Best Rapper In L.A.
Underground Rap Hero and West Coast Legend Murs, makes his case for why he is the best rapper in L.A. In each episode, Murs breaks down one album from his massive discography of classics from the 90s to today.Bonus episodes and early access available at: https://www.patreon.com/Murs316 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Best Rapper In L.A. Presents: Groundwaves Podcast Ep #03 Life As a Creative with Gifted Gab
In this third episode of the Groundwaves Podcast, host Murs dives deep into a conversation with Gifted Gab, one of the finest MCs to ever come out of Seattle's Central District. Gab shares her experiences navigating the realms of sync music and creative collaboration. She highlights the importance of relationships and mentorship in building a successful career as a creative.
From her early days in the Central District rapping to Jay-Z beats on YouTube to her current life working as a creative consultant on Hollywood films like "Freaky Tales", Gab's story is a testament to...
Best Rapper In L.A. Presents: Groundwaves Podcast Ep #02 Nerdcore with Mega Ran
BEST RAPPER IN L.A. PRESENTS....THE GROUNDWAVES PODCAST
In this special sneak peek at Murs' new show, THE GROUNDWAVES PODCAST, he sits down with the multi-talented Mega Ran, a Grammy-nominated rapper who has carved out a unique niche in the world of nerdcore. They explore Mega Ran's journey from a kid in Philadelphia to becoming a respected figure in both hip-hop and gaming culture. Murs and Mega Ran discuss the importance of authenticity in music, the intersection of hip-hop and video games, and the evolution of the nerdcore genre.
The conversation dives...
Best Rapper In L.A. Presents: Groundwaves Podcast Ep #01 - The Who? What? and Why? with Murs
BEST RAPPER IN L.A. PRESENTS....THE GROUNDWAVES PODCAST
In this special sneak peek at Murs' new show, THE GROUNDWAVES PODCAST, Murs takes you inside one of the nation's premier hip-hop community-building programs. Each episode features intimate conversations with established artists sharing their favorite mentorship moments and stories from the Groundwaves stages throughout the country. Discover how a West Coast rap icon is building real-life community in the digital age, one open-mic at a time. This is where raw talent meets seasoned wisdom, and where the future of hip-hop is being shaped.
In...
Ep #99 PTSD
In this third episode covering his debut solo album on Strange Music, "Have A Nice Life", Murs breaks down the E-40-assisted track "PTSD," outlining the personal experiences behind the lyrics and telling the story of its origin.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Watch Murs Live Streams on Twitch:
<...Ep #98 Tour Stories
Taking a detour from covering his debut solo album on Strange Music, "Have A Nice Life", Murs shares some stories from the road, comparing and contrasting his experiences touring in various stages of his career leading up to his first official tour with Strange Music.
To hear even more stories from the road, purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, here:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs<...
Ep #97 Suprises, Mi Corazon & Woke Up Dead
In this second episode covering his debut solo album on Strange Music, "Have A Nice Life", Murs breaks down the standout tracks "Suprises", "Mi Corazon" & "Woke Up Dead" outlining the personal experiences behind the lyrics of each song.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Watch Murs Live Streams on...
Ep #96 Have A Nice Life
In this first episode covering his debut solo album on Strange Music, "Have A Nice Life", Murs breaks down the title track, his relationship with Tech N9ne, and the productive culture that is Strange Music.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Watch Murs Live Streams on Twitch:
https...
BONUS EPISODE PREVIEW: The History of Paid Dues #4
This is just a preview of Murs' Patreon exclusive podcast series "The History Of Paid Dues". You can hear all four episodes in full by becoming a Patreon member at:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
In this long-awaited fourth edition of the Patreon Exclusive Podcast Series, The History of Paid Dues, Murs tells the behind-the-scenes stories of the 4th iteration of the festival in March of 2009, which featured Slaughterhouse, Atmosphere, Eyeda & Abilities, Cage, Living Legends, and more in San Bernardino, CA.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F...
Ep #95 The Lost Years
In this transitional episode before covering his 2015 solo effort "Have A Nice Life", Murs breaks down the myriad of collaborative projects he did between his major album releases around 2012-2015, offering background on what led him to work with Strange Music, Terrace Martin, The White Mandingos, Danger Mouse, and more.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
...
Ep #94 Animal Style pt. 2
In this final episode covering the first album of his Love & Rockets trilogy, "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs continues breaking down the anti-bigotry epic "Animal Style". He details how he dealt with the varied reactions the song garnered from his friends, family, and community members and how that affected him.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
<...Ep #93 Animal Style pt. 1
In this episode, Murs continues covering the first album of his Love & Rockets trilogy, "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," this time breaking down the motivations behind the anti-bigotry epic "Animal Style". He reflects on taking a stand that stood in opposition to the cultural norms of the community in which he was raised.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
<...Ep #92 RhymeFest LA & Aesop Tribute
In this special heartfelt episode, Murs reflects on the tragic loss of his Living Legends brother Derick McElroy AKA Aesop The Black Wolf, who passed away unexpectedly on August 17, just one day after Murs' already Legendary performance at RhymeFest LA. Murs shares memories from his relationship with Aesop and takes you behind the scenes of his Iconic set at L.A.'s annual underground Hip Hop Festival.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F.A.M.I.L.Y themed shirts:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/
Ep #91 - 316 Ways
In this episode, Murs continues covering the first album of his Love & Rockets trilogy, "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," this time breaking down the making of "316 Ways," explaining the nuances of sample-based production vs live instrumentation. Murs also shares about his recent experiences at Cazadero Performing Arts Family Camp and Comic Con 2025.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/product/tour-story-vol-1
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup...
Ep #90 Dream On
In this episode, Murs continues covering the first album of his Love & Rockets trilogy, "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," this time breaking down the making of the Dee-1-assisted track "Dream On." He reflects on his relationship with Dee-1 and the influence of New Orleans on Hip Hop.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/product/tour-story-vol-1
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Watch Murs Live...
EP #89 WESTSIDE LOVE, LIFE & TIME, REACH HIRE
In this episode, Murs continues covering the first album of his Love & Rockets trilogy, "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," breaking down the stories behind "Westside Love", "Life & Time", and "Reach Hire." He also reflects on his relationship with Damon Dash and TDE.
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/product/tour-story-vol-1
Stream 6 brand new songs from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://open.spotify.com/album/0ly6pb4WwnQlqyWPYUgToq?si=eMhKS3hCT5Sgoc2hRgGQlw
Buy the new...
Ep #88 Los Angeles Update
In this unique episode, Murs takes a break from covering "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation" to share his unbridled thoughts on colonization, immigration, and injustice as federal agents swarm his beloved Los Angeles in response to the anti-ICE rebellion happening on the streets of "South Central America."
For resources, legal support, and updates on the ongoing situation in L.A., follow this FYI project:
https://fyi.me/p/protectyourrights
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/product/tour-story-vol-1
<...
Ep #87 International & S-K-I-B-E-A-T-Z
Continuing his coverage of the album "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs shares the stories behind the songs "International," which stem from his many trips touring around the globe, and the classic Locksmith and Ski Beatz collaboration "S-K-I-B-E-A-T-Z"
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1:
https://www.johnnyplantain.com/product/tour-story-vol-1
Stream 5 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
...
Ep #86 Remember 2 Forget/Hip Hop & Love
Continuing his coverage of the album "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs shares the stories behind the fan favorite break-up song "Remember 2 Forget" and the Tabi Bonney collab "Hip Hop & Love."
Stream 4 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com...
Ep #85 Eazy-E pt.3
In this third and final episode, covering the song "Eazy-E" from "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs points out some of the lesser-known influences that impacted him as an aspiring Hip Hop artist from South Central L.A.
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
Purchase Murs' new book, Tour Story Vol. 1, and exclusive F...
Ep #84 Eazy-E pt.2
In this fifth episode, covering "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs continues analyzing his lyrics from the song "Eazy-E" and goes into further detail about the roots of West Coast Hip Hop and how it's culture left a lasting impact on him as a young artist and South Central L.A. resident
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
...
Ep #83 Eazy-E pt.1
In this fourth episode, covering "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs breaks down the song "Eazy-E" and explains the massive impact that West Coast "Gangsta Rap" had on him as an aspiring young L.A. artist.
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy the new album "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl, tape, and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
SEE MURS ON TOUR! Buy Tickets for...
Ep #82 "67 Cutlass" Continued
In this third episode, covering "Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation," Murs continues his breakdown of "67 Cutlass," the Ski Beatz-produced banger that continues his long lineage of great story-telling songs.
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl tape and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
SEE MURS ON TOUR! Buy Tickets for The Last Run Tour:
Ep #81 "67 Cutlass" & Other Tales From The SouthWest
In this second episode covering Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation, Murs reflects on his current tour life and outlines some of his most impactful experiences in the great American Southwest, where the fictional story of his fan favorite, Ski Beatz-produced song "67 Cutlass" is set.
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this trilogy: "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)"
https://ffm.to/murs316
Buy "Love & Rockets 3:16 (The Emancipation)" now on vinyl tape and CD:
https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/collections/murs
SEE MURS ON...
Ep #80 Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation
In this first episode covering Love & Rockets Vol. 1: The Transformation, Murs reflects on his journey as he gears up for the release of his new single "Silver Lake Rec League," dropping on March 14. He dives deep into the creative process behind the upcoming album, sharing stories about his collaborations with producer Jesse Shatkin and the significance of the B-side track "Flowers for Will I Am." Murs also gives flowers to the super producer Ski Beatz and focuses on the recording process for "Epic Salutations."
Stream 3 brand new singles from the final album in this...
Ep #79 It's Over
Continuing the coverage of his 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs breaks down the closing track "It's Over" which was originally intended to be the last 9th Wonder & Murs collaboration. He reflects on why that didn't turn out to be the case and looks ahead to his upcoming final tour and album.
If you'd like to help some of the victims of the LA wildfires, Murs recommends these GoFundMe campaigns:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VPn7I4DtanDZXBydK5QkU-muZdcyoh82xqEW-pjZAU/edit?usp=sharing
LA Fire Relief Information & Resources:<...
Ep #78 Better Way pt. 2
Continuing the coverage of the track "Better Way" from his 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs resumes sharing his insights on the song interspersed with reflections on the current political and cultural landscape.
If you'd like to help some of the victims of the LA wildfires, Murs recommends these GoFundMe campaigns:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VPn7I4DtanDZXBydK5QkU-muZdcyoh82xqEW-pjZAU/edit?usp=sharing
LA Fire Relief Information & Resources:
https://fyi.me/p/firerelief
SEE MURS ON TOUR! Buy Tickets for The Last...
Ep #77 Better Way pt.1
Continuing the coverage of his 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs breaks down the track "Better Way" and shares his reflections on his family's long-held religious traditions.
If you'd like to help some of the victims of the LA wildfires, Murs recommends these GoFundMe campaigns:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VPn7I4DtanDZXBydK5QkU-muZdcyoh82xqEW-pjZAU/edit?usp=sharing
LA Fire Relief Information & Resources:
https://fyi.me/p/firerelief
SEE MURS ON TOUR! Buy Tickets for The Last Run Tour:
https://www...
Ep #76 Dance With Me
In this fifth episode covering his fifth 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs breaks down the track "Dance With Me" and shares his reflections on experiencing the tragic L.A. Wildfires firsthand.
If you'd like to help some of the victims of the wildfires Murs mentions, their GoFundMe campaigns can all be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10VPn7I4DtanDZXBydK5QkU-muZdcyoh82xqEW-pjZAU/edit?usp=sharing
LA Fire Relief Information & Resources:
https://fyi.me/p/firerelief
Listen to the album on Spotify:<...
Ep #75-Baby Girl, Walk Like A Woman, Tale Of Two Cities
In this fourth episode covering his fifth 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs breaks down the tracks; "Baby Girl", "Walk Like A Woman", and "Tale Of Two Cities"
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ZHUs1y4aOXHdX2DFBRnez
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-final-adventure/575079049
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on IG:
...
Ep #74 Happy New Year From Murs!
Ring in the new year with Murs in this special bonus episode as he reflects on his only NYE show in Australia and reveals his New Year's resolution.
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/brilapod/
Tune into Mondaze with Murs on Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/3point5
Check out Murs "Daddytron" Video Mix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2edzhPUZ1...
Ep #73 ChristMURS Favorites
In this special bonus Christmas episode Murs shares some of his holiday favorites from childhood gifts to songs and movies. Merry Christmas from BRILA!
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on IG:
https://www.instagram.com/brilapod/
Tune into Mondaze with Murs on Twitch:
https://www.twitch.tv/3point5
Check out Murs "Daddytron" Video Mix:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2edzhPUZ1M
Purchase...
Ep #72 Funeral For A Killer pt.2
In this short second episode covering his heart-wrenching song "Funeral For A Killer", Murs speaks on the making of the Dia de los Muertos-themed music video and explains the importance of addressing mental health.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ZHUs1y4aOXHdX2DFBRnez
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-final-adventure/575079049
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us...
Ep #71 Funeral For A Killer pt. 1
In this second episode covering his 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs reveals the heart-wrenching true story behind "Funeral For A Killer" and conversely celebrates the MLS Cup victory of his beloved hometown club the L.A. Galaxy
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ZHUs1y4aOXHdX2DFBRnez
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-final-adventure/575079049
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com...
Ep #70 The Final Adventure
In this premiere episode covering his fifth 9th Wonder collaborative album The Final Adventure, Murs breaks down the first two tracks; the Rapsody-assisted joint "Get Together" and the Detroit slang-influenced "Whatuptho"
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ZHUs1y4aOXHdX2DFBRnez
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-final-adventure/575079049
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on IG:
<...Ep #69 Live From Roscoe's
In this final episode, covering his 9th Wonder collaborative album Fornever, Murs breaks down the Kurupt-assisted track "Live From Roscoe's" as well as the Ghostface-inspired story song "West Coast Cinderella"
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on IG:
...
Ep #68 The Problem Is...
In this episode, Murs breaks down the Sick Jacken-assisted track "The Problem Is..." from his 9th Wonder collaborative album Fornever. He explains the significance of Psycho Realm in the L.A. Underground, his relationship with Sick Jacken, and the importance of Black and Brown Unity.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
<...Ep #67- I Used To Love H.E.R. (Again) pt.2
In the second half of this two-part episode, Murs continues to provide analysis of his cover version of Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." from the 9th Wonder collaborative album Fornever. He explains his inner turmoil as a Common fan and a West Coast loyalist during the Ice Cube/Common Beef.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to...
Ep #66- I Used To Love H.E.R. (Again) pt.1
In the first half of this two-part episode, Murs breaks down his cover version of Common's "I Used To Love H.E.R." from the 9th Wonder collaborative album Fornever. He explains the importance of Common as an early influence and celebrates the recent win of the World Series Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to...
Ep #65 Fornever pt.2
In this second episode covering his fourth full-length collaboration with 9th Wonder, "Fornever" Murs breaks down the next four songs: "Asian Girl", "Let Me Talk", "Cigarettes & Liquor" and "Vikki Veil" outlining his thought process during the writing and recording of each.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon...
Ep #64 Fornever pt.1
In this premiere episode covering his fourth full-length collaboration with 9th Wonder, Murs breaks down the Kurupt-assisted track "Fornever" as well as "The Lick" featuring Verbs, explaining the working process behind both tracks.
Listen to the album on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/02Jahi5JyeAycCsYMM7b0J
Listen to the album on Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/fornever/366502880
Support the podcast to get exclusive episodes and BRILA merch here:
https://www.patreon.com/Murs316
Follow us on...
