BLU was Cole and Dot before Cole and Dot. ‘BELOW THE HEAVENS’ is a certified classic that you need to hear if you haven’t but love hip hop. ‘VANITY’ might be the most honest record I’ve ever heard. Blu had e chance to be a mainstream act but didn’t want it
He bared his soul on all of Give Me My Flowers and a new joint produced by Evidence called Lost Angels, if u haven’t peeped those, those are probably his most vulnerable tracks. Definitely Lost Angels though
This channel is made just for me lol. Bro, I don't know you but I feel you put your heart and soul into making this. The hard work paid off. It's a beautiful video man. Respect.
The thing is, as much as Blu's missed opportunities are, I think that is what made him so prolific and creative. I really dont think Blu would have the discography he has today if he signed to TDE or Aftermath like Kendrick. Blu is complete as an artist precisely because he is incomplete as a businessman
I think Blu’s mental health was one of his biggest barriers… at times his music just sounded haphazard and then his rants on social media… hope he found peace. Kdot is untouchable… Love your work 💪🏾…
Great point, some of those twitter rants got pretty dark. Glad him and Exile are good now. Yeah I can't really see anybody challenging Kendrick rn. Thank you for those words! Peace. 🤙🏾
Kendricks true strength is in the macro level writing. Within a song blu is comparable. Across an album, and even further across his projects, his songwriting is at the peak of hip hop. It's why his albums are goated but he's never seen as an amazing feature artist.
he actually states in the red bull interview that Common is one of his biggest influences. Great point you made, I could tell you're knowledgeable on the culture.
That's what I be saying about Blu, he was a bit ahead of his tine with some of them projects. But besides some of his bad deals, I think Blu just doesn't have the commercial the Kendrick does. Maybe if there was sonically a more natural progression from Below the Heavens, he might have more mainstream success. Also, of course as you mentioned, the way he chooses to approach his artistry and putting it out plays a big role as well. I appreciate this video because idk who else would have done this. I'm late on a few of Blu's latest albums but I'll listen to los angeles and get back.
Love this essay man. You're doing great. One thing with blue i felt that he was always an ill listen but as you say hes laid back and not strategic. There are artists with less lyrical ability or less projects that their songs are far more memorable from those early blu era songs. I think he could have done with a few cross appeal songs then he might have been in the sort of space lupe fiasco is, that being universally respected in the hip hop community but also well known enough that a relatively casual hip hop fan world wide might know who he is. That aspect of strategy is so underrated because a rapper like elzhi if we are talking ability and even themes could be with the j coles and kendricks but timing opportunity and execution are very important
Thank you!! You hit it on the nail, in that era you needed cross over records i.e Lupe, J Cole, Dot. The cool thing is that this era we are currently in is perfect for an artist like Blu. I wish Fred da Godson was still here. He would be thriving in this era. Most clever rapper ever imo.
“No Greater Love” was my ringtone for a good two years… Below The Heavens is a true classic. Sucks that HipHop no longer embraces these kind of artists.. you see it with how people hate on Kendrick’s music for not being pop or banging enough… it’s never about his artistry but rather if people can twerk to the beat. Sad state of HipHop
I feel like I asked for this in my brain and the algorithm made it happen. Great Vid and analysis. Blu was indeed too early and also youre 200% right about MANAGMENT! TopDog's management and Kendricks artistry are like Phil and Kobe, match made in heaven, stars alignment type stuff... This def made me wanna Revisit some Blu albums. liked and subbed.
Thanks for the video because it came at good timing for me. I had just finished up analyzing and studying MF DOOM's style because I hope to one day be a MC and I loved his creativity on the mic and my Spotify playlist kept recommending me Blu and MED's album Bad Neighbors so I started getting into Blu's catalogue when this video came out and I agree with your statement. Your videos has helped me find new artists to listen to and flows that I can study and utilize in my own music. Thank you again!
Thank you for putting me on to Blu’s latest album. I can’t stop listening to it. It’s exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been aware of him since below the heavens but only heard a couple songs from it. Los Angeles completely blew my mind I feel bad for sleeping on him for so long
Blu is an amazing artist. Thank God someone sees this as well. If he really wanted the crown of hip-hop, he'd do it. Have you heard this song, "Kiss The Sky" by him. He talks about rap, and he wants the crown back. Top 5 Favorite songs from him
TDS, love this video bro, I just got into Below The Heavens a bit ago and I absolutely love it, been meaning to get into the rest of Blu's catalogue. I really love his song "Jesus" too. While the recording is really raw, I feel like that makes the sentiment of the song feel more real and it makes me enjoy it way more! He was definitely ahead of this time with that aesthetic 💯
@@tdsnuggs Oh yeah I've actually never heard any Max B yet, I first heard of him cause I heard RXK Nephew mentioning him lmao. Do u have any recommendations?
Man, this is such a great video essay, dude. So glad you mentioned Blu’s latest album. It paints an emotionally charged picture of Los Angeles in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the city through an auditory lens. Again, amazing work!!
his whole computer and equipment being stolen and how that factored into his mental health stability should be acknowledged. It feels glossed over with “lack of discipline” lol that man was going through it forreal. He was probably also sporadic but that situation shouldn’t be dismissed either.
GOOD TO BE HOME by Blu is easily in my top 10 albums of all time. The raw unmixed feel of that album plus the production and subject matter is damn near unmatched. The album was a loveletter
I love Blu and was sad he didn’t blow up more,when him and Exile get together it’s magic. But outside of Below the Heavens and maybe 2 more albums his mixing made it difficult to recommend to non fans, it’s a little too underground and unpolished. And every one of Dot’s albums shows growth and experimentation that other artists never show. If Blu had gotten a little more expansive in his themes I think he could’ve been bigger, like a west coast 3 stacks.
yea. AND if blu had a CAMP and as many connections as lamar. andre3000 was the first to hear good kid before it was released... Blu and exile is exactly that. only blu and exile. no Dr. dre, tde. beats mixing, concepts from other legendary groups like LMFAO group helping lamar w to pimp a butterfly... something i learned last year in the lamar song "we gone be alright", thats pharrell rapping the hook. what?! lamars products are not as organic, even though they desparately attempt to make it sound so grassroots. its not
Weird how people are in here debating who is better when that’s not the point of the video. I personally prefer Blu because my personality is more like Blu. This can be summed up as Blu is the poet and Kendrick is the essayist.
Below the Heavens is a legendary underground album and Blu is a great rapper, but let's be real: Kendrick is much more innovative. Not tryin to shade Blu, it's just that Kendrick is constantly playing with sound and trying to push hip hop in new directions. Blu is an incredible traditional hip hop artist, but even his best work is derivative
I wouldn't say Blu is a traditional hip hop artist or Jazz rapper for that matter. People really overlook his experimental albums (York, Jesus, even her favourite colour).
yo, when i listened to "father figure" i was thinking the exact same thingggg! haha i was like "shit the rest of this album better sounds like this too" ... sadly that never happened... "los angeles" is a great album... bro, keep up the good work, your videos are awesome, peace.
TDS, I'm glad I came across this video. I learned a lot about BLU from this. I've heard some of his first album Under the Heavens but had no idea that he continued on. I want to explore the rest of his discography, now that I know it exists. As for the comparison with him and Kendrick, I can't say much about that now considering I've only scratched the surface with BLU. But what I can say is that I think that Kendrick being so strategic is probably because he had something to say on each of those albums but perhaps didn't want to oversaturate the market. BLU on the other hand being so underground, doesn't need the same discretion, he's not playing in the same ballpark, industry-wise. So he can just drop when he feels like it. I feel like K. Dot COULD do that, but he doesn't because it seems like he's intentionally creating moments. It's different approaches and after watching this video, I can appreciate both of them. Now I just need to catch up on BLU.
you’re spot on about the different approaches-Kendrick crafts moments, while BLU thrives in constant creation, free from industry pressures for the most part. I Appreciate you’re insightful points TerrorBlade
I love Blu and bang his records a lot more than I do Kendrick's stuff. Him and Exile keep that underground and mellow sound I love and keep coming back to.
Personally i hold kendrick over Blu, mostly cuz of how he performs. They both bare pain and vulnerability, but Kendrick does so with a certain vehemence, vigor, even spite at times that speaks to me more. And i think the world at large likely feels the same. He has a certain energy about him that's hard to match
Great point. I forgot to add Kendrick's performance on stage is arguably just as memorable as the music itself. I do feel like the larger hip hop community overlook Blu's music because of what you mentioned- Blu's delivery isn't as buoyant as Kdots. The different vocal tones, layered vocals, and his overall engineering process has more components. Whereas Blu does a lot with a little imo.
i saw blu and exile at subterranean in like 2010 with Tanya Morgan and Earatik Statik opening and it's still one of the best rap shows i've ever been to, shout out Blu and respect to you for this vid bro you earned a subscription between this and the curren$y one
TDS! I just saw Blu and Exile in LA a couple days ago on the last stop of their Love The Ominous World tour and I gotta say, Blu has got to be the most underrated rapper of all time, probably a top 5 underground rapper of all time too. His discography is legendary to me, and he’s got a work ethic unlike any other. I’m honestly shocked he’s still as underground as he is, considering the crazy co-signs he has in his career (collaborating with The Roots, J Dilla, MF DOOM, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, The Alchemist, Madlib, Knxledge, Talib Kweli, Kid Cudi, will.i.am, among so many more underground legends). I sincerely hope he somehow has a late career revival and blows up on tiktok with Below The Heavens or something like that, he really deserves it
I'm highly impressed with a handful of the newer artist. Blu, Navi El, Coast Contra, Kendrick etc. I thought they weren't interested at one time. I was wrong. #salute 🫡
Yeah I checked the back story on that and apparently that came about from gang politics. I don't think Blu and Dot were aware they'd be featured together on it though, seems like Pac made that happen and threw Kdot at the end 😂
@@tdsnuggs like from Pac Div is still collaborating with blu, and made the beat of sing about me, idk if he's working with Kendrick now but if so hopefully he can connect them
Kendrick's varying delivery/cadence/voice is very much a big part of why he's so unique as an artist and for me personally elevates him above people who are lyrically his equals or better, like having N95 or Mother, I Sober with Father Time's delivery just makes no sense for what he's trying to accomplish artistically with those songs, even if people may be put off by it...otherwise a great video
I’ve been a fan since 2007, BTH. Blu is such an underrated lyricist. 💕💕 I used to stay on top of his mixtapes and albums. He dropped so many over the years it’s hard to keep up. I’m glad he stayed true to himself and is still creating. And Blu is still fine too 🥰 TDS 🔥
BTH is timeless! Have you heard his latest project 'Los Angeles'? Some of his best work imo. And he's about to drop another album this week. I appreciate you Jamilla stay locked with me 💪🏿🙌🏿
I used to bump Blu and Cole religiously...then for whatever reason when Kendrick came out, I felt I had to pick between Cole and blu to get the majority of my spins so I picked Cole and forgot about blue for awhile....I would occasionally go back to below the heavens but he didn't fully get back in my rotation until Cole apologized to Kendrick....now I'm glad I listen to all three now Edit...Not when Kendrick came out but when I first heard OD....
@@tdsnuggs yea he was a very creative lyricist. I haven't fully caught up on his discography....just been listening to old stuff and started listening to that project where he basically remade commons resurrection....which is my favorite common album and one of favorite albums overall....he may have done it better than common which is crazy to realize
Blu has been my goat since below the heavens, cause no matter what, no matter how, he's there to say something important, even on a bad day at work(dancing in the rain)
@@tdsnuggs no prob brotha keep up the content shit gonna blow up. And thanks for the new cuts I never heard Blu before but his Los Angeles album got heat.
Album for album, I'd put blu above dot, solely because while there's a very high quantity the quality rarely goes down. Kendrick may certainly be taking his time to make certain the exact point is being made, but blu is just letting his thoughts flow once and making sure that whatever gets put to paper gets into that album.
You can make this argument for many MCs from the west coast that were not part of the interscope agenda… for example Gift of Gab… more talented than both Blu and Kendrick.. but never got his flowers because he didn’t pander to the street rap approach
I can't stop playing it. I did a review on my newsletter(it's really a digital magazine). Will be up shortly. If this year was described as a color... Blu
@ThatDopeShttt glad to hear that man blu is really one of a kind artist. Best way to describe him is a pure artist. Thoughts on making a video ranking all of blu discography from worst to best.
The difference between Cole and Blu to Kendrick is Dr dre that cosign is the biggest in hip hop.Dr Dre makes people pay attention and if you're dope at songwriting like Em 50 and Kendrick you will blow up under Dr dre.People dont understand how perfect the Dr and Kendrick situation is if Cole was singed by Kanye or Dr dre he would also be as big Jay z wont let no one surpass him under him or promote like Eminem with 50 and Lil wayne with Drake Cole never got that kida promotion from Jay z or cosign that and the fact he nevet introduced him to timberland and Pharrell to help him with songs like Dr dre was willing to let Pharrell be Kendricks producer while Jay z didn't even have cole on any songs until it was too late.He could have had cole on Run This Town with Kanye and him Kendrick got the big look and Drake early. Blu never wanted mainstream tho
yea. AND if blu had a CAMP and as many connections as lamar. andre3000 was the first to hear good kid before it was released... Blu and exile is exactly that. only blu and exile. no Dr. dre, tde. beats mixing, concepts from other legendary groups like LMFAO group helping lamar w to pimp a butterfly... something i learned last year in the lamar song "we gone be alright", thats pharrell rapping the hook. what?! lamars products are not as organic, even though they desparately attempt to make it sound so grassroots. its not
I like the free flow of Blu. Kendrick is super dope, but I don't really like the polish so much. That's the issue I have with him and Lupe. It's too polished for me. Too processed and delivered. Doesn't leave as much to the imagination. I like music a little more raw. I listen to Kendrick as soon as he drops, but probably won't listen to the full album again.
can’t be mad at the Los Angeles > MMTBS take bc I’ve probably listened to it more.. great vid, I’m subscribed
BLU was Cole and Dot before Cole and Dot.
‘BELOW THE HEAVENS’ is a certified classic that you need to hear if you haven’t but love hip hop.
‘VANITY’ might be the most honest record I’ve ever heard.
Blu had e chance to be a mainstream act but didn’t want it
BLU was BLU before Cole and Dot, lol
Below the heavens was CRAZY
He bared his soul on all of Give Me My Flowers and a new joint produced by Evidence called Lost Angels, if u haven’t peeped those, those are probably his most vulnerable tracks. Definitely Lost Angels though
@@ahicksSF415 Timeless record imo
Give Me My Flowers 💐 is still my favorite album by BLU and was the first album 💿 I ever heard by BLU.
This channel is made just for me lol. Bro, I don't know you but I feel you put your heart and soul into making this. The hard work paid off. It's a beautiful video man. Respect.
Thank you Malcolm, I appreciate those words!
The thing is, as much as Blu's missed opportunities are, I think that is what made him so prolific and creative. I really dont think Blu would have the discography he has today if he signed to TDE or Aftermath like Kendrick. Blu is complete as an artist precisely because he is incomplete as a businessman
That was really well said, he's an artist in its purest form
complete artist/incomplete buisnessman is a BAR.
I think Blu’s mental health was one of his biggest barriers… at times his music just sounded haphazard and then his rants on social media… hope he found peace. Kdot is untouchable… Love your work 💪🏾…
Great point, some of those twitter rants got pretty dark. Glad him and Exile are good now.
Yeah I can't really see anybody challenging Kendrick rn. Thank you for those words! Peace.
🤙🏾
I say this all the time about Blu. The industry is lucky this guy isnt lyrically competitive. If he wanted the crown, he would have it.
Kendricks true strength is in the macro level writing. Within a song blu is comparable. Across an album, and even further across his projects, his songwriting is at the peak of hip hop. It's why his albums are goated but he's never seen as an amazing feature artist.
Great point Garth
"below the heavens" I used to listen to that everyday back when it came out. He actually reminded me of a Cali Common.
he actually states in the red bull interview that Common is one of his biggest influences. Great point you made, I could tell you're knowledgeable on the culture.
KENDRICK EXECUTES HIS THOUGHTS MORE EFFICIENT COHESIVELY THROUGH OUT HIS SONGS & ALBUMS
Incredible video. Blu definitely should have been at least as popular as Lupe Fiasco was commercially for a few years
Really goes to show you how back in the day a record label decided your fate
@@tdsnuggsa lupe analysis video would be fire too. Would love to see that
Haven’t watched yet but glad niggas shouting out blu. Below the heavens is genuinely one of the best hip hop albums of all time
I agree
That's what I be saying about Blu, he was a bit ahead of his tine with some of them projects. But besides some of his bad deals, I think Blu just doesn't have the commercial the Kendrick does. Maybe if there was sonically a more natural progression from Below the Heavens, he might have more mainstream success. Also, of course as you mentioned, the way he chooses to approach his artistry and putting it out plays a big role as well. I appreciate this video because idk who else would have done this. I'm late on a few of Blu's latest albums but I'll listen to los angeles and get back.
Love this essay man. You're doing great.
One thing with blue i felt that he was always an ill listen but as you say hes laid back and not strategic. There are artists with less lyrical ability or less projects that their songs are far more memorable from those early blu era songs. I think he could have done with a few cross appeal songs then he might have been in the sort of space lupe fiasco is, that being universally respected in the hip hop community but also well known enough that a relatively casual hip hop fan world wide might know who he is.
That aspect of strategy is so underrated because a rapper like elzhi if we are talking ability and even themes could be with the j coles and kendricks but timing opportunity and execution are very important
Thank you!! You hit it on the nail, in that era you needed cross over records i.e Lupe, J Cole, Dot. The cool thing is that this era we are currently in is perfect for an artist like Blu. I wish Fred da Godson was still here. He would be thriving in this era. Most clever rapper ever imo.
“No Greater Love” was my ringtone for a good two years… Below The Heavens is a true classic. Sucks that HipHop no longer embraces these kind of artists.. you see it with how people hate on Kendrick’s music for not being pop or banging enough… it’s never about his artistry but rather if people can twerk to the beat. Sad state of HipHop
I love them both. As a "golden boy" where I grew up, they articulate my feelings and fears really well
🎯
I feel like I asked for this in my brain and the algorithm made it happen. Great Vid and analysis. Blu was indeed too early and also youre 200% right about MANAGMENT! TopDog's management and Kendricks artistry are like Phil and Kobe, match made in heaven, stars alignment type stuff...
This def made me wanna Revisit some Blu albums. liked and subbed.
You cooked, Phil and Kobe are spot on. I would recommend starting with this latest project. It's really good. 🫡
Thanks for the video because it came at good timing for me. I had just finished up analyzing and studying MF DOOM's style because I hope to one day be a MC and I loved his creativity on the mic and my Spotify playlist kept recommending me Blu and MED's album Bad Neighbors so I started getting into Blu's catalogue when this video came out and I agree with your statement. Your videos has helped me find new artists to listen to and flows that I can study and utilize in my own music. Thank you again!
I'm going to subscribe and stay in tune with your journey!
Below The Heavens is a FOREVER CLASSIC....
Timeless!
Thank you for putting me on to Blu’s latest album. I can’t stop listening to it. It’s exactly what I didn’t know I needed. I’ve been aware of him since below the heavens but only heard a couple songs from it. Los Angeles completely blew my mind I feel bad for sleeping on him for so long
Blu is an amazing artist. Thank God someone sees this as well. If he really wanted the crown of hip-hop, he'd do it. Have you heard this song, "Kiss The Sky" by him. He talks about rap, and he wants the crown back. Top 5 Favorite songs from him
Keep it up. These videos are amazing💯
Thank you!
TDS, love this video bro, I just got into Below The Heavens a bit ago and I absolutely love it, been meaning to get into the rest of Blu's catalogue. I really love his song "Jesus" too. While the recording is really raw, I feel like that makes the sentiment of the song feel more real and it makes me enjoy it way more! He was definitely ahead of this time with that aesthetic 💯
Very well said, the mixing of some of his records can be off putting to some but I say it's an acquired taste like Max B's music.
@@tdsnuggs Oh yeah I've actually never heard any Max B yet, I first heard of him cause I heard RXK Nephew mentioning him lmao. Do u have any recommendations?
Man, this is such a great video essay, dude. So glad you mentioned Blu’s latest album. It paints an emotionally charged picture of Los Angeles in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the city through an auditory lens.
Again, amazing work!!
Los Angeles is all I've been playing this past week lol. Straight up LA headknockers!
his whole computer and equipment being stolen and how that factored into his mental health stability should be acknowledged. It feels glossed over with “lack of discipline” lol that man was going through it forreal. He was probably also sporadic but that situation shouldn’t be dismissed either.
The pressure also having to provide for his, at the time, 2 year old daughter…
Really great point. The fact that he was still pumping out music like that speaks volumes. Gave us gems.
@@tdsnuggs I appreciate u
GOOD TO BE HOME by Blu is easily in my top 10 albums of all time. The raw unmixed feel of that album plus the production and subject matter is damn near unmatched. The album was a loveletter
I agree, a lot of times the unmixed records works in his favour, surprisingly. Sounds raw and authentic
I love Blu and was sad he didn’t blow up more,when him and Exile get together it’s magic. But outside of Below the Heavens and maybe 2 more albums his mixing made it difficult to recommend to non fans, it’s a little too underground and unpolished. And every one of Dot’s albums shows growth and experimentation that other artists never show. If Blu had gotten a little more expansive in his themes I think he could’ve been bigger, like a west coast 3 stacks.
I think some of the mixing of his records can be a little off-putting
yea. AND if blu had a CAMP and as many connections as lamar. andre3000 was the first to hear good kid before it was released... Blu and exile is exactly that. only blu and exile. no Dr. dre, tde. beats mixing, concepts from other legendary groups like LMFAO group helping lamar w to pimp a butterfly... something i learned last year in the lamar song "we gone be alright", thats pharrell rapping the hook. what?! lamars products are not as organic, even though they desparately attempt to make it sound so grassroots. its not
This channel is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽‼️
You put me ON!!!
And that X album 💿 s scary good…
🫡 RIP X!!!
Weird how people are in here debating who is better when that’s not the point of the video. I personally prefer Blu because my personality is more like Blu. This can be summed up as Blu is the poet and Kendrick is the essayist.
Bro this channel is so fire
Thank you!!! 💪🏿
the niche content literally meant for me
Thanks much for this video n Below The Heaven is one of my favorite Rap Album..I love Section 80 too.
Below the Heavens is a legendary underground album and Blu is a great rapper, but let's be real: Kendrick is much more innovative.
Not tryin to shade Blu, it's just that Kendrick is constantly playing with sound and trying to push hip hop in new directions. Blu is an incredible traditional hip hop artist, but even his best work is derivative
I wouldn't say Blu is a traditional hip hop artist or Jazz rapper for that matter. People really overlook his experimental albums (York, Jesus, even her favourite colour).
I forgot about blu! Bruh is dope! Great vid bro
Thank you! 🤙🏾
Loving this channel!! Reminded me to go bump below the heavens again,
Also check out his latest joint Los Angeles, his 2nd best album imo. I got to let it marinate longer but I want to say it's his best work!
yo, when i listened to "father figure" i was thinking the exact same thingggg! haha i was like "shit the rest of this album better sounds like this too" ... sadly that never happened... "los angeles" is a great album... bro, keep up the good work, your videos are awesome, peace.
Beautiful
Thank you!
edit:
blutiful
I really want to hear blu and kendrick sit down and talk
Kendrick Lamar makes moments in Hip Hop outside of the music as well
True indeed. Like his performance on the show Power. Brilliant. On some Eminem sh*t, then went back to rapping.
Boy have I learnt a lesson here.
TDS, I'm glad I came across this video. I learned a lot about BLU from this. I've heard some of his first album Under the Heavens but had no idea that he continued on. I want to explore the rest of his discography, now that I know it exists. As for the comparison with him and Kendrick, I can't say much about that now considering I've only scratched the surface with BLU. But what I can say is that I think that Kendrick being so strategic is probably because he had something to say on each of those albums but perhaps didn't want to oversaturate the market. BLU on the other hand being so underground, doesn't need the same discretion, he's not playing in the same ballpark, industry-wise. So he can just drop when he feels like it. I feel like K. Dot COULD do that, but he doesn't because it seems like he's intentionally creating moments. It's different approaches and after watching this video, I can appreciate both of them. Now I just need to catch up on BLU.
you’re spot on about the different approaches-Kendrick crafts moments, while BLU thrives in constant creation, free from industry pressures for the most part. I Appreciate you’re insightful points TerrorBlade
Damien and DMX
Lucy and Kendrick
Idk why i never noticed this parallel.
Great catch
I love Blu and bang his records a lot more than I do Kendrick's stuff. Him and Exile keep that underground and mellow sound I love and keep coming back to.
True indeed Exile does not get enough props tbh
Being able to produce a lot of art should be considered a point towards artistry.
Don't know how I've not seen your videos, but that shit isn't happening again. This was great. GREAT!
I really appreciate this Travis thank you man
Good to be home is such a great album 🔥
That Dope Sh*t… thank you for another great video.
Thank you Red!
Personally i hold kendrick over Blu, mostly cuz of how he performs.
They both bare pain and vulnerability, but Kendrick does so with a certain vehemence, vigor, even spite at times that speaks to me more.
And i think the world at large likely feels the same.
He has a certain energy about him that's hard to match
Great point. I forgot to add Kendrick's performance on stage is arguably just as memorable as the music itself. I do feel like the larger hip hop community overlook Blu's music because of what you mentioned- Blu's delivery isn't as buoyant as Kdots. The different vocal tones, layered vocals, and his overall engineering process has more components. Whereas Blu does a lot with a little imo.
He does a lot with less but blu never did enough
i saw blu and exile at subterranean in like 2010 with Tanya Morgan and Earatik Statik opening and it's still one of the best rap shows i've ever been to, shout out Blu and respect to you for this vid bro you earned a subscription between this and the curren$y one
I have yet to see Blu live. I need to get that off the bucket list. I appreciate you Yannoka stay locked in with me! Thank you! 🤙🏾
TDS!
I just saw Blu and Exile in LA a couple days ago on the last stop of their Love The Ominous World tour and I gotta say, Blu has got to be the most underrated rapper of all time, probably a top 5 underground rapper of all time too. His discography is legendary to me, and he’s got a work ethic unlike any other. I’m honestly shocked he’s still as underground as he is, considering the crazy co-signs he has in his career (collaborating with The Roots, J Dilla, MF DOOM, Miguel, Aloe Blacc, The Alchemist, Madlib, Knxledge, Talib Kweli, Kid Cudi, will.i.am, among so many more underground legends). I sincerely hope he somehow has a late career revival and blows up on tiktok with Below The Heavens or something like that, he really deserves it
Seeing Blu live must’ve been dope! his discography and work ethic are unmatched. 2024 felt like somewhat of a late-career revival for Blu!
Bro, your channel is FIRE! Maintain verse was incredible. Did not know Kendrick was mimmicking HOV like that, fukken funny.
Thank you! Appreciate you!
Dope 👊🏿✊🏿
Thank you!
Hell yes to this kind of work dude. Need more smart young rapheads coming up w discussions like this
Thank you!! 💪🏿
Thanks. Great video. I'll listen to Blu now.
Thank you PotatoMan!🫡
I'm highly impressed with a handful of the newer artist. Blu, Navi El, Coast Contra, Kendrick etc. I thought they weren't interested at one time. I was wrong. #salute 🫡
Thanks for adding BLU
It's a blutiful world
Johnson & Jonson “Powders & Oils” was dope too but is often overlooked. I hate that the second release is 16 vs 21 tracks as well.
They collabed on the song Cross Trainers by Pac Div!
Yeah I checked the back story on that and apparently that came about from gang politics. I don't think Blu and Dot were aware they'd be featured together on it though, seems like Pac made that happen and threw Kdot at the end 😂
@@tdsnuggs like from Pac Div is still collaborating with blu, and made the beat of sing about me, idk if he's working with Kendrick now but if so hopefully he can connect them
@@pgback3620 had no idea he produced sing about me 🤯
Aw yeah. On my way to work, and TDS just came in clutch. Appreciate the work bro 🔥💪🏽
Early bird catches the worm 💪🏿. Good Job Larry (*larry June voice*)
Bruh facts
Kendrick's varying delivery/cadence/voice is very much a big part of why he's so unique as an artist and for me personally elevates him above people who are lyrically his equals or better, like having N95 or Mother, I Sober with Father Time's delivery just makes no sense for what he's trying to accomplish artistically with those songs, even if people may be put off by it...otherwise a great video
I’ve been a fan since 2007, BTH. Blu is such an underrated lyricist. 💕💕 I used to stay on top of his mixtapes and albums. He dropped so many over the years it’s hard to keep up. I’m glad he stayed true to himself and is still creating. And Blu is still fine too 🥰 TDS 🔥
BTH is timeless! Have you heard his latest project 'Los Angeles'? Some of his best work imo. And he's about to drop another album this week. I appreciate you Jamilla stay locked with me 💪🏿🙌🏿
Wowwww bruh this the one about to queue up and watch later but man… Blu IS RIDICULOUS
True indeed can't wait for his next album 'love the ominous world'
How blu from a blood hood but his name blu and has a blue rag on one album cover
I used to bump Blu and Cole religiously...then for whatever reason when Kendrick came out, I felt I had to pick between Cole and blu to get the majority of my spins so I picked Cole and forgot about blue for awhile....I would occasionally go back to below the heavens but he didn't fully get back in my rotation until Cole apologized to Kendrick....now I'm glad I listen to all three now
Edit...Not when Kendrick came out but when I first heard OD....
😂😅 Cole can still get the participation award. In all seriousness though Blu is mad overlooked imo
@@tdsnuggs yea he was a very creative lyricist. I haven't fully caught up on his discography....just been listening to old stuff and started listening to that project where he basically remade commons resurrection....which is my favorite common album and one of favorite albums overall....he may have done it better than common which is crazy to realize
Video Essay was as the channel name goes! Not tapped in with Blu to have an opinion I can stand on. Thank You for the Rabbit Hole i'll be back!
Thank you for those words!
Keep on keepin on 📈📈
💪🏿
TDS ALWAYS DROPPING DOPE ISH 🫡💯
Thank you Dose!!!!
Blu has been my goat since below the heavens, cause no matter what, no matter how, he's there to say something important, even on a bad day at work(dancing in the rain)
So true Kaliko. Blu's music feels a little more relatable imo
Just a quality > quantity type of situation
The thumbnail said blu was better, I know the truth
lol
Just found your channel, shit is too dope man 🤘🏽
Thank you Wunkid!
@@tdsnuggs no prob brotha keep up the content shit gonna blow up. And thanks for the new cuts I never heard Blu before but his Los Angeles album got heat.
@@wunkid47 Will do! I've been playing this Blu non stop. I wonder what his new album dropping soon will sound like 🤔
The difference is KDot had Ab-Soul next to him
Listen, I love your substance
Thank you!!
That Dope 💩
Appreciate you 9pm 😂💪🏿
Blu just needs an elite producer then. hope him an Alchemist finish something. doesn't make sense for them not to do something for LA atleast.
Below The Heavens, 1st Time I Heard That Shit 🤯🤯🤯
Word up!
@@tdsnuggs yeah bro and I'm all the way in Jamaica 😂
Mann Blu and exile made some beautiful music
They just dropped an excellent project!
Untitled Unmastered don’t count? Just asking
Good point, it very well can
Have you done one on evidence
Album for album, I'd put blu above dot, solely because while there's a very high quantity the quality rarely goes down. Kendrick may certainly be taking his time to make certain the exact point is being made, but blu is just letting his thoughts flow once and making sure that whatever gets put to paper gets into that album.
I agree, Kdot is highly strategic, Blu is more free flowing.
You can make this argument for many MCs from the west coast that were not part of the interscope agenda… for example Gift of Gab… more talented than both Blu and Kendrick.. but never got his flowers because he didn’t pander to the street rap approach
thoughts on blu and exile latest project.
I can't stop playing it. I did a review on my newsletter(it's really a digital magazine). Will be up shortly. If this year was described as a color... Blu
@ThatDopeShttt glad to hear that man blu is really one of a kind artist. Best way to describe him is a pure artist. Thoughts on making a video ranking all of blu discography from worst to best.
Whoa
Blu is 🔥🔥
23:02 I respect your opinion but I don’t necessarily agree, they are very different albums. Great video though
Blu snapped on vanity
Facts G96!
Aries are always the first
What is that song in the background?
That's my boy dutchbeats on the boards check out the description
@@tdsnuggsappreciate it✌🏾
Blu was displaying a higher level of penmanship based on this comparison..in my humble opinion
This would make a great debate on live stream!
The difference between Cole and Blu to Kendrick is Dr dre that cosign is the biggest in hip hop.Dr Dre makes people pay attention and if you're dope at songwriting like Em 50 and Kendrick you will blow up under Dr dre.People dont understand how perfect the Dr and Kendrick situation is if Cole was singed by Kanye or Dr dre he would also be as big Jay z wont let no one surpass him under him or promote like Eminem with 50 and Lil wayne with Drake Cole never got that kida promotion from Jay z or cosign that and the fact he nevet introduced him to timberland and Pharrell to help him with songs like Dr dre was willing to let Pharrell be Kendricks producer while Jay z didn't even have cole on any songs until it was too late.He could have had cole on Run This Town with Kanye and him Kendrick got the big look and Drake early. Blu never wanted mainstream tho
HER favorite colo(u)r one of the worst mixed albums I ever heard lol is one of my favorite albums ever.
same with the original York album!
Idk why but blu sounds more like Cole style than kendrick who all over the place, u compare to different people
TDS and Blu is extremely talented but always felt he was missing something
yea. AND if blu had a CAMP and as many connections as lamar. andre3000 was the first to hear good kid before it was released... Blu and exile is exactly that. only blu and exile. no Dr. dre, tde. beats mixing, concepts from other legendary groups like LMFAO group helping lamar w to pimp a butterfly... something i learned last year in the lamar song "we gone be alright", thats pharrell rapping the hook. what?! lamars products are not as organic, even though they desparately attempt to make it sound so grassroots. its not
TD?S
Death Row Blu wouldve been terrible.
I like and bump blu way more than kdot
I'm really liking his latest project
TDS!
Appreciate you Hamza💪🏿
Blu wasn't a polished live performer like Kendrick
TDS
Appreciate you!! Stay locked in!!
I like the free flow of Blu. Kendrick is super dope, but I don't really like the polish so much. That's the issue I have with him and Lupe. It's too polished for me. Too processed and delivered. Doesn't leave as much to the imagination. I like music a little more raw. I listen to Kendrick as soon as he drops, but probably won't listen to the full album again.
I know exactly what you mean