Thursday, July 31, 2008

Murs and 9th Wonder - Sweet Lord

Murs and 9th Wonder - Murray's Revenge Album CoverAfter my post yesterday about the new Madvillainy 2 album, I thought it only right to bring attention to another one of The Blot’s other favorite indie rappers, West Coast hip-hop artist Murs. I still remember the first time I ever heard Murs rap. I had downloaded this song he recorded with Danger Mouse, “To A Black Boy,” and was blown away. After having the song in heavy rotation on my iPod for well over a year, I picked up his tenth album and second collaboration with 9th Wonder, 2006’s Murray’s Revenge. It’s a pretty solid album from start to finish and has left me wanting more Murs.

Thankfully 2008 is going to be a huge year for Murs. He signed with Warner Bros. Records and is set to drop his major label debut, Murs for President, on September 30, 2008. But before that, Murs has re-teamed for a third time with hip-hop producer 9th Wonder to release a completely free album, Sweet Lord.

Murs and 9th Wonder - Sweet Lord Album Cover
As Murs explains in a video on the album’s website Murs and 9th Wonder.com, Sweet Lord was made about two years ago but never released. Since Murs for President is about to drop, he and 9th Wonder decided to give away Sweet Lord to their fans for free as a thank you for all of their support over the years. All that Murs asks in return is that fans cast their vote for Murs for President on September 30th and buy a copy of the album.

Murs - Murs For President
I think this is a brilliant idea. Artists like Radiohead, Coldplay, Lil’ Wayne and Girl Talk have all proven giving away one’s music is an incredible marketing tool and a successful way to build a loyal fan base. It will also allow for a wider audience to sample Murs’ talents and hopefully give him broader media exposure than he would have ever received otherwise. The future seems bright for Murs, but don’t take my word for it. Download Sweet Lord for free below and have a listen for yourself.

Murs and 9th Wonder – Sweet Lord {.Zip file}