1. An American rapper and produce… Read Full Bio ↴There are 2 artists with the name Blu:
1. An American rapper and producer from Los Angeles, California.
2. An ambient drum and bass musician located in the United Kingdom.
(1) Johnson Barnes (born April 15, 1983 in Inglewood, California), better known by the stage name Blu, is an American rapper and producer. In 2007 he released his debut album, "Below the Heavens", which was produced entirely by Exile, one half of Emanon. Since then he has collaborated with Mainframe under the name Johnson&Jonson, and with Ta'Raach under the name C.R.A.C. Knuckles. He has also released several solo albums, most notably "HerFavoriteColo(u)r" (2009), "j e s u s" (2011) and "No York!" (2011). Furthermore, in 2009 he produced the Sene & Blu album "ADayLate&ADollarShort" and in 2011 he released a second album with Exile, "Give Me Flowers While I Can Smell Them".
Blu is definitely a leader in the new school of Los Angeles emcees. His presence is undeniable, while his music captivates audiences regardless of race, class, and gender. He has been credited with taking LA hip hop back to the place where Freestyle Fellowship, Jurassic 5, and The Pharcyde left off.
With his cool-headed SoCal demeanor and everyman charisma, Blu was championed at the onset of his recording career when he collaborated with Emanon DJ/producer Exile for the highly acclaimed LP Below the Heavens (2007). Born Johnson Barnes in Inglewood, California, Blu, whose stepfather was a pastor, was very influenced by gospel and Christian rap when he was developing his MC skills in middle and high school. His musical turning point came when he first heard the Common classic "I Used to Love H.E.R." (1994), as well as the Chicago MC's third album, One Day It'll All Make Sense (1997). From then onward, Blu abandoned his schoolyard freestyle frame of mind and dedicated his abilities to crafting well-written songs. As he started doing live performances, he paid his dues working as a hype man for several underground rap and soul artists, including Slum Village, Steve Spacek, Platinum Pied Pipers, and, of course, Emanon. His relationship with Exile and newfound mindset in making music pointed him toward signing with L.A. independent Sound in Color in 2004, which for the young MC meant brushing off interest from Interscope and Death Row.
Subsequently, he cut a few records for Exile's Sound in Color album, Dirty Science (2006), recorded features for other L.A. artists, and self-pressed his Lifted EP in 2006. When Below the Heavens first hit shelves in August 2007, Blu and Exile were virtual unknowns in underground hip-hop, but Blu's deft songwriting and Exile's soul-drenched, Jay Dee-influenced production quickly amassed them a national audience. Below the Heavens ended up on many critics' year-end lists and, particularly, launched Blu into the public hip-hop eye. Remaining independent, Blu later turned to Sound in Color labelmate and L.A.-via-Detroit MC/producer Ta'Raach (formerly known as Lacks) for the collaborative project C.R.A.C. Knuckles. Over the next five years, Blu released a total of seven albums and mixtapes, including 2011's Open and Blu & Exile's Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them in 2012. The previously unreleased albums Her Favorite Colo(U)r and NoYork! also finally saw proper release in 2013. ~ Cyril Cordor, Rovi
The underground Los Angeles-based duo of MC Blu (b. Johnson Barnes) and DJ/producer Exile (b. Aleksander Manfredi) earned widespread acclaim right out of the gate with their debut album, Below the Heavens (2007), which critics crowned as the seemingly perfect marriage of Blu's everyday-struggle raps and Exile's Pete Rock- and J Dilla-inspired production. Blu, struggling to make ends meet at the time, first crossed paths with Exile in the early to mid-2000s, while the rapper earned gigs as a hype man for various soul/hip-hop outfits like Slum Village, Platinum Pied Pipers, and Exile's own duo, Emanon. In fact, Blu knew the other half of Emanon, MC/singer Aloe Blacc, who then introduced the two to each other. Deciding to sign to L.A. independent label Sound in Color, Exile's label home, in 2004, Blu began cutting a few records with the DJ/producer and assisted him with his solo LP, Dirty Science (2006). Blu was still trying to break into the industry, but Exile was enjoying production credits for the likes of Jurassic 5, Kardinal Offishall, and Mobb Deep. The release of the soul-entrenched collaborative effort, Below the Heavens in August 2007, put them both in the limelight and had fans of the alternative rap scene buzzing; however, it specifically garnered Blu many "Artist to Watch" features in various magazine and online publications throughout the year and into 2008. During subsequent years, they worked apart more than together; nevertheless, 2012 brought another co-billed LP, Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them. ~ Cyril Cordor, Rovi
Need You
Blu Lyrics
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Lucky fields full of four leaf clovers, repeating over and over
As I stand at a loss for words, I get distracted by the songs of birds
All around, filling me with groovy sounds, I said
A meal deep in my belly and a song between my ears I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
And with a roof above my head, lots of warm blankets in my bed, I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
Shimmering sea shining yellow, getting walked on by a fellow
As I stand with my mouth held open, I get distracted by the thought of hoping
For a change, making me so deranged, I said
A meal deep in my belly and a song between my ears I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
And with a roof above my head, lots of warm blankets in my bed, I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
Back forth I'm going, one thing I'm knowing
Life don't get better, feeling under weather
Artichoke, sink your boat, try your best to stay afloat
At the end of the day, all you're gonna wanna say is
Puffy clouds with pink skies melting, looking for a friend whos helping
I read through gold lies and disguises, all I got were foolish prizes of clay, to my dismay
I guess I'll play my days away, I said
A meal deep in my belly and a song between my ears I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
And with a roof above my head, lots of warm blankets in my bed, I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
The lyrics of Blu's song "Need You" convey a sense of contentment and appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. The opening lines suggest a feeling of satisfaction, with a full stomach and music in the ears. It implies that these small joys can bring comfort and happiness.
The mention of lucky fields full of four-leaf clovers and the distraction caused by the songs of birds further emphasize the theme of finding solace and joy in nature. The groovy sounds filling the singer's surroundings create a soothing atmosphere and contribute to a sense of well-being.
The repetition of the refrain, "I'll be alright, I'll be just fine," reassures the listener that despite any challenges or uncertainties, as long as there is food in their belly, music in their ears, and a roof over their head, they will be okay. The warm blankets in the bed symbolize a sense of security and comfort, highlighting the importance of having a safe place to rest.
The third verse introduces a contrasting image of a shimmering sea being walked on by someone else, possibly representing missed opportunities or feeling left behind. The distraction caused by the thought of hoping for a change suggests a desire for something more, a longing for a different path or outcome. This verse touches upon the singer's emotional state, feeling deranged by the desire for something different.
The final verse delves into the struggles of life, as the singer oscillates back and forth, feeling under the weather metaphorically. The mention of an artichoke sinking a boat and the need to stay afloat symbolize the challenges that need to be faced and overcome. Despite the difficulties, the lyrics convey a sense of resilience and determination to play through life's challenges.
The closing lines mention puffy clouds with pink skies, suggesting a whimsical and dreamlike setting. The singer is searching for a friend who can provide support and help during difficult times. However, the mention of reading through "gold lies" and receiving "foolish prizes of clay" suggests disappointment and a realization that sometimes things are not what they seem. Despite this, the singer resolves to continue playing through their days, suggesting a positive mindset and a willingness to embrace life's uncertainties.
Overall, "Need You" is a reflection on finding contentment in life's simple pleasures and persevering through challenges with a hopeful attitude. It encourages appreciation of everyday joys and highlights the importance of finding beauty even in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Meal deep in my belly and a song between my ears I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
Having a satisfying meal and music to uplift my spirits assures me that everything will be alright and I will be fine.
And with a roof above my head, lots of warm blankets in my bed, I'll be alright, I'll be just fine
Having a safe and comfortable place to live, with a cozy bed and warm blankets, brings me reassurance that I will be okay and everything will work out.
Shimmering sea shining yellow, getting walked on by a fellow
Observing the radiant yellow shine of the sea, as it is calmly traversed by someone, captivates my attention.
As I stand with my mouth held open, I get distracted by the thought of hoping
In a state of astonishment, I find myself getting lost in optimistic thoughts and daydreams.
For a change, making me so deranged, I said
Yearning for a transformation or shift in circumstances, to the point where it becomes overwhelming and drives me slightly crazy.
Back forth I'm going, one thing I'm knowing
Engaged in a constant back-and-forth struggle, the one thing I am certain of is that life doesn't improve and I feel unwell.
Life don't get better, feeling under weather
I believe life doesn't improve and I constantly feel physically or emotionally unwell.
Artichoke, sink your boat, try your best to stay afloat
Facing challenges and difficulties, it is important to navigate through them and make an effort to keep oneself above water.
At the end of the day, all you're gonna wanna say is
When everything is said and done, after experiencing life's ups and downs, there's a realization that all I truly desire to express is...
Puffy clouds with pink skies melting, looking for a friend who's helping
Watching fluffy clouds blending with pink skies, I yearn for a companion or ally who can provide assistance and support.
I read through gold lies and disguises, all I got were foolish prizes of clay, to my dismay
In my pursuit of truth, I uncovered deceitful illusions and deception, only to gain worthless and disappointing rewards, leaving me disheartened.
I guess I'll play my days away, I said
Given the circumstances, I suppose I will spend my days engaging in leisurely activities and distractions to pass the time.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Kristopher Wilson, Niqo Robertson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeanbeya6860
This is the kind of production where Blu shines imo
@mcbluematter
Blu and L'orage need to do a whole LP together, this is to good !
@ramalmodo6087
One of the dopest Blu songs ever.
@deetee667
One of my all time favourite emcees with the kinda beat that just helps him shine. L'Orange is just nice with that vibe and snap. And a proper hip hop video with no ass shaking in sight!
@spaceboy2095
"My time tick, tick, ticking all the time..." This is fire!
@Tofisone
"Pull Out A Genie Bottle / Fill It With Promises For Your Seeds Tomorrow"
Genius LIne.
@ThaMilitantMinded1
honestly, i don't get it. that one's over my head
@a.l.zacharia2834
L'Orange is one of the best producers out right now, real talk.
@jaaroAr
Mello Music been lowkey killin shit for a minute now
@KamcorderRecords
+JaarOar Ever since Own Appeal.