Perhaps best remembered for his influential 2007 release Below The Heavens, Blu is arguably one of the most talented emcees of our time. His multi-regionally influenced delivery, coupled with the ability to tell succinct, cohesive, and vividly detailed stories, have had the likes of high-ranking musical contemporaries Lupe Fiasco, Talib Kweli, and The Roots singing his praises.
Further, any talk of this rare lyrical wonder reminds his biggest supporters of a well deserved and long over-due meteoric rise to rap stardom that has yet to take place. With some sporadically released side projects and a few high profile cameo appearances under his belt,this forth coming release will be the largely slept- on San Pedro native’s first full length solo project, to date.
In his signature detached disposition and pensive “out to lunch” gaze, Blu emerges from behind stylish tortoise print Ray Bans to give URB the low down on the album that could greatly impact and surely enrich the ever unfolding history of contemporary rap music.
Our dialogue proper begins at Earlez, an eatery located in the heart of LA’s Crenshaw District .It’s here, over a veggie chili-dog and fries, that the rap mysterioso briefly opens up about the making of his highly anticipated solo debut.
URB: Talk about the new album
Blu: Well, the title of the album is No York, you know what I’m sayin’ and it’s really my first solo album. Also, the title is not a diss to New York or New York rappers. It’s just a statement that this album is a very West Coast album.
URB: What do you mean when you say West Coast ?
Blu: Like…the sound of it. Jack Davey from J*Davey is on there, so is Shafiq (Sa-Ra)…it’s an LA sound all the way.
URB: What other guest appearances will we hear on the album?
Blu: I got Tiombe Lockhart on there, U-God from Wu-Tang, and some other surprises. Lots of LA folks.
URB: Explain the recording process and memorable moments from working in the studio
Blu: Much of the album was recorded here in Los Angeles and parts of it were recorded in New York. There’s really no particular formula that I stick to, I just write lyrics and try them to different tracks. I make music everyday, you know? As far as actually being in the studio, it’s always a pleasure working with all the homies. It’s always dope in the studio with Ms. Jack Davey, of course.
URB: Has the political climate in our country (i.e.-the recent mid-term elections, the tea party movement, etc) had an impact on the music we’ll hear on No York?
Blu: (laughing to himself) Naw, but Sufi’s “Tea Party Remix” album could change politics.
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