In Case You’ve Been Missing…Murphy Lee

Name: Murphy Lee
Where You Find Him: Twitter: @murphylee; Official Website: Murphyleecme.com

What You Might Know Him For and Why You Could’ve Cared: An original member of Nelly’s St. Lunatics, Murphy Lee was part of the 1999 St. Louis regional hit record “Gimme What You Got,” but really got his first mainstream exposure for his appearance on “Batter Up,” off of Nelly’s 9-times platinum-selling debut, Country Grammar. This led to two prominent spots, which built momentum for Lee’s debut LP. The first of which, “Shake Ya Tailfeather,” also featured Nelly and P. Diddy topped the Billboard 100 singles chart, and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.

Around the same time he found success by appearing on the remix of Jermaine Dupri’s 2002 hit single, “Welcome to Atlanta.” Dupri later returned the favor, hopping on “What Da Hook Gon’ Be,” the lead single off Murphy Lee's September, 2003 debut, Murphy’s Law.

Current Status: Despite not having released a studio album since Murphy’s Law, Murphy Lee has still been (somewhat) active, releasing a slew of singles (2007’s “Hatin” featuring Young Dro, & 2008’s “My Shoes”) and appearing as a featured artist on the remix of Rich Boy’s 2007 breakout single, “Throw Some D’s.” In 2010, Lee partnered up with the St. Louis Department of Health in 2010 to promote his vegan diet. Of late, Murphy has taken to the mixtape circuit releasing Return Of A St. Lunatic in the fall of 2011, and Mr Wintertime: I’m Cold in March of this year. His latest single, “Freese” is available for purchase on iTunes. —XXL Staff