On July 17, 2007 rap duo Blu & Exile dropped their game changing project, Below the Heavens.
Influential groups stand the test of time, earning the respect of their peers while also generating a fair share of respect from their descendants. Duos like Eric B and Rakim, OutKast, Black Star, Mobb Deep, and GangStarr are just a few examples of brands that people recognize worldwide regardless of location and era. Out of all the great rap duos, there’s one pair whose name stands out. Westcoast rapper Blu and producer Exile represent one of rap’s last remaining niche groups, lodged firmly in the middle of rap’s underground and mainstream hall of fame.
Fifteen years ago, the pair dropped their seminal work, Below the Heavens, oblivious to the seismic shift it would bring to music. Heartfelt and poignant, the project came at the perfect time when rap and, in particular, the West Coast needed a champion. They’ve since released several projects since then, including their 2020 project, Miles, but years later, the world still remembers the impact of the project.
“For me, it was like a wish list thing. I heard Exile’s production, and it reminded me of my favorite producers. Pete Rock, J.Dilla, Hi-Tek, Premier. I figured if I work with this dude, I think I can make the best music.” Blu
Introduced through mutual friends, Blu and Exile started out as two hip-hop fans with similar rap interests who were both making a name for themselves in their own lanes. Over time, Blu’s love for music merged with Exile’s love for music and out of it grew an organic and fruitful musical bond.
“We would geek out on music, says Exile when asked how the two grew close. “After we made our first song together, we started discussing the type of album we wanted to make right away. There were times when things almost went in another direction, but in the end, we created the album together.”
Forged from the fires of hard work and a shared vision, Blu and Exile’s historic project sent shock waves through the underground and mainstream music market in 2007. In the end, fifteen songs made the cut, but the pair had over seventy-five records saved along with three versions of the album ready to go. Championed by the online forum, OkayPlayer, and word of mouth, the project’s analogy for being underground yet right by the major labels proved to be more than just a witty figure of speech.
“Our album got leaked and people on the OkayPlayer boards were going nuts for it. That’s what really blew up Below the Heavens, says Exile.
Blu elaborated on the fervor of BTH, saying, “We were on tour in Texas when the album leaked. Two shows later in Florida, the whole crowd knew all the lyrics to the project!”
Powered by songs like “Blu Colla Worker”, “First Things First”, and “Show Me the Good Life”, BTH differed drastically from the dance and street-inspired rap sound that dominated the airwaves. Not only did it pay homage to the tried-and-true rap sound of pioneers like Dilla and Hi-Tek, but it also championed a brand of rap that catered to the struggles of the everyday person.
Blu and Exile’s brand is praised universally for reintroducing rap to its original message, but fifteen years later, Blu still looks at it all with a mix of humility and genuine respect.
“I was just trying to do the best that I could do personally and it ended up working. For me, it was like if we fail, I like the record. These are the records I want to create. The fact it’s successful, it’s just the gift that came from following my heart.”
Beyond its message, BTH helped them create a legacy that they’ve been able to build on. Now more than ever, we should look back on projects that helped us remember the best parts of ourselves and thank them for reviving the human experience.
Wright World 