MURS at Velvet Jones

Best known in the hip-hop community for his outlandish hair and laidback style, rapper MURS drew in an audience with his casual, but high-energy performance this past Sunday night at Velvet Jones. Known for his outspoken lyrics and unrefined technique, the L.A. native takes a more thoughtful approach to the long-established West Coast style. Generating an impressive turnout—especially for a Sunday—MURS performed to a roomful of fans that matched him word for word throughout the set.

Accompanied by two L.A.-based artists—freestylist VerBS and Latin rapper Psycho Realm—MURS brought together a diverse collaboration of artists for a particularly eclectic series of opening sets. Still, it was ultimately MURS who stole the show with his organic flow and smooth beats.

Sunday’s show, part of MURS’s current Fornever and a Day Tour, showcased a number of tracks off his new collaboration album with 9th Wonder (“Fornever,” “Let Me Talk,” “The Lick”), in addition to old MURS favorites like “Yesterday & Today] and “The Pain.” He even gave a bit of background—and wasted a few of the crowd’s cigarettes—in an effort to illustrate the perils of smoking and set up his new jam, “Cigarettes and Liquor.”

MURS’s unusual dancing and unique delivery made for an exceptionally interesting performance that kept audience members on their toes throughout the night. With charismatic and fluid verses, his straightforward attitude provided a soulful live listening experience that had the audience calling for an encore but ultimately leaving in want. Though it wasn’t the most exciting or passionate show, MURS is undeniably onto something with his candid rhymes and upbeat approach. His honesty is a key element in his music, making his work all the more commendable.