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
lucky
Blu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah there's a lot of traffic up ahead
Mm-hmm
I'll be there soon though
Alright, I love you
Can't wait to see you baby
I'm on that Lucky Star
You fix my broken heart
You turn my life around
And I'll do my part for you
I'll do my part for you
My Lucky Star
You been on my mind every day of the week
It don't matter if I'm awake or asleep
Our love song's on repeat
Imma take my time when we get to meet
Can't count how many nights I sleep
Without you right next to me
Handcuff the player inside of me
I been playin' but with no team
Super Saiyan your hair go bleach
Even Frieza don't got that heat
And your fragrance is so sweet
Everytime I'm going in for a hug
I be thinkin' I am sniffin' on cocaine
Cuz I really never get enough
In this life we go through changes
Change in a blink of an eyelid
When people say that love is patient
They don't talk about the gas and mileage
And the distance, what I'm missing
Is your voice and your touch and your kisses
All I pray is that we don't get distant
Imma be right there in a minute
Just listen
Can't wait to see you baby
I'm on that Lucky Star
You got me so romantic
You fix my broken heart
You turn my life around
And I'll do my part for you
I'll do my part for you
My Lucky Star
They say trust is essential
So I'm trying my best to be casual
But who is that guy you just mentioned
And why do I feel like it's sexual
At the same time I'm just jealous
Maybe I see a threat and I'm embarrassed
I spent a whole day stalking his profile
Just to find that he's happily married
I'm so stupid, but the truth is
Do you see the way they treat us in the movies
They make our women look loose and clueless
And our men just as foolish useless
I ain't tryna make excuses but I been abused
By the power of media and the news
That's why I go hard with everything I do
That's why I put my heart and my all into you
So pardon my ego, there are things
That I gotta unfix and I gotta undo
Work on myself so I don't have to prove
That I'm more of a man and I'm less of a dude
Maybe it's the distance
That has gotten me missing
Your voice and your touch and your kisses
I pray we don't get distant
I'll be there in a minute, listen
Can't wait to see you baby
I'm on that Lucky Star
You got me so romantic
You fix my broken heart
You turn my life around
And I'll do my part for you
I'll do my part for you
My Lucky Star
Can't wait to see you baby
I'm on that Lucky Star
You got me so romantic
You fix my broken heart
You turn my life around
And I'll do my part for you
I'll do my part for you
My Lucky Star
In Blu's song "Lucky," the lyrics portray a deep longing for a loved one and the challenges that come with distance and jealousy. The song begins with a phone call, with the singer expressing their eagerness to see their partner despite the traffic. The repeated phrase "I'm on that Lucky Star" signifies that this person feels fortunate to have their partner in their life. They credit their partner for being the one to make them feel loved, to mend their broken heart, and to bring positivity and joy.
As the song continues, the lyrics express the constant presence of the loved one in the singer's mind. Whether awake or asleep, their thoughts are consumed by thoughts of the relationship. The lyrics also touch upon feelings of insecurity and jealousy, as the singer admits to stalking a person mentioned by their partner, feeling threatened, and questioning their worth. The lyrics highlight the impact of media and societal expectations on romantic relationships, and the singer acknowledges the need to work on themselves to overcome these influences. Despite the challenges, the singer is determined to do their part to maintain the relationship and be there for their partner.
Overall, "Lucky" is a heartfelt song that explores the themes of love, longing, distance, and self-reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey babe
I am addressing my significant other affectionately.
Yeah there's a lot of traffic up ahead
There are obstacles and challenges that we may encounter.
Mm-hmm
I understand and acknowledge the situation.
I'll be there soon though
I will make an effort to be with you as soon as possible.
Alright, I love you
I want to express my affection and commitment to you.
Can't wait to see you baby
I am excited to be reunited with you.
I'm on that Lucky Star
I feel fortunate and blessed to have you in my life.
You got me so romantic
You inspire me to be more affectionate and loving.
You fix my broken heart
You heal and mend the emotional pain I have experienced.
You turn my life around
You have brought positive change and transformation to my life.
And I'll do my part for you
I will contribute and actively participate in our relationship.
My Lucky Star
You are my fortunate and precious companion.
You been on my mind every day of the week
Thoughts of you occupy my mind constantly.
It don't matter if I'm awake or asleep
Even in my dreams or waking moments, you are always on my mind.
Our love song's on repeat
The song of our love plays on loop in my heart.
Imma take my time when we get to meet
I will cherish and savor every moment when we are together.
Can't count how many nights I sleep
I have lost track of the number of sleepless nights without you by my side.
Without you right next to me
Your physical presence brings me comfort and fulfillment.
Handcuff the player inside of me
I will commit to being faithful and loyal, restraining my past tendencies.
I been playin' but with no team
I have engaged in casual relationships without genuine commitment.
Super Saiyan your hair go bleach
Your beauty and allure surpasses even the fictional power of Super Saiyan.
Even Frieza don't got that heat
You possess a captivating aura that even surpasses a powerful character like Frieza.
And your fragrance is so sweet
Your scent is delightful and intoxicating to me.
Everytime I'm going in for a hug
Whenever I embrace you, I feel immense joy and contentment.
I be thinkin' I am sniffin' on cocaine
The sensation of being enveloped by your embrace is euphoric and exhilarating.
Cuz I really never get enough
I crave and desire more of your love and affection.
In this life we go through changes
Life involves constant transformations and developments.
Change in a blink of an eyelid
Change can occur rapidly and unexpectedly.
When people say that love is patient
When people emphasize the importance of patience in love.
They don't talk about the gas and mileage
They fail to mention the challenges and distance that love can entail.
And the distance, what I'm missing
I yearn for you despite the physical separation between us.
Is your voice and your touch and your kisses
I long for the sound of your voice, the warmth of your touch, and the tenderness of your kisses.
All I pray is that we don't get distant
My hope is that our relationship remains close and connected despite any obstacles.
Imma be right there in a minute
I will make every effort to be with you as soon as possible.
Just listen
I implore you to hear my sincerity and devotion.
They say trust is essential
People often emphasize the importance of trust in a relationship.
So I'm trying my best to be casual
I am attempting to remain composed and relaxed.
But who is that guy you just mentioned
I am curious and concerned about the person you mentioned.
And why do I feel like it's sexual
I have a sense of unease and suspicion regarding their intentions.
At the same time I'm just jealous
Simultaneously, I am experiencing feelings of envy and insecurity.
Maybe I see a threat and I'm embarrassed
Perhaps I perceive this person as a potential threat, which causes me embarrassment.
I spent a whole day stalking his profile
I admit to engaging in excessive online investigation of this person.
Just to find that he's happily married
My efforts revealed that he is content in his marital status.
I'm so stupid, but the truth is
I recognize that my actions may be irrational, but I acknowledge the reality.
Do you see the way they treat us in the movies
The portrayal of our relationships in movies is often derogatory or inaccurate.
They make our women look loose and clueless
The media often depicts women as promiscuous and ignorant.
And our men just as foolish useless
Men are frequently portrayed as foolish and ineffectual.
I ain't tryna make excuses but I been abused
I do not intend to justify my actions, but I have been negatively influenced by societal misconceptions.
By the power of media and the news
The influence of media and news has affected my perception of relationships.
That's why I go hard with everything I do
To counteract these influences, I put great effort into everything I undertake.
That's why I put my heart and my all into you
I invest my emotions and wholehearted dedication into our relationship.
So pardon my ego, there are things
I apologize for any ego-driven behavior, as there are aspects of myself I need to address.
That I gotta unfix and I gotta undo
I need to rectify and undo certain flaws within myself.
Work on myself so I don't have to prove
I aim to improve myself so I no longer need to prove my worth.
That I'm more of a man and I'm less of a dude
I want to embody the qualities of a mature and responsible man rather than a mere 'dude'.
Maybe it's the distance
Perhaps the physical separation between us is causing these thoughts and emotions.
That has gotten me missing
The distance has intensified my longing and yearning for your presence.
Your voice and your touch and your kisses
I crave the sound of your voice, the warmth of your touch, and the tenderness of your kisses.
I pray we don't get distant
I sincerely hope that we do not grow apart.
I'll be there in a minute, listen
I want to reassure you that I will be there for you as soon as possible, please believe me.
Can't wait to see you baby
I am eagerly anticipating our reunion.
I'm on that Lucky Star
I am grateful to have you in my life, you bring me happiness and good fortune.
You got me so romantic
Your presence and love inspire and awaken a romantic side of me.
You fix my broken heart
You heal and mend the emotional pain I have endured in the past.
You turn my life around
Your influence has brought positive changes and turned my life in a better direction.
And I'll do my part for you
I am committed to contributing and actively participating in our relationship.
I'll do my part for you
I will fulfill my responsibilities and obligations towards you.
My Lucky Star
You are my fortunate and precious companion, bringing luck and positivity into my life.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert Chen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
MoKone5
People need to stop saying Below the Heavens was the only good thing Blu put out. So many classics after his work with exile and this is one of them. Great song. People really missing out on this one.
Luis Matias Magna
Mucha razón hermano !
Jeff Ramos
Except Blu mainly produced this LP. Idk if exile even produced one on this album, but I agree it’s a classic
TheRealHerbaSchmurba
They just dropped another classic too
Simon Pitt
herfavcolor classshik
Tony Montana
Listening to this on Father's day waiting for my son to arrive
Ben Bolger
Congrats bro
Anthony Smith
Hip Hop truly would be dead if there was no MMG, no YMCMB, no Blu, no MF Doom, no Cecil Otter, no Joe Budden, no Crooked I ,no Killa Cam and Vado. Appreciate the music people...as different as it all is...its still all beautiful!
protokhasm
man....i can't get enough of this cut today....
wePASSourSTYLE
don't think there can be a smoother beat.