It’s currently raining in Los Angeles, but that isn’t exactly what this city is known for. In general, Los Angeles is “known for the surf and shine,” as Murs points out on “The Problem Is,” the first single off of his latest album, Fornever, with 9th Wonder. Yes, it’s the duo yet again, at it for the fourth time. But this album is different from the others that the two have released. This time, they chose to record the entire project in L.A. (as opposed to Durham, North Carolina) and they’ve got the results to prove it.
Unique to the Murs and 9th saga, this album starts off with Tha Dogg Pound’s Kurupt, a sure sign of the California influence. Next, Verbs meets Murs on “The Lick,” a tribute to the hood’s liquor stores from Mid City’s Mr. Carter. Yet another important left coast feature follows with the often witty and outrageous Suga Free on “Let Me Talk.” And of course, failing to mention Sick Jacken’s appearance on the album’s lead single, “The Problem Is,” would be criminal, since the track provides the most sinister cut on the album, a definite stand out. If that weren’t enough, Kurupt returns with even more bars to finish the album on “Live from Roscoe’s.” With all of the stellar features, Murs isn’t lost in the shuffle. He’s directing traffic, with imaginative tales (“Westcoast Cinderella”) and lyrics about love, loss (“Vikki Veil”) and real life (“Chaos, calamity, extreme insanity/Communities collapse, destruction of families.”)
But the Living Legend isn’t alone in directing here. 9th Wonder is still quite the conductor. Rarely straying from his comfort zone proves beneficial. Soulful samples are flipped and chopped as 9th works his usual magic for Murs and guests throughout. The mellow “Live from Roscoe’s” is a strong jazzy groove, perfect for driving down a freeway with the windows down, whenever the weather permits. “I Used to Love Her [Again]” may not be completely necessary, though some lyrical changes are welcome, but the instrumental is what truly allows it to shine. When 9th adds different elements to the production, it works also. The piano keys on “The Problem Is,” for instance, carry the point home, giving it a Killa Cali flair. With 9th, you get what you expect but that isn’t a bad thing.
However, Fornever is not without flaws. When you get what you don’t expect from 9th, for example, things don’t go smoothly. An admittedly ghostwritten verse on “Asian Girls” for 9thmatic makes the track skippable and it cuts off the rhythm of the album. “Cigarettes and Liquor” may be a fun jam, but it’s also forgettable compared to their more potent pieces. Those missteps are few but on an album with only ten cuts, it’s hard not to notice them.
By the time this gets published, the sun will most likely be back up in Los Angeles. For the most part, that’s how this album goes, too. There are some points where there are pitfalls and rain falls, but for the most part-it’s got a glow to it. It’s more of what we’ve all come to expect from the duo, with minor miscues and some great additions. Fornever is quite possibly their most fun album to date, one that benefitted from the Los Angeles inspiration and one that stands proudly next to three other critically acclaimed projects, while also standing on its own.
that westside cinderella is a strong track, the rest of the album is just blah…unless you just like some no-name type of rapper going off over bullshit. Murs aint no gza, aint no masta ace, aint no planet asia, aint no little brother, he is like some hype man fuckin clown rapper with dreads, maybe a memphis bleek but the cornball version of him! SLAP THIS CLOWN MURS TO THE FLOOR!
album is dope. do your own research on Murs n then you’ll slap yourself for what you just said fool.
I like how he called Murs a no-name type rapper. That shit was hilarious 😛 He is kidding, though, right? …..Oh. Well that’s a shame.
i used to love her (again) is cold blooded!
MURS
Murs is a beeeast, the album’s pretty dope, not his best work but it’s still better than 95% of the shit these little clowns are bumping.
i loved 3:16. this album is ass. straight up. 9th wonder been fell off. he thinks hes an elite proucer putting shit like this out there? i dont think so. like 2 or 3 beats that are dope, 9th is flipping lazy samples like a lazy producer. sad thing is, murs still got good stories, but the music hes rhyming over just doesnt work. 9th needs to check himself. this album is weak. 9th drops a lot of bullshit.
your a fucking idiot. simply said.
oh yeah? why dont you drop your opinion of the album and leave mine alone you bird brain? i said what i feel. 9th beats on this is wack, weak drums, weak flips, and weak samples. murs did his thing. im not buying this album but i bought 3:16 because it was fire. i love when bitch ass niggas get all sesnitive and bent outta shape about someone elses opinion. you free to have your own opinion. im not gonna reply to it and call you a fuckin idiot neither. ima call you a fuckin idiot for commenting on my review without posting your own. fuckin hip hop flunkies son i tell ya.
I’m a have to go with Kush on this one and say I haven’t been feeling 9th’s beats as of late. Murs is still kickin it, though, which is good to see.
MURS SUCKS AND ITS OBVIOUS 9TH WONDER GIVES HIM THROWAWAY BEATS….HE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE FIRE BEATS…IF 9TH WONDER FELL OFF THAT WOULD BE SAD THOUGH CAUSE THE PRODUCTION ON THIS ALBUM IS LIKE ALL YOU GUYS ON HERE…FUCKIN WEAK!
I love 3:16 but ever since that, all Murs/9th albums have been disappointing. There are more dope tracks on that one record than on all the albums that came out after it combined!
I love 3:16 but ever since that, all Murs/9th albums have been disappointing. There are more dope tracks on that one record than on all the albums that came out after it combined!
Solid album. Heavy rotation required
ALBUM SUCKS, GET WITH IT PUSSY
IDK, this album seems real smooth to me.
I think its the lowest in the series, but Murs is still better than your favorite rapper.
Pretty good. Although it was the 9th beats that got me through it more than Murs’ rhymin. better than most of the bullshit, but thats easy.
Pretty good album but as everyone here says its not their best work. This album is what it is, a fun album dedicated to life in Cali. Most of the shit that Murs spits is everday shit that I think a lot of cats can relate to. Cigarettes and Liquor is funny as hell especially Murs last verse about coming in to work on Monday after a long ass Sunday night..real talk. You can tell 9th didnt leave his comfort zone but you can hear a lil west coast influence. Kurupt and Suga Free are great additions to the album. Pretty much blaze one sip somethin and enjoy.
This is where I rank it
1. 3:16
2. Fornever, Murrays Revenge, Sweet Lord (Three way tie cuz after 3:16 nothing has come close but good efforts)
Oh yea how come theres not option to rate 3.5? Thats what I would have rated it, is that possible DX fam?
dope album
3:16> Murrays revenge> fornever> sweet lord
Not as good as the previous albums they made, no even the free one “Sweet Lord.” Really I don’t like a lot of the subject matter in MURS rhymes and these are for sure not the best beats I’ve heard from 9th. What in the hell were they thinking with that Asian Girl bullshit…HAHAHH
beats are the issue on this project.
Definitely not their best drop, but i like it more then sweet lord. Hopefully they go back to Carolina for the next one
Dope Album, MURS is on point, I thought 9th did change up is style a bit, Drums the same, but I thought he was being more” expansive” with his samples.
Certainly my least fav, at this point, I have only given it 3 spins, but I’m pleased overall.
not a bad album, enjoy the production more then the rhymes to be honest…but why does it seem every review ends up with a 3.5??
Dope Album, MURS is on point, I thought 9th did change up is style a bit, Drums the same, but I thought he was being more versaltile with his samples.
Certainly my least fav, at this point, I have only given it 3 spins, but I’m pleased overall.
ok you guys fuckin love murs, makes me think you guys wanna be gay…. westside cinderella is a strong track, the rest of the album is just blah…unless you just like some no-name type of rapper going off over bullshit. Murs aint no gza, aint no masta ace, aint no planet asia, aint no little brother, he is like some hype man fuckin clown rapper with dreads, maybe a memphis bleek but the cornball version of him! SLAP THIS CLOWN MURS TO THE FLOOR!
Go fuck yourself. Murs is better than your favorite rapper haha. Faggot.
9th should work with someone who is more credible
You dont know anything, this is 9th wonders fourth cd with murs who easily burries your favourite rapper when it comes to rappin’. This album to me was a bit dissapointing because their first album murs 3-16 together, is one of my favourite albums off all time… Second one was dope too but three and this one are a bitt less, bit more average… Learn something about hip hop and stop listening to that bling bling soldier boy type of nonsense
WOW and I bet most of you are trying to figure-out why 9th works with MURS. Maybe, it’s because MURS is “real” with his “life-lessons/story’s”, which, most rappers/lyricist are not…I rated this album a 4-Star, but, not a classic… Oh, the “art” of rhythmic “story-telling” is the reason why many is saying, that “HIP-HOP IS DEAD”… SOME ARE LYRICIST WITH NO CONTENT!!! Think about it…
usually like murs…9th has wack beats…boring..thats why a foriegn exchange album is better than a little brother album….Murs best album is the joint he out out on Def Jux or any Living Legends or 3MG album…..9th wonder is a wack pete rock stop using those fuity loops….
Every Hiphopdx Review is a 3.5.
Its because they are pussssys and are afraid to declare classics or flops.
Therefore, reviews on hiphopdx do not matter.
I agree DX loves givin 3.5
but this album is actually about a 3.5 if you’ve heard it.
beats > rhymes on this one
check out KUSH & REMY OFFICIAL VIDEO -TREEHOUSE FAMILY 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AKHh81Bzic
I met 9th Wonder in real life, hes the definition of a bitchmade faggot, and hes a weak, untalented producer undeserving of a Grammy
4 stars, good album……….
preferabally liked the first 2 Murs and 9th albums, but this is a good addition to the Murs and 9th catalog. The sound is more chill, laid back. Dope how he incorporated west coast gz Kurupt and Suga Free……………..
Ohhh yea, Can’t forgot about Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm………..
whose the white dude in the video, his verse was on point
murs suck
THATS SICK JACKEN OF PSYCHO REALM, DO YOUR HOMEWORK KID…….
AND NO HE AIN’T EVEN WHITE, HE’S MEXICAN………………..
save your money kids, this one is for the lawn to be thrown on, not no stellar shit here…9th didnt do it at all here!
very nice album all the way thru
i loved the LA influence on the album. def not their best work together but a great project non the less.
murs is heavy under rated
good enough fa me i like it lol!
SoundBoy Killa
Available On Amazon Mp3
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I enjoyed the album, Murs had some insightful lyrical content at times, and the guest features were on point IMO.
The beat on Asian Girl goes hard, I’d like to rip that instrumental.
I give it a 4.
some need to take the time to listen to the album, not just browse thru it
It still only rates about a 3.
Murs > Your Fav Rapper
People R So emotional
rate on the actual music not because feelings of the rapper
what did murs do to u ? sleep with ur mom?
9th do to u? joined murs and double team ur mom?
stop catching feeling u homo thugs
chuuuuchhh
consistent but nothing blew me away.
It’s alright. Not one of their best collaborations. The beats where really lazy and not up to 9th’s usual standards.
Murs states that he let’s 9th choose the tracks for him… I think next time around that Murs should actually choose the tracks. All producers think all their joints are hot… (me included)… i’m interested in hearing what the artist would have chosen.
Still a solid project though.
this faggot nigga 9th needs a bitchslap.
i just seen him crying on twitter about organized noise being ranked against him in a vibe producer poll.
yo 9th, organized noise make classic albums. you make throwaways with weak recycled drum lines. 9th beats dont bang.
khrysis is iller than 9th wonder. hes not even the best producer in his click. whos gassing this nigga? he got some kinda ego. i was a fan of duke, but he needs to come down from the clouds and meet with the little people again. i see why sean price dont fuck with 9th like that, hed rather holla at khrysis anyway.
yo i feel you… it’s the jay thing… the track on the black album.. one track and 9th is riding high for decades. i think he forgot that organized noise been doing shit since he was a yout… he should be happy to be mentioned in the same sentence i agree…
I ENJOYED IT.
Not the best offering, but I’ve been a fan of MURS since day 1 so I may be biased when i say i really enjoyed it. Not saying his music is for everyone, but i really feel sorry for people who can’t connect with his style. MURS represents HIP HOP to the fullest.
I thought this album was pretty weak actually. Past albums were decent this didn’t do much for me…
Live From Roscoes
I Used to Lover H.E.R. (Again)
The Problem is
^^^^^^ Three of the best hip-hop tracks that will come out this year.
How are heads sleeping on I Used to Lover H.E.R. (Again)????? I think its sounds doper than common’s original. There is no way Common will be disappointed when he hears that.
I could have gone without Cigarettes and Liquor and Asian Girl… They stand out and aren’t as polished as the others. Had those been replaced with two nicer tracks nobody would have a reason to say ANYTHING negative about this album.
Murs & 9th have brought back the smooth sound of the west coast jams of the old days.
Fuck all these ignorant / uninformed / Classless /Dumb / misinformed / moronic / Stupid / Punk ass HATERS.
Go download some soulja boy ringtones and eat a dick.
Get out of here, you don’t belong on this site.
Go offer your worthless opinions somewhere else.
HAHAHAHAA… one more thing….. I’d love to see the credit reports of Kush Nap and the guy who called MURS a “cornball version of Memphis Bleek” baahahahah suck my dick.
Dear Haters,
Fuck all you ignorant / uninformed / Classless /Dumb / misinformed / moronic / Stupid / Punk ass HATERS.
Go download some soulja boy ringtones and eat a dick.
Get out of here, you don’t belong on this site.
Go offer your worthless opinions somewhere else.
HAHAHAHAA… one more thing….. I’d love to see the credit reports of Kush Nap and the guy who called MURS a “cornball version of Memphis Bleek” baahahahah suck my dick.
i think your jansport bookbag straps are on a little too tight.
you took this time to adress the haters, but you forgot to mention the album.
you faggots make me sick. dont sweat my opinion. im not preventing you from enjoying the album, youre just tight niggas aint feeling.
youd love to see my credit score? id love to see your faggot ass talk shit in the physical. you might not like my opinion, but at least i have one. you just here telling niggas to stop hating like a bitch.
homeboy above me dropped knowledge holmes… only thing you (thirdeyevision) talked about was solder boy… get back to highschool and keep frontin like you been into hip hop since the 90’s..
LEGGGOOO!!!!
i haven’t heard the album… and i probably won’t not really a fan of murs or 9th oneder… i will say that anything sick jacken touches is fuckin ill… homie is dope!
This is the most west-coasting sounding Murs album
i love this fukin album man,that vicki veile track is dope,nice to see suga free on there too!! its a short album but its in 1 word……….FLAWLESS!!!
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Nice traditional Hip-Hop album. Very few albums out there that have this sound. I pray one day this real hip-hop comes back.
Had this album for a couple weeks now. You motherfuckers need to actually LISTEN to the album before you rate it. Put on some headphones, smoke some herb, and zone out with some brews close at hand.
Solid record. Lyrics on point as usual.
‘Asian Girl’ is weak though, although the beat is funky as hell.
ayo, finally heard this today. it’s a banger
Murs and 9th came back with it hard. I wasn’t a great fan of Sweet Lord, this is definitely an album back on track. As for “The Problem Is…” may i say best Murs and 9th joint to date…
Murs fans hit up the street team, cool shit going down
http://www.fan2band.com/dl/smcrecordings/murs9thwonder/238327_3882_98_4814
Trash , its all I can say , beside the “the problem is ” joint , this is plain garbage
9th is a monster!
and MURS should get more respect than he deserves!
LIL WAYNE = GAYEST RAPPER EVER!! BUT YALL KNEW THAT ANYWAY!!!