DX: I know you said Rakim, but it kind of reminded me of Slick Rick with that old school flavor and the melody you added to it.
Murs: Yeah. Maybe it’s just that old school '80s, New York type of thing cause I can definitely see that Slick Rick.

DX: Speaking of you having a lot to say…On a Felt record, you said you wouldn’t really get political and even early in your career, you said you wouldn’t didn’t really want to “talk about the government.” But, it seems like lately, with Sweet Lord and Murs for President, it seems you are going that route a little more. What made you change your mind on that?
Murs: It’s just like I said. Now that I know I’m on a platform where I can speak to more people, it’s cool. But, if I’m in a room full of college kids, there’s no need to preach to the choir. We all know what I know. Matter of fact, a lot of my fans back then knew more than I did ‘cause they were educated. So, why am I gonna sit here and tell you about anything…the need for change? You know? You came here because you wanted to escape. You got this record because you wanted to escape everything that we both know. This music is a release. But, now I feel I’m gonna be marketed and promoted to the masses, who aren’t as educated as our little sub sect of indie Hip Hop. That’s where “Science” came from too. I thought like, if I had anything I ever wanted to say, then I’m gonna say it. Also, the political climate has changed in America and around he world. Things are changing. I’ve always been honest and just rapping about what’s going on with me. This is part of what’s goin' on with me. I’m excited to vote this year. I’m excited about the change that can happen. I’m angry about what’s going on in Darfur. I want to motivate people. These are the things I’m talking about with my friends. I consider all of my fans to be somewhat friends because my music is so personal. So, I’m gonna talk to them about it.

DX: On Sweet Lord, you say “I’m hoping that the world falls in love with Obama.” What made you decide to tilt towards Obama? When did that happen? How do you think that’s going to pan out in the future?
Murs: Ah, man. I try not to make too many predictions about the future. I hope it turns out well. I think he’s the best candidate. I actually got turned on to him three or four years ago, when I was in Australia. This 35 year-old Australian dude who owns a Hip Hop store out there was like, "Do you know about this guy Barack Obama, the Senator from Chicago?" I was like, "Nah!" He was like, "You need to read this book!" I was like, "Are you sure?” I got back home and I Wikipedia’d it and I was like, “I’ll check this dude out.” I read his book and I was like, “Alright, that’s dope.” And we had chosen Murs for President way before he was even going to run. I was like, “Whoa! He’s running! This is crazy!” I was on the team way before it became popular, not to be like a dickhead or elitist, but I’m from the Hip Hop elite sect anyway. But, I had done my work beforehand. I thought it would be interesting for him to be president. But, he wasn't my first choice. What was it? Joe Biden was my first choice because, to me, Barack had said some bullshit about Darfur, you know? And the other dude, Joe Biden was like [paraphrasing], “Look. These are thugs. These are brutes. We need to go over there and be brutal and thug ‘em out just like they’re thuggin’ these people out and then I bet you no one else will rise up. But what is economic sanctions to some people who don’t give a fuck? How are we hurting them? It’s going to take too long and everyday people are dying. 2 more years, that’s 80,000 or a hundred thousand deaths…like…that’s what we’re gonna wait for?” So, I was with him. When he dropped out, Obama was still the best candidate because...not because he’s black, but also because he’s actually lived in foreign countries and right now, America needs to focus on this global politics. And he’s worked in the inner city! That was two things. Black, White, Latino inner city, the poor Americans need the most assistance. Especially the children, because if you’re poor in America at this point, it’s probably your fault, if you’ve been here for at least two or three generations…it’s your fault. But, the kids still deserve a future. Any one that’s going to reform the schools and reform health care, and help America on the world stage, it’s who I’m voting for and it has nothing to do with the color of his skin.

DX: This album seemed like it could be completely different from anything you’ve ever done. But, you manage to touch on a lot of the same topics you’ve always discussed throughout your career, as well, sort of like vintage Murs but with a new sound and some new stuff we have never heard from you before added to the mixture. So, even though you haven’t changed much, you’re still going to face criticism like, "Ah, he’s on a major label now! He’s a sell out!" I know you’d say "Fuck ‘em!" but what else would you say?
Murs: I would tell them, “Everything grows. I hope that you grow.” My latest thing is just to compare it to someone else’s life. If you worked at the same job for 13 years, would you always just want to be account supervisor, or would you take a promotion? If someone offered you a promotion to VP, would you take it? Of course you would. If you could do everything you loved about your job, but help more people… See, to me, it’s never been about the money. I make more money being independent than I do with a major. If you could move up in your job into a better position and feel better…I feel better now because I feel like my music actually helps people. 98% of the other rappers out there, I think my music actually helps people through their hard times. Continued on page 4 »