Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens
Sound in Color
July 17th, 2007.
Blu's precocious approach to the rap game began in vibrant style. In tandem with Exile, Blu & Exile made their mark on the scene offering up a debut album of realized, fulfilled quality. Beginning at this level is hard to come by. Talent exists outside of time; at least time as we know it.
Some souls are gifted - some would say cursed - with the vision to see things from a certain space, or at least have the ability to see things in certain shades of colour. Usually older souls have this ability but once in a while someone of youths essence appears to have already lived this thing called life - been there, done that. Their experiences in life are so vivid and wholly understood that there's little room for bullshit and roundabout ways - cut throat with empathy. Exile's beats create a nostalgic playground for Blu's essence to thrive. A beautiful backdrop for the mind to reflect and reminisce on days gone by.
Blu, at the bright-eyed stage of his early 20's, portrays a person that has seen things, felt things, and been things. Never one to remain stagnant, these feet keep moving. A rolling stone gathers no moss. Minor setbacks, major learning curves. Some minds align, some don't. Some are forced to grow, some seek growth. Some people house precocious patterns of speech, seemingly gaining wisdom by the second; tuned in, taking notes. Profound meaning can be found in everyday living. Fulfillment chased on a daily basis; the small things all add up. The ability to see things for what they are - instead of what one wants them to be - is where the insights of life are birthed. Remaining loyal to the realities of life pays back as time goes on.
You can tell that Blu has studied the greats of the rap game - and then some. His etiquette is of a learnt stance; structured yet simultaneously open to inspection and assessment - like the awareness of oneself. An awareness that single-handedly places ones thoughts and feelings upon a plateau - the next level of being.
Below the Heavens in hell, happy with your new imaginary friend.
