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
Soupa
Blu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna write novels, sippin’ bottles under trees
Wonder Woman with me, kiss, she be Japanese
Wanna have lap dances for free, any time I please
Just because I’m it
Just because I’m me, I wonder wonder why I dream
Wonder wonders don’t budget
Message for the hunger when I’m younger
Word to mother but really no wink yo
‘Cause still he can’t slumber,
I wanna have his role, his crown, his girl and his sound
But get real, shit’s really whip
Still wow, brick style up in the wow since a
While back then, you should slip it in now
Mo jill, now the top flow real
So bear with me, besides more bills than this automobile
I’m still bleezy for real
I still Dizzy girl ask me but
Does he impress me when I’m still in the next seat?
I’m fresher than next week’s beef
Yea, feelin like the next was beat psyched
More like Spike Lee better Blu
Never liked none of you blues, stuntin like a one or 2
Lord’s got a woman
One or two coming through wanting something soft give em something new
But guess what, wasn’t Blu, nah
Must’ve been one of you
Like nah, come on
[Verse:]
I wanna spit hollow tip novelists, star stops and resolve problems
Like ah I like this girl scout
She got Reebok, city bock, felines back when he used to jock
I’m too high but 10 eyes it was a young one with brown eyes that dine in one day
Down to something, who young John the one
Who wants bars and broads? 2 more stars, I do the math
You do the knowledge of play dumb
Of course, 50 senses from south to north for the
Pretty women I am willing to endorse
Horse power, more mule in stall for the foolish
I will wake you up but you love it in that new bliss
Kiss life, even if couldn’t
I relive it twice, grip the mike
And I ain’t even gotta speak in different life
You spit it nice but it’s mean and cold, don’t forget us, it ain’t home
You remember when you grow, I told you
Your papa ain’t a soldier
I got the heat, 6 holster
Come from California where the sunshine dies
And turns into that glow dust, no life
In "Soupa," Blu expresses his dreams of wanting to be successful in the entertainment industry, from becoming a renowned writer to having lap dances whenever he wants. He mentions his appreciation for Wonder Woman and desire for a Japanese woman to kiss. Blu also talks about his struggles with the music industry and wanting to surpass his peers and be the best. He references his power and confidence but understands the reality of his situation. Blu seemingly reminisces about past experiences and urges his audience not to forget where they come from, reminding them that their fathers are not soldiers, and they must learn to navigate the harsh realities of life.
The song "Soupa" is known for its smooth beat and melodic flow, much like many of Blu's other works. Interestingly, it is a song that almost didn't exist. The song was initially supposed to be a collaboration between Blu and a then-unknown rapper, Whoarei. However, the rapper didn't send his verse for the song and instead sent a beat that would later become the basis of Blu's "Amnesia EP." Blu found the beat intriguing and created the song we now know as "Soupa."
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna write novels, sippin’ bottles under trees
I aspire to be wealthy enough that I can lay under trees and drink expensive alcohol while writing in total solitude
Wonder Woman with me, kiss, she be Japanese
In my fantasies, I picture being romantically involved with a Japanese Wonder Woman
Wanna have lap dances for free, any time I please
I want the power to receive lap dances from exotic dancers whenever I want without having to pay for them
Just because I’m it
I deserve special treatment because of my importance and status
Just because I’m me, I wonder wonder why I dream
Despite all the success and privilege in my life, I still question the purpose and meaning behind my aspirations
Wonder wonders don’t budget
My dreams and desires are limitless and uncontainable
Message for the hunger when I’m younger
Through my music, I want to deliver a message that resonates with those who are struggling and longing for something greater
I wanna tell bells hot, special they smell
I want to create music that is unique and stands out in its quality and impact
Word to mother but really no wink yo
I am being genuine in my statements and affirmations, not just trying to impress or deceive anyone
‘Cause still he can’t slumber,
Despite all my accomplishments, I still struggle with insomnia and restlessness
I wanna have his role, his crown, his girl and his sound
I want to be as successful and influential as those who have come before me, not just in music but in their personal and romantic lives as well
But get real, shit’s really whip
The reality is that success is not easy, and often fraught with challenges and hardships
Still wow, brick style up in the wow since a
Despite the difficulties, I continue to be amazed by my achievements and accomplishments
While back then, you should slip it in now
Back in the past, I should have taken certain opportunities that I missed, but now I am ready to seize the present and future
Mo jill, now the top flow real
My style and approach to music has evolved and improved over time, resulting in my current success and recognition
So bear with me, besides more bills than this automobile
I have a lot of financial obligations and expenses, which can be stressful and challenging at times
I’m still bleezy for real
I am still genuine and authentic in everything I do, despite my success and fame
I still Dizzy girl ask me but
Even in the midst of my success, there are people who doubt me and my abilities
Does he impress me when I’m still in the next seat?
Even when I am close to those who doubt me or are critical of me, I am still confident in myself and my talents
I’m fresher than next week’s beef
I am always on top of my game and ahead of my competitors, constantly refining and improving my craft
Yea, feelin like the next was beat psyched
I am excited and energized by my current success, and feel that I am destined for even greater things in the future
More like Spike Lee better Blu
I am confident in my ability to excel and innovate, even when compared to some of the greats in my field
Never liked none of you blues, stuntin like a one or 2
I do not feel the need to imitate the styles or techniques of others in my field, and prefer to carve out my own unique path
Lord’s got a woman
God blesses those who deserve it, and I am fortunate to have the support of a partner or spouse
One or two coming through wanting something soft give em something new
There are always people who are looking for something fresh and exciting in music, and I am ready to deliver it
But guess what, wasn’t Blu, nah
Despite the expectations and assumptions placed on me by others, I am always willing to surprise and shake things up
I wanna spit hollow tip novelists, star stops and resolve problems
Through my music, I want to inspire and motivate people to confront their problems and overcome them, and convey my own perspective on social and political issues
Like ah I like this girl scout
I am attracted to confident and ambitious women who are unafraid to go after what they want
She got Reebok, city bock, felines back when he used to jock
I am intrigued by her fashion and style, and appreciate her affinity for vintage or nostalgic items
I’m too high but 10 eyes it was a young one with brown eyes that dine in one day
I may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but I still remember vividly the person I am referring to
Down to something, who young John the one
I sense a connection or chemistry with this person, and am intrigued by their potential
Who wants bars and broads?
This person shares my interests and desires for both creative expression in music as well as romantic pursuits
2 more stars, I do the math
I am confident that when paired with this person, we can both reach even greater heights of success and achievement
You do the knowledge of play dumb
I challenge others to recognize and appreciate my intelligence and talent, rather than overlooking or underestimating me
Of course, 50 senses from south to north for the
I am confident in my appeal and catch the attention of people from all over, both locally and globally
Pretty women I am willing to endorse
I have a fondness and appreciation for women who are beautiful and confident in their own skin
Horse power, more mule in stall for the foolish
I am determined and hardworking, consistently pushing myself to achieve more and surpass my peers
I will wake you up but you love it in that new bliss
I may challenge or provoke others to think critically and question their beliefs, but ultimately they appreciate the growth and perspective it brings them
Kiss life, even if couldn’t
I promote a mindset of gratitude and living life to the fullest, even in the face of obstacles or adversity
I relive it twice, grip the mike
Music is my passion and calling, and performing allows me to channel and express that passion in a powerful way
And I ain’t even gotta speak in different life
My music is a reflection of my own personal experiences and perspectives, and does not require me to pretend or exaggerate
You spit it nice but it’s mean and cold, don’t forget us, it ain’t home
Other artists may be talented and successful, but their music lacks the warmth and connection that mine has with my audience and fans
You remember when you grow, I told you
I offer advice and mentorship to those who are coming up in the industry or seeking guidance
Your papa ain’t a soldier
My role as a musician and artist is not one of fighting wars or battles, but of creating and inspiring
I got the heat, 6 holster
I am confident in my abilities and skills, and ready to take on any challenge or competition
Come from California where the sunshine dies
Despite growing up in a place that is often associated with glamour and success, there are still struggles and difficulties that people face in California
And turns into that glow dust, no life
Even the brightest and most beautiful things can fade away or lose their luster, and it is important to appreciate them while they last
Contributed by Alexandra E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.