Grandstand

What pandemic? Twin Cities hip-hop hero Nur-D is busier than ever

He can rock madly or be cuddly sweet, as his set for our Mini-Grandstand demonstrates.

By Chris Riemenschneider , Star Tribune
August 29, 2020 - 2:18 PM

Star Tribune

Based on Nur-D's activities and output so far this year, you wouldn't know that he too has been living through a pandemic.

The St. Paul-reared, Rosemount-raised rapper wowed the crowd headlining First Avenue's Best New Bands showcase in January, a giddy performance with a full band, horn section and dancers of all sizes. Once the lockdown hit, he kept up his maniacal stage energy on screen with cool guests in his MN Arts Relief Fund livestream gigs, and several solo virtual sets (including one from Paisley Park). He also served as a frontline medical caregiver during the George Floyd riots.

As you can hear in his Mini-Grandstand performance, the real-life Matt Allen — the stage name reflects his unabashed love for comics and video games — has also been churning out new songs at a pace that defies quarantine standards.

He dropped the new EP "Trapped in My Room" in April. He has since posted subsequent singles, including "My Girls," a Chance the Rapper-flavored tribute to his nieces and goddaughter that shows just how cuddly sweet yet madly rocking his persona can be.

Look for all of Nur-D's music at his Bandcamp.com page and check for updates (including a new surprise project!) at nurdrocks.com.

Chris Riemenschneider has been covering the Twin Cities music scene since 2001, long enough for Prince to shout him out during "Play That Funky Music (White Boy)." The St. Paul native authored the book "First Avenue: Minnesota's Mainroom" and previously worked as a music critic at the Austin American-Statesman in Texas. chrisr@startribune.com 612-673-4658