Keith Murray (rapper)

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For other persons of the same name, see Keith Murray.
Keith Murray

Background information
Birth name Keith Murray
Born 1974
Origin Brooklyn/Long Island, New York
Genre(s) Hip Hop
Years active 1993–present
Label(s) Jive Records
Def Jam Records

Keith Murray (born in 1974 in Central Islip, New York) is a rapper and a member of the rap trio Def Squad, which includes fellow rappers Redman and Erick Sermon.

Contents

[edit] Personal Life

Keith Murray had a rough childhood. Both of his parents used intravenous drugs. Both died when Murray was young. When Murray was in eighth grade, his father died from cirrhosis of the liver. His mother later died from AIDS. His sister would also die from AIDS. In 2001, Murray married publicist Tammy Brook.

[edit] Music Career

Before Keith Murray ever recorded an album, he battled Big Daddy Kane, a man widely considered to be one of the greatest MCs of all time. At that time, Murray went by the name of MC Do Damage. Murray did not win the battle, but he did earn the respect of Kane. Later, Murray would be introduced to Erick Sermon of EPMD by K-Solo. Sermon would feature Murray on his album No Pressure. Murray quickly established himself as one of the most creative lyricists in the industry with his first album The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World, released in 1994 on Jive Records. The title track from this album remains Murray's biggest solo hit. This album was given 4 mics by The Source.

Murray's second album Enigma was released in 1996 on Jive. It received similar ratings from critics, but it was not quite as commercially successful as the previous album. In 1998, The Def Squad covered "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang. They would later release their own album, El Nino. Murray's third album It's a Beautiful Thing was released in 1999 while he was in prison. Like the previous album, it received relatively good reviews, but it showed yet another drop in sales. Murray also appeared on the song "Home Alone" by R. Kelly. In 2002, Murray's return to the music industry was announced with a memorable verse on "Fatty Girl." This song was featured on The Good Life, a compilation of songs for Fubu.

While he was in prison, Murray began writing for his next solo album. Upon his release, he would leave Jive and sign with Def Jam. He's Keith Murray was released in 2003. Murray claims to have chosen this title because the album represents him, but many fans saw it as an obvious attempt at crossover success because of singles like "Candy Bar" featuring Patti Austin. The album also featured the single "Yeah, Yeah U Know It." This song has guest appearances from fellow Def Squad members Redman and Erick Sermon. Murray dedicated "Christina" to his sister. That same year, Murray was featured on the video game Def Jam Vendetta. He is currently working on his fifth solo album Beautifully Ugly scheduled for a 2006 release. He currently has a single entitled "My Style Is Incredible," and it was produced by DJ Premier.

[edit] Criminal History

Keith Murray is infamous for his impressive criminal record. In 1995, he was charged and convicted of second-degree assault stemming from a bar fight in New Britain, Connecticut. Murray allegedly struck sixteen year old David Hughes with a stool after members of Murray's posse had already knocked Hughes unconscious.[1]Hughes was said to be trying to break up a fight between his brother and members of Murray's crew. After failed appeals, Murray fled. He finally turned himself in in 1998. He was sentenced to five years, but he only served 33 months. Murray still says that he is innocent. He gained the support of many fellow artists including LL Cool J and Britney Spears.[2] Unfortunately, his legal troubles did not end here. He also was fired from Def Jam after allegedly choking a fellow street team member in 2004. Murray is also dealing with a lawsuit stemming from an alleged stabbing at Webster Hall in New York at a show on Christmas morning of that same year.[3]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Main Albums

Album cover Album information
The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World
  • Released: November 8, 1994
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #34
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #5
  • Singles: "The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World"/"Herb Is Pumpin'", "Get Lifted"/"Pay Per View"
Enigma
  • Released: November 26, 1996
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #39
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #6
  • Singles: "Rhyme"/"Yeah"
It's A Beautiful Thing
  • Released: January 12, 1999
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #39
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #9
  • Singles: "Incredible"
He's Keith Murray
  • Released: April 29, 2003
  • Billboard 200 chart position: #40
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #11
  • Singles: "Yeah Yeah U Know It"/"Fatty Girl"/"Special Delivery", "Candi Bar"/"The Carnage"
Rapmurrfoebia
  • Released:
  • Billboard 200 chart position:
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position:
  • Singles: "That’s Why U Lovin’ Me"

[edit] Compilations

Album cover Album information
The Most Beautifullest Hits

[edit] References

1. Werner. "Keith Murray Locked Down." rollingstone.com. 14 Dec. 1998. 12 Nov. 2006. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/keithmurray/articles/story/5922698/keith_murray_locked_down
2. "Britney Backs Convicted Rapper." nme.com. 3 Aug. 2000. 12. Nov. 2006. http://www.nme.com/news/keith-murray/4051
3. Strong, Nolan. "Keith Murray Hit With Lawsuit, Preparing 5th Album." allhiphop.com. 23 Sept. 2005. 12 Nov. 2006. http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/?ID=4865
4. Matthews, Adam. "Joy and Pain". Vibe Aug. 2003
5. Hall, Rashaun. "Murray Makes His Def Jam Debut." Billboard 19 April 2003.
6. Traiman, Steve. "EA, Def Jam Release Label-Branded Game 'Vendetta'." Billboard 29 March 2003.
7. Lova, Stephen. "Cell Therapy." The Source Oct. 2001.

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