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
the truth
Blu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What I gotta do to have you here
The truth gone be reciprocated
You and I it's not complicated
If you mine you'll be appreciated
Let me show you all the things you didn't think was real, I'mma get that bag soon as I sign the deal. I'll bring you up never keep you down.
This paper trail is what I'm chasing now
Truth is all we needed is truth baby.
But if you got me, no need to fight over me
No need for Toxic relation, just send your location. I'll come over there no conversation.
Can't always say that you miss me to.
But when I'm gone you don't know what to do.
We used to go to the view talk about all the things that would bother you. Insecurities are destructive I'm not being dismissive. I'm just Assertive on the things I felt and know, passive aggressive on the thought of love those feelings strong. Truth is Can you bare with me.
I'm just trying to see, if you and I, are really meant to be.
Say how you feel, let's be for real
What I gotta do to have you here
The truth gone be reciprocated
You and I it's not complicated
If you mine you'll be appreciated
Let me show you all the things you didn't think was real, I'mma get that bag soon as I sign the deal. I'll bring you up never keep you down.
This paper trail is what I'm chasing now
Truth is all we needed is truth baby.
I say I miss you to ,you can't tell if it's true.
How can I prove that I've only been missing you.
I Found new ways to comfort you
Had my Hands held out when receiving you
—————
They can draw a line, between us, but well still be straight
Ill drop everything for you, I wouldn't hesitate
If we fighting for this love we shouldn't compensate
Talk to me let us regulate
Now we up So watch us Levitate
Say how you feel, let's be for real
What I gotta do to have you here
The truth gone be reciprocated
You and I it's not complicated
If you mine you'll be appreciated
Let me show you all the things you didn't think was real, I'mma get that bag soon as I sign the deal. I'll bring you up never keep you down.
This paper trail is what I'm chasing now
Truth is all we needed is truth baby.
In the song "The Truth" by Blu, the lyrics are filled with vivid and thought-provoking imagery that lead to a deeper understanding of the ideas behind the song. At the beginning, Blu describes himself as a unique person who lives out his dreams and has a different way of looking at life. He mentions that his third eye is forever open and he attempts to connect different ideas such as science, religion, and spirituality. He talks about walking through challenging environments and turning wisdom into a tooth in his mouth as a way of digesting knowledge.
As the song continues, Blu talks about his journey of self-discovery and his pursuit of truth. He talks about visiting different places and seeing the world from a different perspective. He mentions how he has found his inner strength and purpose in life by connecting with his roots and finding meaning in his history. In the end, he touches on the power of knowledge and how truth can lead to change.
The song is filled with metaphors and deep insights which offer a unique perspective on life. It encourages the listener to find their own way and to be open to experiencing things in new ways.
Line by Line Meaning
A black man said his name was Apollo Creed
I introduce myself as a strong and iconic Black man, inspired by the character of Apollo Creed from Rocky.
Born as a novel seed in the land of a thousand kings
I was born as a unique and original individual in a place rich in history and royalty.
My third eye forever open, living out my dreams
I am spiritually aware and constantly striving to make my dreams a reality.
Climbing down the mountain to drink water from a baller stream
I am coming down from a high point in my life to enjoy success and luxuries.
No taps in my system, my land-line clean
I am not influenced by outside forces and my values are pure.
My bloodline reconnected under my family tree
I have reconnected with my ancestors and heritage.
Was it an atom or Adam? Science or religion?
I ponder the origins of life and existence, questioning both scientific and religious explanations.
Was it the spirit in man or molecules in him?
I am debating the existence of the soul and its relationship to physical matter.
Beer in my hand till I can't stand the system
I use alcohol to cope with and rebel against societal norms and oppression.
I walk through ghetto alleys like the titans through the valley
I am resilient and imposing as I navigate through life in difficult environments.
Turn the wisdom into a tooth in my mouth
I use the knowledge I gain to strengthen myself and my position in the world.
And spit the Judas out
I reject and cast away betrayal and falsehood.
Producing songs like farms to put my music out
I create music prolifically, putting out many songs like a farmer produces crops.
Fruits of my labor, vegetables and turntables
The results of my hard work and creativity are the music I produce and the equipment I use to create it.
Bringing day with the night, watching the light cross stage you
Through my music and performances, I bring a positive energy into people's lives and light up their experiences.
The future bit the computer 'fore it chopped up the snake
Our reliance on technology has caused it to become corrupted and cause harm, before we even realized the danger.
'Cause they say, apple a day keeps the doc away
I reference the common phrase about the health benefits of apples, as a commentary on the tricks and lies perpetuated by society.
Truth
The ultimate message of the song, that all the lyrics lead up to and embody.
Running through the wind and hear some lies, I hear them cry, blood shading my eyes
Amidst deception and pain, I am able to perceive reality clearly.
In the midst of the darkest hours, crazy changing faces within them towers
During difficult times, systems of power and influence become unstable and unpredictable.
Yo, Jésus, got some water, need some grape juice, I bowed my head and the crown fell out my slave roots
I reference the Biblical figure of Jesus and symbolism of grapes, as I reject negative aspects of my heritage and feel empowered to break free from the legacy of slavery.
That nigga Blu moved Giza to Mount Olympus, now I fix a pyramid every time I count figures
I am making a grand comparison of myself to ancient gods and spectacle, as I achieve success and wealth.
Kissing Venus with a Visa, sitting on Chichen Itza
I am mixing images of love and luxury with ancient Mayan ruins, to celebrate my success and lifestyle.
It's the heart I told her, it's the heart that keeps me living
I value love as the sustaining force that keeps me going and drives my actions.
Turn the mirror to a prism, saw the zenith through the ceiling
I am able to perceive a greater truth and reach my peak potential by changing my perspective and using my creativity.
If you live in a glass house, buy a surround system
I play with the idea of being vulnerable and exposed, suggesting that we should add layers to protect ourselves.
This is crack, play it too loud, your house won't make it back, paint the White House black, rearrange the whole map
I am using strong and provocative language, suggesting that my music can change the world and inspire revolutionary action.
I swam under the ocean, found Atlantis and a poem, left a rap book in Pomona
I am employing fantastical imagery to describe my exploration and discovery through my art, while also referencing my real-life experiences.
I could take the planet over, told a soldier if he finds it, he should take it home and rhyme it
I am confident in my ability to make a big impact and share my message with people around the world, encouraging others to do the same.
And I did, Blu adventures of the gods and the titans
I am referring to my own album and material, as a representation of my life and creative pursuits.
Truth is
Reiterating the central theme and message of the song.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Tayo Onabajo
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind