Throwback Write-Up #15: Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens - HipHop

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• Throwback Write-Up #15: Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens
• Daily Discussion Thread 07/16/2020
• Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion while she was ‘trying to leave’
• [FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - The Light Pack
• Logic announes new album "No Pressure"
• [FRESH] DJ Khaled ft. Drake - POPSTAR
• [FRESH] DJ Khaled - Greece (feat. Drake)
• Aminé reveals LIMBO tracklist, features J.I.D, Injury Reserve, Vince Staples and more
• [FRESH ALBUM] Blu & Exile - Miles
• [DISCUSSION] DS2 - Future (5 Years Later)
• [FRESH] KYLE - See You When I am Famous!!!!!
• [FRESH SINGLE] ROUGH 7 - JPEGMAFIA & Tommy Genesis
• Guapdad 4000 talks ‘Lil Scammer That Could,’ cosigns from Drake and J.Cole
• [FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - No Explanation (ft. Pusha T)
• [FRESH ALBUM] BLADEE - 333
• Jay Rock - Hood Gone Love it (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
• [FRESH] City Morgue - HURTWORLD '99
• [FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - The Light (Official Video)
• [FRESH EP] Oddisee - Odd Cure
• Old Discussion Board Talking About Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak Pre-Release
• [FRESH] The Kid LAROI - TELL ME WHY
• Nas ft. Amy Winehouse - Cherry Wine
• [FRESH] 03 Greedo - Bands In Da Basement (feat. Chief Keef)
• [FRESH] The Kid LAROI - Tell Me Why (Dir. by @_ColeBennett_)
• [FRESH ALBUM] Jhené Aiko - Chilombo (Deluxe)
• "Whether you’re sitting in a barbershop or on the set of Cannon’s Classroom, you should speak up every single time that someone espouses racist beliefs."
• Former G.O.O.D. Music Producer details how Diamonds from Sierra Leone was originally meant for Beanie Sigel. Kanye kept the beat for himself which ultimately won a grammy for 'Best Rap Song'

Throwback Write-Up #15: Blu & Exile - Below the Heavens Posted: 16 Jul 2020 07:37 AM PDT Artist: Blu & Exile Album: Below The Heavens Label: Sound In Color Release Date: July 17, 2007 Listen: Spotify Apple Music YouTube Music Background Blu Born in Los Angeles, California, Blu was introduced to rap music by his father who gave him an LL Cool J casette as he was a kid, which eventually led to his career in rap at a young age, and consequently opening for many underground artists and groups, one of them being Emanon, a duo formed by Aloe Blacc and Exile, Blu cites Common as one of his main influences and DMX as the artist that made him want to rap, he also draws gospel elements at times in both his lyrics and music due to the fact that his stepfather was a pastor, as of today he has quite the prolific discography and a good chunk of it is collaborations with well known producers. Exile As a five year old Exile welcomed music into his life with open arms, when his grandfather introduced him to the accordion and taught him how to play it, which planted the seed of his love for the art, he began making beats with a couple of tape decks and a turntable, and slowly climbed his way up to the MPC, motivated by the need to make his father proud, he kept pushing himself until he was in the spotlight, his first project was released in 1996 under the aforementioned Emanon duo, he cites Madlib and J Dilla as some of his inspirations and is active to this day, with his latest release being a single with non other than Blu, which dropped earlier this year. The making of Below The Heavens In 2003 a bare bones label known as Science Project, which was being built by a colleague of Exile, wanted to sign Emanon, at the time the label was also looking to sign Blu, and kept mentioning the name to both Exile and Aloe Blacc, Exile went to one of Blu's shows and was impressed by his performance and energy, which completely captivated him, eventually Exile invited Blu to appear on an album he was working on which is a compilation of beats with different vocalists on top of them, the album was released in 2006 and is known as Dirty Science. However, at the time they also planned to create a separate collaborative album, after Blu showed consistent enthusiasm toward Exile's beats, which inspired Exile himself even more and more, the chemistry between Exile's emotionally charged beats and Blu's conscious raps seemed to be the main theme for their album, which brought the best out of them both. They began recording the album in 2004, which received the botched release treatment in 2007 from the now defunct label Sound In Color, which only pressed 3000 copies onto CDs, the album received little to no hype at the initial release but was slowly spreading it's wings as people started wising up to it, thanks to a couple of positive online reviews. The album is considered a classic nowadays by many and is no doubt a landmark of hip-hop in the 2000s. Review Capturing lightning in a bottle I signed up to write this review more than four months ago because I really love this album, it's one of those albums that finds you on its own when you need it the most, however I am writing this up just a couple of days before I'm supposed to submit it, and I have a good reason, this album is magic, and you cannot articulate magic, you have to live it, I can sit here and write for days on end about how fantastic this album is, or we can make a long story short, and you can experience it yourself. Back to the main point, there is something really special about this album, something about Blu's heartfelt and vulnerable storytelling, which is showcased on tracks such as "In Remembrance", where he takes us on a three verse trip, rapping about his late teen years, his junior high relationship, his hoop dreams, and much more. See I remember when My folks said you'll know what I mean When you get older, I was only a teen Thinking that I was a grown up, please, I had so much to see Thinking the little that I saw was all the world had to offer to me Not yet abused by time If you jump three tracks earlier we get to "The Narrow Path", a heavy hearted track that is accompanied by a bouncy, soulful beat and Blu's honest and blunt raps about his city, where he portrays it as nothing more but a superficial and gloomy metropolis, but most importantly, he raps about his love for the art, which can be seen at the start of the track, when he opens with: Picture me sitting in front of eighty-eight keys trying to escape From a shady place where babies blaze trees on a daily day Which is a perfect euphemism for the optimistic message Blu & Exile are trying to send with this album, you can either say you're stressed out and living in hell, or you're living Below The Heavens, which is a light hearted way of looking at things, and Blu chooses to portray the latter on the track "The World Is...(Below The Heavens)", which interpolates the chorus from Nas' legendary "Who's World Is This?" and is treated as such, with the chorus being surrounded by some of Blu's most passionate and blunt verses. They must uncover the scales on their eyes called lies Leading the deaf, dumb, and blind to a place my mom told me bout Where their sins get cleansed, cause they bathe in flames And the only route out is to shout out His name What's also interesting is Blu's constant usage of religious imagery, no thanks to his stepfather who is a pastor that clearly instilled religion into Blu's rhymes and raps, his stepfather is mentioned on the opening track "My World Is...", which is honestly a solid introduction from both Blu & Exile, whether it's Exile's well manipulated soulful production or Blu's braggadocious and confident cadence. I skipped class in school a few times but I ain't dumb nigga Pitched grass too a few times but I don't pump nigga Never was the fastest in class but if you put me on the track I was guaranteed to run niggas It's hard to balance loving when you busting over beats One of the more reoccurring themes on this album is relationships, such as on the track "First Things First", which features a then unknown singer known as Miguel Jontel, the same Miguel who went on to win a grammy alongside many other awards, but that's a story for another day, the first verse depicts a Blu who is trying to approach a chick and going through every possible scenario, trying to reach the best option, but by the time the second verse hits he raps about what he can and can't bring to the table, with a rather melancholy tone because he feels like no matter what he does it will not be enough. Women be mentioning ya' whips and your chains So I flip it like slaves come with whips and chains, we gotta liberate But before I could mention my name They be talking to the nigga with the keys to the Range On the track "Blu Collar Worker", where Blu's honesty shines through the verses, Blu goes quite in depth about a previous relationship and raps about the hardship of struggling to maintain a job, a relationship, and your passion, which is something many young people can relate to, which makes this track and the album as a whole charming, people follow what they can relate to, and Blu talks to you on a personal level almost every track. Now please don't take it personal But I gotta go and work some more And I know deep down it hurt your soul But I'm a blue collar worker, girl The Soul Provider The soul provider, gotta lot on the skillet Grilling it hard-boiled, charcoal filling The dark villain and the light-skinned niggas disguised My mind's sickening, define vicious written in rhymes Staying consistent with the theme of vulnerability, Blu often talks about his depression and darker thoughts, and he is most open about it on one of the most heartfelt tracks on this album, "Soul Amazin' (steel blazin')", not to beat a dead horse, but once again Exile comes through with a fantastic beat that is made up of chopped up vocals, beautiful strings that are sitting at the front of the chorus, and a piano to keep you busy throughout the verse, not that you need to be anyway, Blu's verses are bound to touch your heart and give you plenty of food for thought. "Dancing In The Rain" is also one of the more beautiful tracks on the album, Rain being symbolized as your everyday problems, and the point being that regardless of adversity, you gotta keep your spirits up, Blu talks about grinding through a job in the day and writing raps at night, whilst struggling to fit in everything else in between, when asked about the track, he had the following to say: Dancing in the Rain is exactly what I was going through when I was going through it. I had a lady and I was working and shit. I was trying to rap and trying to keep up rent. But I just got frustrated. It was almost like demeaning. I felt like I put 75% of my life into this and it doesnt do anything for me. I was talking to my boy the other day and I asked him how long he had been working at his job. He said a year, and I asked had he gotten a raise and he said, Fifty cents. And I was like all youve gotten from a year at your job was a fifty cent raise? Thats like wasting your life you know what Im saying. Just do something you want to do. Fuck a job. Fuck having a little bread right now. Bread is going to come at whatever you do. If you want the bread, the bread is there. Niggas make bread. Its paper. Make some fake bread. [Laughs] On "Cold Hearted", every one of this album's strong suits are combined together, Exile's lush production and sampling is backed by some of the more heartbreaking storytelling on this album, with Blu reliving plenty of his more painful memories as he was a kid, mentioning guns, his father beating his mother, and how he used hip-hop as an outlet. I was cold hearted and young, a dumb kid with a gun Cuz fun days don't last, the last nigga to laugh So rap fell on my tongue, numb feelings remain And pain comes and it goes Last but not least, we have "Show Me The Good Life", Blu talks about not being able to provide for his son, if he ever has one, and denies materialism as a whole, even though growing up as a kid he was surrounded by it, thanks to his environment, the track features Aloe Blacc, who drops a solid middle verse that showcases his dexterity with rap and his abilities as a whole. Won't somebody show me there's a few things my poppa never told me Maybe cause the stone still rolling, no moss yet It's a few things my momma never told me to mold me But her soul is so golden the way she floss it Aloe Blacc For the record, I don't like Exile, I like his beats. "I Am Blu" is one of the bonus tracks that is a little bit more light hearted and fun, what's really special about this track is that Exile is actually rapping on it, and more importantly, he is trading bars and punchlines with Blu towards the end, which ends up being a testament to their chemistry, as if they didn't compliment each other enough already with production and rapping, hearing them go back and forth really highlights how connected they were at the time of making the album, I felt the need to bring it up and leave it to the end because it's another piece of proof that proves what this album is, magical, soulful, fun, heartfelt, raw and perfectly balanced. Conclusion Tomorrow marks the 13th year anniversary of this album, and I feel like it would not be a hot take to say that this album stood the test of time, Blu & Exile created something that is built to last for years on end, the album was released at a time when hip-hop could use some of the hungry and raw raps that Blu had, add to that soulful, bouncy, and heartfelt production, and you have something that has been and will always be a staple of hip-hop music as a whole. You can call it hell but I can say I'm below the heavens. Talking Points What do you think of this album as a whole, does it hold up today? Is this album special to you? If so, why? Do you think Blu & Exile can top this album? Why is Exile kinda built like Brian Quinn from Impractical Jokers? Anything you feel like adding? Favorite lyrics? submitted by /u/Blocked99 [link] [comments]

Daily Discussion Thread 07/16/2020 Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:47 AM PDT Welcome to the /r/hiphopheads daily discussion thread! This thread is for: objective questions with right/wrong answers (e.g. "Does anyone know what is happening with MIXTAPE?", "What is the sample in SONG?") general hip-hop discussion meta posts...e.g. ideas for the sub Thread Guidelines Do not create a separate self post for these types of discussions outside of this thread - if you do, your post will be removed, as stated in the guidelines. Please be helpful and friendly. If a question has been asked many times before, provide a link to a thread that contains the answer. Weekly/Monthly Threads Essential Album of the Week Listening Club Album of the Week International Artist Feature Top Ten Tuesday Last.fm Thread: What Have You Been Listening To This Week? Recommended If You Like Moronic Mondays HipHopHead's 'What's Hot?' Playlist Other ways to interact There are a number of other ways to interact with other members of HHH: HHH last.fm group HHH plug.dj room...read the FAQ HHH Steam community /r/HHHgaming /r/hiphop101 - for recommendations and guides to artists New to /r/hiphopheads or hip-hop in general? Check out these: Essential Albums List HHH Favourites List Essential Mixtapes List submitted by /u/ModsLittleHelper [link] [comments]

Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion while she was ‘trying to leave’ Posted: 16 Jul 2020 03:29 PM PDT submitted by /u/Getsiv [link] [comments]

[FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - The Light Pack Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:00 PM PDT submitted by /u/zachquiri [link] [comments]

Logic announes new album "No Pressure" Posted: 16 Jul 2020 04:24 PM PDT Instagram post Twitter post Screenshot Text: Officially announcing my retirement with the release of "No Pressure" executive produced by No I.D. July 24th... It's been a great decade. Now it's time to be a great father. Art by @samspratt submitted by /u/drugzis [link] [comments]

[FRESH] DJ Khaled ft. Drake - POPSTAR Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:00 PM PDT submitted by /u/markoxpolo [link] [comments]

[FRESH] DJ Khaled - Greece (feat. Drake) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:01 PM PDT submitted by /u/hotboxtherangerover [link] [comments]

Aminé reveals LIMBO tracklist, features J.I.D, Injury Reserve, Vince Staples and more Posted: 16 Jul 2020 10:05 AM PDT Tweet Burden Woodlawn Kobe Roots (feat. J.I.D and Charlie Wilson) Can't Decide Compensating (feat. Young Thug) Shimmy Pressure in My Palms (feat. Vince Staples and Slowthai) Riri Easy (feat. Summer Walker) Mama Becky Fetus (feat. Injury Reserve) My Reality submitted by /u/yeehaweskeddit [link] [comments]

[FRESH ALBUM] Blu & Exile - Miles Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:00 PM PDT submitted by /u/producedbynaive [link] [comments]

[DISCUSSION] DS2 - Future (5 Years Later) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:06 PM PDT It's been five years since Future released his third studio album DS2. Debuting at #1 on the Billboard 200 with 151,000 sold first week, it became Futures first number one album and has since been certified double platinum and is regarded as one of the best releases from 2015! Releasing with thirteen tracks and only one feature, Drake of the song "Where Ya At", then the deluxe version added a further five to the album. -How has this album aged for you? -Where does it rank in Futures discography? -Do you still have any tracks still in rotation? -What were your best and least favourite moments on the album? submitted by /u/HHAD98 [link] [comments]

[FRESH] KYLE - See You When I am Famous!!!!! Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:06 PM PDT submitted by /u/Harald12 [link] [comments]

[FRESH SINGLE] ROUGH 7 - JPEGMAFIA & Tommy Genesis Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:04 PM PDT submitted by /u/Left_Side_Driver [link] [comments]

Guapdad 4000 talks ‘Lil Scammer That Could,’ cosigns from Drake and J.Cole Posted: 16 Jul 2020 05:54 AM PDT submitted by /u/TallAssociation0 [link] [comments]

[FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - No Explanation (ft. Pusha T) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:01 PM PDT submitted by /u/producedbynaive [link] [comments]

[FRESH ALBUM] BLADEE - 333 Posted: 16 Jul 2020 08:54 AM PDT submitted by /u/TheJakInDaBox [link] [comments]

Jay Rock - Hood Gone Love it (feat. Kendrick Lamar) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 12:16 PM PDT submitted by /u/koreanspicygarlicfan [link] [comments]

[FRESH] City Morgue - HURTWORLD '99 Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:00 PM PDT submitted by /u/AltforHHH [link] [comments]

[FRESH] Joey Bada$$ - The Light (Official Video) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:04 PM PDT submitted by /u/DeviMon1 [link] [comments]

[FRESH EP] Oddisee - Odd Cure Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:00 PM PDT submitted by /u/MindsEye_ [link] [comments]

Old Discussion Board Talking About Kanye's 808s and Heartbreak Pre-Release Posted: 16 Jul 2020 11:05 AM PDT submitted by /u/Ikusaba [link] [comments]

[FRESH] The Kid LAROI - TELL ME WHY Posted: 16 Jul 2020 08:14 PM PDT submitted by /u/ExynosQuake [link] [comments]

Nas ft. Amy Winehouse - Cherry Wine Posted: 16 Jul 2020 02:15 PM PDT submitted by /u/LemonHayes13 [link] [comments]

[FRESH] 03 Greedo - Bands In Da Basement (feat. Chief Keef) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:02 PM PDT submitted by /u/pizzamanelaflare [link] [comments]

[FRESH] The Kid LAROI - Tell Me Why (Dir. by @_ColeBennett_) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:05 PM PDT submitted by /u/OyabinRaph [link] [comments]

[FRESH ALBUM] Jhené Aiko - Chilombo (Deluxe) Posted: 16 Jul 2020 09:10 PM PDT submitted by /u/HansonMCPro [link] [comments]

"Whether you’re sitting in a barbershop or on the set of Cannon’s Classroom, you should speak up every single time that someone espouses racist beliefs." Posted: 16 Jul 2020 10:30 AM PDT submitted by /u/immi34 [link] [comments]

Former G.O.O.D. Music Producer details how Diamonds from Sierra Leone was originally meant for Beanie Sigel. Kanye kept the beat for himself which ultimately won a grammy for 'Best Rap Song' Posted: 16 Jul 2020 08:16 AM PDT submitted by /u/Neon_Biscuit [link] [comments]

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