By Odeisel
Murs & 9th Wonder have dropped four albums over the course of eight years. Number five, The Final Adventure is touted as the last roundup; a decision to end on a high note rather than wait a few years with a meaningless money grab for a washed up duo.
Murs says as much on his closing verse on the album intro, “Get Together.” 9th Wonder protégé Rapsody goes berserk on the intro but Murs puts the album in proper perspective with the closing note:
Five albums in like 8 years, we’re gonna end it on a high instead of late in our careers
Love from my fans, hate from my peers that rappin bout that trappin ain’t as great as it appears
We made our own lane for the morally sane we tried to educate as well as entertain
The cost of living foul, everybody gotta pay it whatuptho, you know I had to say it
Humble but it’s known that we are the best team the closest thing these kids got to Keith and Preme
Nuff respect to the voice, rap is full of B.S. but at least you got a choice.
After that stunning open, Murs gets personal, touting their growth and integrity while looking at how many “artists” are stuck in place on “Whatuptho.” The track slows down the pace quite a bit and its loop structure actually runs counter to Murs theme of advancement but it’s not a bad track. “Funeral For A Killer” steps away from traditional 9th production with a muddled melody and a random pattern atmospheric that enlivens the beat. Murs examines the funeral of gangbangers and who feels sorry for their loss. Can murderers in the name of war leave people behind to mourn? Do they lead normal lives of love and compassion outside of the wild life they lead in the streets? Murs illustrates those peripheral issues without it sounding like some I miss my homies shit.
It gets a bit fluffy with “Baby Girl (Holding Hands)” as Murs goes after his ex, who’s with her new man on som Rihanna and Chris Brown ish. The track is a decided left turn on the album but it’s cool for a few listens. The femme route continues with “Walk Like A Woman” as Murs gives the genesis of his chick infatuation, including beating off in public bathrooms (damn son). His femme obsession evolves and 9th changes the beat with that motion like a movie score. The Earth Wind & Fire sample in the middle creates perfect separation and raises the pedigree significantly.
“Tale of Two Cities” slows it back down to chronicle the dichotomy of southern California and the pervasive gang situation. Red vs. Blue and Red & Blue vs. the police. Shouts to Tookie and T. Rodgers comes alongside economic observations, lack of jobs and social issues that exacerbate the gang situation and an allegory to the society depicted in classic tome Lord of the Flies. Murs finds a way to explain without being an apologist from criminality. From there, we have “Dance With Me,” another relationship driven track with a cavernous drum that encapsulates the track with an echo feel.
“Better Way” explores Murs trying to find his way through faith. He was baptized in 89 and church didn’t vibe with his observation of life so he gravitated towards Islam. As he traveled the world he saw other religions and how they practiced. It’s an interesting take that exhorts you to listen and have faith in whatever you believe in and to find your connection with God no matter what religion you espouse. A pounding drum carries Murs through “Wherever You Are”, an exposition on how the internet has changed relationships while telling a story of how love exists beyond physical boundaries even when situations dictate obstacles to connection. The album closes with the appropriate “It’s Over” drawing a 50 song, 5 album relationship to a close while Murs says goodbye to leeches, old girlfriends and the duo’s partnership.
Murs & 9th Wonder have chosen to break up a solid relationship and all good things must come to an end. The album follows a similar formula to its predecessors with the 10 song format. This entry is perhaps the most mature if not the most riotous but in the end it satisfies. The Final Adventure is a solid ride off into the sunset.
Out of 5
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