Underground rapper Murs is going national with his upcoming tour in support of his major label debut, “Murs for President.” The 39-date headlining campaign begins on September 6 in Quincy, WA, and continues through December 11 in Los Angeles, CA.
The album, “Murs for President” is the seventh studio effort from the rapper, who is based out of Los Angeles, CA. He debuted on an independent label in 1997 with “F’Real,” and has built up a strong following with his subsequent records, including his collaboration albums with Slug, 9th Wonder, and 3 Melancholy Gypsys. The release of “Murs for President” is scheduled for September 30.
With this new release and the complementary campaign tour, Murs has declared himself as a candidate for change within the world of hip-hop. In a musical genre where references to violence and drugs run rampant, the articulate and sober Murs represents a stark contrast to his rap and hip-hop peers. His official Web site states that rapper’s musical campaign runs on the platform of “peace, love, unity and having fun.”
“Let me speak for hip-hop. I’m the one guy who is qualified to represent us to the masses — which are obviously tired of us because hip-hop often can’t sell records,” Murs is quoted on the site. “It can only sell ringtones. It’s become a mockery of itself. It’s become club music.”
He continued, “For us to lead back into the marketplace and to be a respected art form, I feel that I’m the most qualified person. It’s time for hip-hop to have a change.”
Though his own campaign may be limited to the world of music for the 2008 election year, he is also trying to get his fanbase involved in the real thing. Murs is slated to appear at the Democratic National Convention this week, not only as a performer, but also as a reporter and speaker. His official MySpace page includes links to register to vote through “Rock the Vote,” the voter initiative focused on getting youth involved in politics.
Murs itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)
| September 6 | Quincy, WA | Rock the Bells @ Gorge Amphitheatre |
| September 13 | San Diego, CA | Aubergine |
| September 27 | Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles State Historic Park |
| October 7 | San Francisco, CA | The Independent |
| October 8 | Reno, NV | Tonic Bar |
| October 9 | Eugene, OR | WOW Hall |
| October 10 | Portland, OR | Hawthorne Theatre |
| October 11 | Seattle, WA | Nectar Lounge |
| October 12 | Missoula, MT | The Other Side |
| October 14 | Sioux Falls, SD | Nutty’s |
| October 15 | Omaha, NE | The Waiting Room |
| October 16 | Des Moines, IA | Vaudeville Mews |
| October 17 | Minneapolis, MN | 7th Street Entry |
| October 20 | Madison, WI | High Noon Saloon |
| October 21 | Chicago, IL | Abbey Pub |
| October 22 | Ann Arbor, MI | Blind Pig |
| October 23 | Columbus, OH | The Basement |
| October 24 | Cleveland, OH | Beachland Ballroom & Tavern |
| October 25 | Pittsburgh, PA | Shadow Lounge |
| October 28 | Boston, MA | Paradise Rock Club |
| October 29 | New York, NY | Bowery Ballroom |
| October 31 | Philadelphia, PA | North Star Bar |
| November 1 | Washington, DC | Rock And Roll Hotel |
| November 2 | Baltimore, MD | Bedrock |
| November 3 | Carrboro, NC | Cat’s Cradle |
| November 5 | Charlotte, NC | Tremont Music Hall |
| November 6 | West Columbia, SC | New Brookland Tavern |
| November 7 | Nashville, TN | The Mercy Lounge |
| November 8 | Atlanta, GA | The Masquerade |
| November 10 | Saint Augustine, FL | Cafe Eleven |
| November 11 | Miami, FL | Churchill’s Pub |
| November 13 | Tallahassee, FL | Platform 809 |
| November 15 | Gainesville, FL | ComGrounds |
| November 17 | New Orleans, LA | One Eyed Jacks |
| November 18 | Austin, TX | Emo’s |
| November 19 | Denton, TX | Hailey’s |
| November 21 | Kansas City, MO | The Record Bar |
| November 22 | Boulder, CO | Fox Theatre |
| December 11 | Los Angeles, CA | El Rey Theatre |
