(Forty)

Blu. An incredible artist that has been dropping what most would say ‘modern-day classics’ in the past few years alone. For me, that streak started with ‘Miles’, and he hasn’t really missed since! Now here we are with a new project produced by one of my favourite producers going right now, and so I just know this thing will be EPIC.

So, what we have here is a collaboration project by Blu and produced by August Fanon, who has been on a ridiculous run himself! And together they present 11 new tracks featuring the likes of: 

-Chris Clarke 

-Mickey Facts

-Cashus King

-Chester Watson

-Wyldeflowher

-Geminelle

-Yah-Ra

-Lexxus

-Noveliss

-Phoenix Cruz

-Charles Hamilton 

-Kota The Friend

– R.A.P. Ferreria

-Triune

-Tristate

-Propaganda 

-PCH

-Homeboy Sandman

-Asher Roth

-Stik Figa

-Fashawn

-Choosey

As you can see, for his 40th, he’s invited a whole party to accompany him, and that’s the main theme I feel for this record. ‘Party’, this album has a strong celebration vibe to it, as if Blu, being just grateful and happy about his career so far, has felt like doing nothing more than making a tape with dope music surrounded by his closest associates and friends.

August on the production is the best choice possible for this album! Considering he’s one of the most talented and diverse beat makers going right now, he has the ability to make any mood and sound needed for this record, and considering the tone he chooses, such inspirations as:

-Soul

-G Funk

-Classical

-Jazz

-RnB

-Funk

And the way he magnifies each of these sounds and makes them the definition of ‘Larger Than Life’ by having each sound and beat hit you right in your soul and heart and help you encapsulate the vibe of ‘celebration’ and the joy of getting older and the natural circle of life.

When you’re listening to this record, you can’t help but be at peace and stress-free. These guys encourage you to be happy and just reminisce on the better days because this album isn’t about being ‘gangsta’ or being tough or gun/drug bars but instead just about joyful experiences, loving one another and just living life one day at a time and I believe more albums like this should be released in the culture, absolutely love it.

Blu, the man who has rapped himself to the greatest lists of the modern era and for good reason! The way he raps is unlike any other, he has a fire and a spark inside of him that engulfs his passion, energy and soul that makes every bar he spits feel like gold on the beats!

His flow is so fucking smooth, his delivery is flawless and his ability to bend, manipulate and control words across an instrumental is truly magical. 

His lyricism is incredibly diverse depending on the subject matter he can do it all! Whether it’s about family or life or Jazz or Hip Hop or anything at all he can write a Grade A essay on the subject in verse form and blow you away with it!

That’s the true essence and unstoppable combination of Blu in my opinion, his versatility and his enthusiasm. Combine those together and you have a force that can’t fail and even while rapping alongside these underground powerhouses and lyrical superstars he’s still rapping his own lane doing his own thing and making it look easy!

Overall, as expected a fantastic collaboration with one of the best and biggest feature rosters the year has seen yet! This is definitely a must-listen! 

https://open.spotify.com/album/0ZY8hXEcPzgJfWCyYq30he?si=pmwRJxYLScqtYV64AhDFFQ