Although Blu & Exiles Debut LP 'Below The Heavens' was released last year to critical acclaim, I felt I had to spread the word as it appears that many people here in the UK still have not heard about this little gem. I won't go into too much detail but to put it simply this was in my opinion without a doubt the best hip hop album of 2007 and one of the best hip hop albums I have heard in years. Hailing form the west coast and raised on a steady diet of classic hip hop Blu's early influences include N.W.A, Public Enemy, Common, Black Star & The Roots. Producer 'Exile' who forms the other half of the duo originally formed one half of Hip Hop duo Emanon and produces every track on the album.

It has almost become a cliche to talk about Exile's 'soul drenched' production and Blu's heartfelt and deeply personal lyrics, but the truth is that this describes exactly what you can expect from this album. While Blu is clearly an incredibly talented MC on every level, he also maintains a certain integrity as well as a soulful, humble and honest nature to his words which in my opinion is a very rare thing in rap these days. This is the defining element in Blu's lyrics...a normal person can actually relate to them. Exile's production is reminiscent of that true classic 90's sound that people so often whine about missing and frequently claim is 'non existent'. Think Pete Rock meets Hi-Tek meets 9th Wonder. Highlights for me include 'Dancing In The Rain' which features an infectious jazzy guitar loop executed to perfection and 'Blu Colla Workers' an ode to the struggles of the daily grind.

If you are looking for ego rap, big unsubstantiated talk or inflated characters who claim to be living the ultimate hedonistic criminal lifestyle, this album is not for you. If you have an unhealthy obsession with 'multis' and 'punches' again this won't hit the spot. If on the other hand you like your production soulful and you prefer rap from the heart instead of from the penis, this one will blow you away. 99% of reviews I have read agree. Available at amazon and most good independent hip hop stores.

ooooo

Blu - MySpace Page