The world received a true hip-hop classic with
2007's release of, Below The Heavens. And with
Blu & Exile's recent acquisition of the album's
master rights, the duo are pleased to join forces
with Coalmine Records for a special, deluxe
edition reissue!
Throughout the album's 15 tracks, you can here
Blu & Exiles shared intent, which was to create
something that was distinctly their own. They
were young, hungry artists with gifts they
wanted the world to hear, not only to showcase
their abilities but to also reveal another side of
West Coast rap. The early to mid aughts was a
dichotomous time for L.A. hip-hop especially.
The underground was brimming with creative
releases from acts like Freestyle Fellowship and
Living Legends, but to the rest of the world,
gangster rap remained the city’s calling card.
Before there was even a Blu & Exile, the
producer kept hearing about this up-and-coming
rapper named Blu who was performing at
venues throughout the city. And it was one of
Exile’s other collaborators, Aloe Blacc (who
formed Emanon with Exile), who helped bring
the duo together. The two immediately hit it off,
and embarked on a recording spree where the blueprint for Below
The Heavens began to take shape. The duo laid down more than 50
tracks steeped in lived truths and tack-sharp writing from Blu as well
as Exile’s jaw-dropping sample flips and drums. Through painstaking
decisions and track sequencing, the end result was a modern classic
in the style of Blu’s biggest influences—Nas, Common, Planet Asia,
and DMX.
Below The Heavens beautifully captures a special place and time for
the then fledgling duo, while remaining a timeless piece of art. It's
shivers-inducing nostalgic, but also modern in its sentiments and
voice. It's a classic.

• Format: Vinyl
• Label: Coalmine Records
• Genre: Rap/Hip Hop

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