By Justin C.F. Lintag

“Third one’s a charm” – words from the opener to 9^th Wonder and Murs’ latest joint effort; call it a 3Peat, however. With this 3^rd collaborative album finished two years ago, the duo conveniently dusted Sweet Lord off the shelf and recently released it as a free download probably as a pre-Murs for President campaign. Yet again the natural wordsmith teams up with the producer who churns it up like clockwork and they definitely stick to their original winning formula.

Opening with the jovial “Express Yourself” intro reveals the duo’s unchanged light-heartedness, the same that was found on their previous offerings, 3:16 and Murray’s Revenge. Murs discusses everyday, run-of-the-mill topics but points out the fine lines of his raps, “No drugs, no guns”. On “Nina Ross” Murs employs his effortless storytelling ability in the tale of a revenge seeking groupie. He shows off his rapping forte over Ninth’s chunky drums and expressive loop on “And I Love It”. There are a couple lower points on the album, namely the half-inspirational “Pushhhh”, where Murs shares cliché after cliché of overcoming struggle. Immediately afterwards, Murs goes in expressively over a few signature soul-heavy 9^th Wonder cuts. “It’s For Real” offers a tribute to the good women in his life, from his mama to his girl to his nosy-ass auntie. The ensuing track, “Marry Me” plays as a proposal to a wifey-potential girlfriend. And finally the self-proclaimed ‘Best Friends Forever’ close off their 10-track long player with a fitting outro, as Murs raps, “trying to make some bright days out of dark nights” over an optimistic 9^th instrumental.

Soul-filled sampling coalesced with unstrained lyricism. It seems that Murs may have more Chemistry with 9^th than Buckshot himself. It’s difficult to see him rap as effectively over anyone else’s beats, almost like a Kweli atop a Hi-Tek production. Recorded from Winnie the Booth Studios, it’s the group’s constant humour that keeps their fan base growing. Murs’ subject matter is rarely tiresome and 9th’s beats remain as distinct and inimitable head-nodders. Murs is able to air out all his business but keep it easy for listeners to relate to a not-so-serious musical demeanor. Although maybe not as solid as 3:16 and Murray’s Revenge, Murs and 9^th surely deliver an album of multiple-rotation status. They further secure their self-declared moniker as a prominent “Calilina” collective and have definitely established themselves as consistent role players in Hip-Hop.

Rating: 3.5/5

Mixtape: 9th Wonder & Murs Present Sweet Lord
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