An underground icon with more than 20 years in the game, Murs has been doing his thing forever, coming out of mid-city Los Angeles and working with everybody from his Living Legends crew to Del, 9th Wonder, and even Snoop Dogg. Mayday! are a live hip-hop group from Miami; they've been putting out their unique rap-rock hybrid (completely different from the usual type) since 2006. Both are signed to Tech N9ne's Strange Music label, and they've joined forces for Mursday!, a strong effort overflowing with smart wordplay, non-generic subject matter, and highly musical live instrumentation. Positive without being preachy and funny without being corny, they serve up a highly original blend of beats and rhymes that should appeal to young cats and old heads alike, especially on tracks like the OutKast-esque "Brand New Get Up," the trippy funk of "You Again," and the rowdy lead single "Tabletops." Other standouts include "Beast Out the Box" and "Spike Punch."