Murs Parts Ways with Label, Releasing Punk Album

According to reports, Bay Area rapper Murs has been released from his contract at Warner Brothers. Murs, who is known for his independent hustle, having previously moved significant units on his own, with crew Living Legends and as an artist on larger indie label Def Jux, released his major label debut 'MURS For President' on Warner in September 2008, to mild success. The album featured guest spots by Will.i.Am, Snoop Dogg and production by Nottz, Rick Rock and 9th Wonder.

While Warner has signed several up-and-coming indie artists of late, like fellow Cali MC, Blu, the label has also recently opted to part ways with Lil Flip and Wiz Khalifa, both successful regionally and independently, but of low priority for the label.

Murs has confirmed that he was not "dropped," and that he had expressly asked to be released, claiming his departure from the label is "the result of many differences in opinion." He has also announced that he will be releasing several albums next year, including a followups to his collaborations with 9th Wonder and Slug of Atmosphere.

"Murs and 9th Wonder coming next year. 'Felt 3' coming out this year," he explained. " I got a punk rock group called The Invincibles with this gang called 'Whole Wheat Bread' coming out this year. I've also been working on some stuff with DJ Quik and Terrence Martin. We're doing a whole ghetto, hood, electro, dance, sex, party record. We've been working on that. We've got a few songs knocked out. I've also got 'Varsity Blues 2,' man. So, I got like 4 records coming out. I'm going to have like 10 records in the next year, man."