What follows does not concern an obscure, and vaguely offensive, anime character. If I were to nominate any internet rapper for a walk-on role on a Japanese animated series, though, it would more than likely be Black $murf. Decked out with an eye patch and a du-rag, $murf roams the countryside with unnerving calmness in this fantasy. Trusty katana and parrot at his side, this anti-hero causes mischief between tokes of his recently rolled blunt. No directive determines the outcome of his actions - no purpose promises an eventual change of heart. And much like the man with no name, every bit of chaos reflects the situation at hand. A dialectical non-villain who, nonetheless, strikes fear into the hearts of those around him while lavishly providing for himself. Riches are of the utmost necessity for a 'Hustle God;' contradictions be damned.
Lyricism, however, is decidedly a shortcoming for Black $murf. The Memphis based spitter is certainly a serviceable rapper - better than myself, certainly - but listeners must rarely reach for tomes of reference to grasp hidden meanings. Exhibiting a variant of classic the classic Tennessee flow, as popularized by Juicy J, $murf does have a tendency for flashes that can only be described as fantastic. What appears as inconsistency to some may very well be surprising to others. Ultimately the beat of choice - by and large trap inspired sounds - seems to be the variable that determines $murf's performance; often releasing single EPs with a single producer. Frozen Gang Beatz, for one, is a formidable conspirator. Heavy beats and snare rolls are abound on these tracks, but the sounds crafted by Frozen Gang Beatz make few demands. Free of the grandiose shackles of symphonic arrangements, a casual ambiance provides an unassuming melodic line and space for MCs to do as they wish. A Taliesin to the governor's mansion, if you will: power and fortune stem from the latter, but only one is in tune with its surroundings.
"Mind Over Matter" is one such track. For the first leak off his upcoming sequel, Hustle God 2 EP, Black $murf enlists Rich Beatz for his cause. Using the "Tokihanatsu" beat released just two days prior, JediiForce is is in full effect. The immediate differences are very much positive. Although the Bruce Lee sample threatens to operate under both the guise of relatability and overuse, it nonetheless used effectively. No sooner does the Jeet Kune Do innovator say "Open your mind," than $murf begins vocalizing ad-libs that serve more as harmony to the koto/shamisen melody than random asides. The voice is sedate on the surface but the intention is hype, which the MC succeeds in accomplishing. Where content is concerned, the song continues to build thuis character's legacy; comparable to that of Bobby Digital. As soon as the line, "I was trying to be the best so I can't be defeated," it becomes evident that the Black $murf on "Mind Over Matter" is $murf's better half; although Bruce Lee himself might say that their is no difference between the two.
- John Noggle
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