Murs for President cover

Murs for President

Murs · 2008

61 min · 15 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant blend of introspective lyrics and catchy hooks, merging playful storytelling with social commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    I’m Innocent Start here — This track encapsulates Murs' ability to blend personal narrative with broader social critiques, addressing themes of innocence and societal judgment through engaging storytelling.
  • →
    Can It Be (Half a Million Dollars and 18 Months Later) — In this song, Murs reflects on the pressures of success and the realities of financial gain, showcasing his introspective style against a backdrop of infectious beats.
  • →
    Break Up (The OJ Song) — This track cleverly intertwines personal heartbreak with pop culture references, illustrating Murs' unique approach to narrative songwriting while maintaining a catchy hook.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

Murs blends storytelling with social commentary, supported by strong production choices that enhance the listening experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of narrative-driven verses, with Murs often switching between storytelling and personal reflection.
  • Several tracks incorporate live instrumentation alongside traditional hip-hop beats, adding a dynamic layer to the production.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with tracks like 'Lookin’ Fly' maintaining an upbeat tempo while others like 'A Part of Me' slow down for introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for focused listening
  • introspective lyrics with upbeat moments
  • narrative-driven tracks throughout
  • ideal for reflective road trips

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album solidified Murs' position in both mainstream and underground hip-hop.
Career context
By the time 'Murs for President' was released in 2008, Murs had established himself as a prominent figure in underground hip-hop, particularly after his breakthrough with the album 'Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition' in 2004. This album marked his first release under the major label Warner Bros., reflecting both a growth in his audience and a shift toward more polished production.
Stylistic neighbors
Talib Kweli· Brother Ali· J. Cole

Tracklist

  • 1 Intro 1:47
  • 2 I’m Innocent Start here 3:53
  • 3 Lookin’ Fly 3:59
  • 4 The Science 4:55
  • 5 Can It Be (Half a Million Dollars and 18 Months Later) 3:42
  • 6 Everything 3:34
  • 7 Road Is My Religion 4:13
  • 8 Sooo Comfortable 5:02
  • 9 Time Is Now 4:55
  • 10 Think You Know Me 4:00
  • 11 Me and This Jawn 3:57
  • 12 Love and Appreciate II 4:31
  • 13 A Part of Me 4:22
  • 14 Break Up (The OJ Song) 4:08
  • 15 Breakthrough 4:05

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata