Blu (Rapper) Biography
Blu Rapper (born Johnson Barnes III) is an American rapper and record producer who was born and brought up in Inglewood, California, United States of America. He is widely known for his group Blu & Exile and their debut album Below the Heavens (2007). He is a forefront member of the California-based collective, Dirty Science. Blu is also co-CEO of New World Color, a label through which he has released many of his projects.
Blu is recognized for his collaboration albums between him and various producers such as Exile, Mainframe, Ta’Raach, Bombay, Damu the Fudgemunk, Madlib, Nottz, and Union Analogtronics.
Blu’s music is characterized by his intelligent and introspective lyrics, his smooth and melodic flow, and his eclectic production. He is known for his wide range of influences, which include hip hop, jazz, soul, and funk. Blu’s music has been praised by critics for its originality, its artistry, and its intellectual depth.
In addition to his music career, Blu is also a visual artist and a poet. He has released several books of his poetry and artwork, and he has exhibited his work in galleries and museums around the world.
10 Quick Facts About Blu (Rapper)
Blu (Rapper) Age
Blu is 40 years old. He was born on April 15, 1983, in Inglewood, California, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 15 April every year and his birth sign is Aries.
Blu (Rapper) Height
Blu stands at a height of 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m).
Blu (Rapper) Weight
Blu weighs 72 kg (159 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Blu was born Johnson Barnes III on April 15, 1983, in Inglewood, California. He grew up in a religious household, and his stepfather was a pastor. This religious upbringing had a significant influence on Blu’s music, which often explores themes of spirituality, philosophy, and self-awareness.
Blu began rapping in middle and high school. He was inspired by artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, and Eminem. He also drew inspiration from gospel and Christian rap, which he listened to frequently growing up.
Blu did not attend college. After high school, he focused on his music career. He began releasing independent mixtapes and EPs in the early 2000s. In 2007, he released his debut album, Below the Heavens, with producer Exile. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Blu as one of the most promising young rappers in the industry.
Rise to Fame
Blu began to rise to fame in the early 2000s with his independent mixtapes and EPs. He quickly gained a following among underground hip hop fans for his intelligent and introspective lyrics, his smooth and melodic flow, and his eclectic production.
In 2007, Blu released his debut album, Below the Heavens, with producer Exile. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Blu as one of the most promising young rappers in the industry.
Below the Heavens was praised for its originality, its artistry, and its intellectual depth. Blu’s lyrics explored complex themes such as spirituality, philosophy, and self-awareness. His flow was smooth and melodic, and the production was eclectic and inventive.
Blu (Rapper) Family, Parents
Blu was born and raised by his parents in California. However, our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Blu’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Blu (Rapper) Wife
Blu has not gone public with his relationship, it is not publicly known whether he is married or in a relationship. His partner’s information will be updated as soon as the information is available.
Blu (Rapper) Net Worth
Blu has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a rapper and record producer. Through his various sources of income, he has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Blu (Rapper) Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Blu.
Blu (Rapper) Wiki
- Full Names: Johnson Barnes III
- Popular As: Blu (rapper)
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Rapper and Record Producer
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Mixed (British-Irish)
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Blu (Rapper) Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 40 years old
- Zodiac Sign: Aries
- Date of Birth: 15 April 1983
- Place of Birth: Inglewood, California, United States
- Birthday: 15 April
Blu (Rapper) Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m)
- Weight: 72 kg (159 lbs)
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Blu (Rapper) Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Not Known
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Single
- Wife/Spouse: Not Applicable
- Dating / Girlfriend: Single
- Children: Sons (None) Daughter(s) (None)
Blu (Rapper) Net worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1.5 Million
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Rapper and Record Producer
Blu (Rapper) Career
Blu an American rapper and record producer from Los Angeles, California. He is known for his work with producer Exile, with whom he has released several albums, including Below the Heavens (2007), Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them (2009), and NoYork! (2010).
Blu has also released several solo albums, including Her Favorite Colo(u)r (2012), Miles (2013), and In the Morning (2016). Blu began rapping in his early teens, and by the time he was 19, he was selling out local shows and headlining at the Rumba Room on Universal City Walk.
He recorded with various rap groups, including the Ill Flava Crew, Infinite Legacy crew, The Untouchable Mob, Glory For The People, The LA Metro Crew and the Bridgetown Steel Crew. He also appeared on the MTV game show, “Who Knows The Band” and won.
In 2007, Blu released his debut album, Below the Heavens, with Exile. The album was critically acclaimed, and many critics consider it to be one of the best hip-hop albums of the 2000s.
Blu and Exile released two more albums together, Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them (2009) and NoYork! (2010). In 2012, Blu released his first solo album, Her Favorite Colo(u)r. The album was produced by a variety of producers, including Exile, Mainframe, Ta’Raach, Bombay, Damu the Fudgemunk, Madlib, Nottz, and Union Analogtronics.
Blu has continued to release music at a steady pace in the years since Her Favorite Colo(u)r. He has released several more solo albums, as well as collaboration albums with other artists, such as Oh No, Madlib, and The Alchemist.
Blu (Rapper) Exile
The rapper and exile composed of rapper Blu and hip hop producer Exile. They both met first met in the mid-2000s while Blu was serving as a hype man for various hip-hop groups including Slum Village, Platinum Pied Pipers, and Exile’s own group, Emanon.
Blu was personally introduced to Exile through Emanon’s other member, Aloe Blacc. Blu released their debut album, Below the Heavens, which was described by XXL as “one of 2007’s most celebrated hip-hop releases”.
In 2012, they released their second album, Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them. In 2017, the duo released In the Beginning: Before the Heavens. The latest release from the duo, the True & Livin’ (EP) was released May 24, 2019
Blu (Rapper) Style and influences
Blu’s style is centered around lyricism and a smooth flow. His content evolves around a self-righteous philosophy, hunger, the love to create, religion, life and death, and a lot of braggadocios. He says each album is a different day in the life of Blu.
His style and approach to music were influenced by KRS One, Ice Cube, Common, 2Pac, Saul Williams, Miles Davis, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Curtis Mayfield, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, Noble Drew Ali, Malcolm X, Abraham Lincoln, Langston Hughes, Eric Dolphy and Jay-Z. His favorite animals are Dogs, Fish, and Goats.
Blu (Rapper) Songs
- Rap Dope
- Don’t Be Jelly
- I Am…
- True & Livin’
- O Heaven
- Cold Hearted
- The Narrow Path
- The Lost Angels Anthem
- Gotta Wake Up
- Simply Amazin’
- More Out Of Life
- Good Life
- Amnesia
- I Am Jean
- First Thing First
- Below The Heavens pt. I
- LA Counting
- Boogie to flex
- Belly Full
- Soul Provider
- Greater Love
- Just Bounce
- My Worls Is
- Yesterday
- Maybe One Day
- Greetings
- Pop Shots
- Get Money
- The 50z
Albums
- The Turn Up
- Bad Neighbor
- York
- Good to be Home
- Gods in the Spirit, Titans in the Flesh
- Johnson&Jonson
- The Blueprint
- Open Your Optics to Optimism
- The Orchid Days
- Time? Astonishing!
- A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night
- Jesus
- Nickel& Dimed
- The piece Talks
- The Ordinary Man
- Amnesia EP
- NO Was, No How
- The Exhibit
- Supreme 7
- Standing With Giants
- Open
- Plane’te
- The Clean Hand
- Lucky Blu
- The Return
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
- Touring Europe with Exile: In 2008, Blu and Exile toured Europe together in support of their album Below the Heavens. The tour was a huge success, and it helped to introduce Blu to a wider audience.
- Performing at SXSW: Blu has performed at SXSW several times throughout his career. In 2012, he performed at the festival alongside Madlib, The Alchemist, and Oh No. The performance was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to raise Blu’s profile even further.
- Collaborating with other artists: Blu has collaborated with a number of other artists throughout his career, including Madlib, The Alchemist, Oh No, and The Roots. These collaborations have helped to expose Blu to a wider audience and raise his profile in the hip-hop world.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Blu is a socially conscious artist who is passionate about using his platform to promote positive change in the world. He has been involved in a number of philanthropic and charitable initiatives over the years.
In 2008, Blu founded the “Blu Foundation,” a non-profit organization that provides support for underprivileged youth. The foundation offers educational programs, arts programs, and mentorship opportunities to young people from disadvantaged communities.
Blu has also supported a number of other charitable organizations, including:
- The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
- The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- The Black Lives Matter movement
- The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Blu is a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. He often uses his music to speak out against injustice and to promote social change. He is also a role model for young people who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
Here are some specific examples of Blu’s philanthropic, charitable, and community involvement:
- In 2008, Blu released the song “Free Palestine” to raise awareness of the plight of the Palestinian people.
- In 2012, Blu donated a portion of the proceeds from his album “No Love Lost” to the Black Lives Matter movement.
- In 2016, Blu performed at a benefit concert for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, who were fighting against the Dakota Access Pipeline.
- Blu is also a regular speaker at schools and community events, where he talks about his experiences as an artist and his commitment to social justice.
Blu (Rapper) Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Blu has won numerous awards and accolades for his music. Here are a few examples:
Awards
- 2008: XXL Freshman Class
- 2008: BET Hip Hop Awards – Best Collaboration (for “Below the Heavens” with Exile)
- 2008: Underground Music Awards – Best Hip Hop Artist
- 2009: Grammy Awards – Best Rap Album (nominated for “Below the Heavens”)
- 2012: BET Hip Hop Awards – Best New Artist (nominated)
- 2013: BET Hip Hop Awards – Lyricist of the Year (nominated)
- 2014: BET Hip Hop Awards – Best Collaboration (nominated for “Bad Neighbor” with Madlib)
- 2016: Grammy Awards – Best Rap Album (nominated for “No Love Lost” with Exile)
Accomplishments and Achievements
- In 2007, Blu released his debut album, “Below the Heavens,” with producer Exile. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish Blu as one of the most promising young rappers in the industry.
- In 2008, Blu released his second album, “God Is Good,” to further critical acclaim.
- In 2012, Blu released his third album, “No Love Lost,” with Exile. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album.
- Blu has collaborated with a wide range of high-profile artists, including Madlib, Damu the Fudgemunk, and Nottz.
- Blu is also a visual artist and a poet. He has released several books of his poetry and artwork, and he has exhibited his work in galleries and museums around the world.
Legacy
Blu is a respected and influential figure in the hip hop community. He is known for his intelligent and introspective lyrics, his smooth and melodic flow, and his eclectic production. He is also known for his independent spirit and his commitment to making art that is both challenging and thought-provoking.
Blu’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact on the hip hop community. He is a role model for independent artists, and his music continues to inspire and challenge listeners.
Here are some of the ways in which Blu’s legacy is likely to be remembered:
- As a pioneer of the “new school” of Los Angeles hip hop
- As a master of lyricism and flow
- As a producer of eclectic and innovative music
- As an independent artist who is true to his own vision
- As a socially conscious artist who is using his platform to promote positive change in the world
Hobbies and Interests
- Music: Blu is a lifelong lover of music. He enjoys listening to a variety of genres, including hip-hop, jazz, and soul. He also enjoys playing music himself, and he is proficient in a number of instruments, including the guitar, piano, and drums.
- Reading: Blu is an avid reader. He enjoys reading a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. He also enjoys writing, and he has published a number of books, including his memoir, “The Color Blu.”
- Travel: Blu loves to travel. He has visited a number of countries, including Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Art: Blu is a fan of art in all its forms. He enjoys painting, drawing, and sculpture. He also enjoys visiting museums and galleries.
Quotes
“I’m an independent artist, and I’m proud of it. I don’t need a record label to tell me what to do.”
“I want to make music that matters.”
“I believe in the power of music to change the world”
“I’m not afraid to speak out against injustice. I think it’s important for artists to use their platforms to make a difference.”
“Music is my way of communicating with the world.”
“I’m not trying to be the biggest rapper in the world. I’m just trying to make good music.”
“I’m on a quest for knowledge, seeking the truth”
“I’m not afraid to be different, to stand out from the crowd”
Final Thoughts
Blu is a talented rapper with a unique voice in hip-hop. He has built a strong following among fans and critics alike, and he continues to release quality music at a steady pace. He is a rising star in the hip-hop world, and he is sure to continue to achieve great things in the years to come.
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