Below the Heavens

Blu | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 28, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sound in Color
• ASIN: B000QFAEHI
• Also Available in: Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (59 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,039 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. My World Is

2. The Narrow Path

3. So(ul) Amazin'

4. Juicen' Dranks

5. In Remembrance Of Me

6. Blu Cola Workers

7. Dancing In the Rain

8. First Things First

9. No Greater Love

10. Show Me the Good Life

11. Simply Amazin'

12. Cold Hearted

13. The World Is (Below the Heavens)

14. You Are Now In the Clouds With (The Koochie Monstas)

15. Untitled Bonus Track 1

16. Untitled Bonus Track 2

17. Untitled Bonus Track 3

Editorial Reviews

great

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So raw it makes everything in the freezer look well done March 7, 2009

By S. Bourey

Format:MP3 Music

I made a mix cd for my friend and I put the song "Below The Heavens" from this cd on there, and he called me up the next day and kept saying how the song changed his life. He was going through some rough times and that song seemed to be the key to unlocking his mental chains of depression and stress.

If that isn't considered the pinnacle of beauty and meaning for the spirit of hip-hop...I don't know what is...

But in the end it's all opinion.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Slammin' With Sophistication (5 Stars) October 3, 2007

By Alan Pounds

Format:Audio CD

It's been a good year for hip-hop, and even better for underground hip-hop. I've been keeping close tabs on all the hip-hop that has dropped thus far in 2007, and I can assure you that Blu & Exile "Below the Heavens" will be in my interchangeable top 3 for the year; sitting comfortably beside Blue Scholars and Polyrhythm Addicts.

Blu & Exile are an underground duo from Los Angeles. These two share a bond on par with Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. And although I shouldn't pump the album this hard, I truly feel this is a classic in the making.

MC Blu represents what an emcee in 2007 should be - introspective, intelligent, hungry, and soulful. Not only does he have a powerful flow, but his lyrics are on point like no other, touching on nearly every topic at hand. The alluring thing about him is his modesty. The 22-year old emcee writes lyrics in a self-deprecating and humble fashion, and truly sounds like an old soul who's messages teach life lessons. However, he never tries to "teach" them. Instead he's just sharing his thoughts and making clear observations for solutions, or lack thereof. Tracks like "So(ul) Amazin'", "Blu Colla Workers", & "No Greater Love" are prime examples of his highly conscious style.

The mastermind behind these beautiful soundscapes is the remarkable talent of Exile. I will definitely be watching for this guy in the upcoming years, as I think rappers will be knocking down doors in search of his beats. The jazzy and soulful backdrop compliments Blu perfectly. And although it's nothing groundbreaking, his style is so varied and consistent, that you won't find a stinker in the bunch. My favorite joints here would have to be "In Remembrance of Me" & "Show Me the Good Life" featuring Aloe Blacc, Joseph. The former boasts breath-taking production that has me reaching for the rewind button constantly.

All in all, I believe this is the album that Common wishes he could've made this year. And although their styles are similar, "Below the Heavens" surpasses it in every way - flow, beats, lyrics...it's all here in untouchable form. Heads need to wake up and peep out one of 2007's best!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars So Unfortunate... April 27, 2008

By R. James

Format:Audio CD

...That so many people won't check out this album. "Below the Heavens" is not only one of the best albums of 2007, it is a classic hip-hop album period. However, its underground status will prevent it from getting the mass appeal it well deserves. Oh well. Rapper Blu spits concious yet honest and sometimes rugged flows over producer Exile's earthy and dreamy productions. Blu's lyrics will make you laugh, shout (you'll be saying "DAYUM!" a few times), and most importantly, reflect. Any good work of art is one that changes the way the viewer (or listener) percieves life in any given way. "Below the Heavens" caters to its young, working class audience in many ways, most notably with tracks like "Blu Colla Workers," a humorous take on complications that arise when work and relationships clash, and "Show Me the Good Life," a reality-drenched parody of the matierialism of many popular rap songs. Blu actually mentions all of the matierial things that he doesn't have (and wishes he did), yet never comes off as feeling bad for himself. In fact he even embraces his position in songs like "First Things First" and "Dancing in the Rain" among others, saying that his lack in matierial wealth keeps him more well rounded spiritually and culturally. There is also a spiritual side to the LP, especially in songs "Cold Hearted" and "The World Is (Below the Heavens)," the latter which in Blu states his opinions of what heaven is like, and how that ideology relates to life on Earth.

This is a great album that any hip-hop fan should purchase. Since you're even reading this, you probably have a serious tase in music, and this album will definetly broaden you scope and state of mind. If you're ever worried about the future, having money woes, or are just generally stressed out, spin this disc in your player.

Everything's gonna be alright.