the discovery. Upon first listen, I was shocked at the amount of skill he possessed. I do like the way he raps about everyday life. His lyrics are extremely interesting without being overbearing in the slightest. Murs doesn't take his music lightly. In fact he takes his music as serious as the likes of Slug, Brother Ali, and Eyedea; maybe even more (he played 200 shows/dates in 2003). He's a rap veteran that is showing absolutely no signs of stopping. He's got the art of storytelling down to a science. Murs is one cocky emcee. He has no problem telling people he's the best, and I've yet to see him fail at proving himself. Especially when he killed Eyedea in a "practice" battle before the scheduled MC battle of the "Scribble Jam 9" video. He constantly proves that he's a force to be reckoned with.

The amount of variety on this album is what makes it so appealing. Whether he's talking about the regurgitation of the music industry, crime, or partying when his parents aren't home, he's always on key. The riveting philosophy and commentary is what makes Murs so interesting. "You & I" kicks off the album with some great lyrics like this one: "Straight low budget I was underground thuggin' it / You think I gave a f*** about a publicist? NO!" Murs is at his best on songs like "What Do You Know?" and "The Night Before...". Check out this lyric: "Last night I almost got shot on my block / Not the block where I live at, the block where I chill at / Where I keep it real at, and used to pack steel / At times I feel it's the spot I'll get killed at". But one of my current favorites is where Murs raps about his love for skateboarding on "Transitions az a Ridah," where the rhythm is made up of skateboards sweeping in and out of ramps. Aesop Rock lends a hand on "Happy Pillz," which definitely stands out. "Risky Business" features our buddy Shock G (aka Humpty Hump) and Murs throwing a phat party while his parents are out of town. I also like "BT$" a lot. There seriously isn't a throw-away track in the bunch. And with a slew of producers by the likes of El-P, Ant, and RJD2, this album is a classic in the making.

Overall, Murs has quite the interesting personality. He will open your eyes, and make you smile with his humorous wit. The issues are thought provoking and alluring. Up until now, all I knew about Murs was the buzz and the hype that surrounded him. Now I will be adding to the hype with high praise.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic., February 27, 2003

By 

Zachary Vogt (Mesa, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: End of the Beginning (Audio CD)

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.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars End of the Beginning, July 9, 2004

By 

M. C. Peixoto "mcp333" (Seattle) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: End of the Beginning (Audio CD)

In a time where rap is all about being serious and hardcore, Murs is one of the few who can actually write a funny rap song. He picks a random topic and makes into a verse, hes usually making fun of himself or something everybody does. The best thing about his raps are that everybody can relate to him and what hes talking about. This is a great release and definitely worth picking up if your new to Murs. If you like it, Murs 3:16 is also good.