We have all heard the classic line, “Introductions are everything.” It is a staple statement our parents tell us before sending us on our way to our very first job interview and becomes something we think about when meeting any person for the first time. I can’t think of any medium where this statement rings more true than music. Musical artists often create hundreds of songs before even considering showing the fruits of their labor to the public. I can’t help but associate this principle to one of the most respected MC’s in the game, Nas. His introduction was the now infamous, ‘Live at the BBQ’. A teenager who came into the game straight swinging; laying everything he had out on the crowded table. Nas went on to become one of the most prolific game changers in hip-hop. He spoke about his life and the state of society and notably the state of music. In 2006, he even released an album titled, Hip-hop is Dead. So where am I going with this? Well, not too long after making that critical but heartfelt assertion, another artist decided it was time to make his presence known. His introduction came in the form of a supremely overlooked album, Below the Heavens in 2007. If you don’t know who I am referring to by now, you’re definitely not alone. This album was the product of West-coast rapper Blu and producer Exile.

The two fatefully came together, made some music and released a final product that was an album laden with soul and expertly crafted lyricism. The album opens with the track ‘My World Is’, and starts with the ethereal hum of someone singing “Bluuuuuuu” over single piano chords and just when you’re ready to tilt your head back and soak in some light, soulful production, the bass hits and it becomes apparent that someone is about to make a statement. Blu comes in with directly delivered bars about the fact that he may not be well known yet, but he most definitely is comfortable on the mic. He introduces himself as a relatable artist who grew up in multiple homes and has made just as many bad decisions in his life as anyone else.

So many artists can be referred to as open and honest about their life but what separates Blu, and artists like him, from the herd is the heartfelt and passionate delivery of each and every word as it flows over the soundscape effortlessly. Exile holds up his end of the deal with beautifully instrumented production for Blu to open up within. There is no doubt that the collaboration of these two musicians elevated the album to a place it would not be at, done any differently. Blu opens up about managing his life within the typically harsh environment he grew up in and you can easily vibe with his authenticity. His bread and butter though, is being able to get his message across to listeners without ever losing his iron-fisted grasp of the rhythm and flow.

It’s refreshing to hear an artist to can simultaneously point out his talent, being lyrical prowess, and yet, to remain humble about his gifts. Blu raps about his general passion of the art form and how people in his life, particularly his parents, have a wavering uncertainty of his career path that he won’t let deter him from rapping his ass off. To him, the limitations placed on him, whether physical or mental, are only challenges to conquer and it is his passion that will ultimately lead to his success. Music is his outlet and is a vital part of who he is as an individual. He is the first to point out the fact that he may not be the most traditionally educated person around but that doesn’t mean he is read to say anyone is leading a better life than he is, lawyer, doctor, businessman or otherwise.

Exile’s production contains some of the most Nujabes-esque elements of any album in the last decade. The single bass claps that boom behind piano chords and scratches that intertwine different samples into the beats provide a 70 minute breathe of fresh air. One could compare the album’s sound and content to a person growing up, moving through life and taking every obstacle as a learning experience. It starts out with Blu dancing around the topics of his family life, his dreams and what his goals are and progresses into his actual experiences and stances on certain topics like blue-collar jobs, women, love, music and family. It eventually leads us to sitting beside Blu as he reflects on where his experiences have brought him and that place is none other than right below the heavens. This can be interpreted as hell on Earth or in a more uplifting manner as Blu discusses that as long as you walk with God or whichever deity you believe in, you can turn fear into hope. To Blu, every person crafts their own rendition of heaven in their mind and if you’re happy with the images you use to create your own heaven, then you will have an easy time laying down your own path to getting there

Overall, this album is a beautiful rendition of one’s life story and how each chapter has led to whom they have become. Blu manages to never compromise his articulate delivery or flow to paint his picture. Ever-assisted by Exile’s meticulous craftsmanship on the production side of things; the project encompasses the power of what music can show you and make you feel on so many different levels. It’s a shame that the project was so overlooked and had to become an underground classic before its started making its rounds in the hip-hop community. One thing’s for certain – this album has made and will continue to make sure that anyone questioning Hip-hop’s alive-ness can sleep easy, knowing that hip-hop is most reassuringly not dead.

★★★★★