{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}} {{short description|American rapper (born 1983)}} {{Multiple issues| {{Update|date=June 2019}} {{BLP sources|date=October 2017}} }} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Blu | image = Blu .jpg | birth_name = Johnson Barnes III | caption = Barnes in 2013 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1983|04|15}}<ref name=allmusic /> | birth_place = [[Inglewood, California]], U.S.<ref name=allmusic /> | origin = | genre = {{hlist|[[Hip-hop]]|[[alternative hip-hop]]|[[Lo-fi music|lo-fi]]|[[West Coast hip-hop]]}} | occupation = {{hlist|Rapper|songwriter|record producer}} | years_active = 2002–present | label = {{hlist|Dirty Science|Fat Beats| New World Color| Sound in Color|[[Nature Sounds]]|[[Sire Records|Sire]]/[[Warner Records|Warner Bros.]]|[[Tres Records|Tres]]}} | current_member_of = {{flatlist| * [[Lupe Fiasco#All City Chess Club|All City Chess Club]] * [[Blu & Exile]] * [[The Piece Talks|C.R.A.C.]] * [[Johnson&Jonson]] }} | website = | module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes | signature = Blu sig.svg }} }}
'''Johnson Barnes III''' (born April 15, 1983),<ref name=allmusic /> better known by his stage name '''Blu''', is an American rapper and record producer from [[Los Angeles California|Los Angeles, California]]. He performs as one half of the duo [[Blu & Exile]], which was formed in 2007 and who released their debut studio album, ''[[Below the Heavens]]'' in July of that year.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/below-the-heavens|title=Below The Heavens, by Blu & Exile|website=blu|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727060911/https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/below-the-heavens|archive-date=July 27, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is also the forefront member of the California-based collective, Dirty Science. He is recognized for his collaborative albums with record producers Mainframe, Ta'Raach, Bombay, [[Damu the Fudgemunk]], [[Madlib]], [[Nottz]], and Union Analogtronics. Since his debut, he has had a productive standard of releasing multiple albums.
== Musical career == By age 19, Blu was selling out local shows at the [[Knitting Factory]], [[House of Blues|House Of Blues]], and headlining once a month at the Rumba Room on [[Universal CityWalk|Universal City Walk]]. Back then, he recorded with various rap groups such as the Ill Flava Crew, Infinite Legacy crew, The Untouchable Mob, Glory For The People, The LA Metro Crew and the Bridgetown Steel Crew. He was also a contestant on the [[MTV]] game show, "Who Knows The Band" and won. Grammy award-winning producer [[Megahertz (record producer)|Megahertz]] had flown Blu out to New York to sign him to his new label after producing hits for [[Jay Z|Jay-Z]], [[R. Kelly|R Kelly]], [[Sean Combs|P Diddy]], [[Busta Rhymes]], and [[Nas]] but eventually walked away from the deal. At age 20, he had started negotiating a record deal with [[Death Row Records]]<ref name=allmusic>{{Cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/blu-mn0002329860|title=Blu {{!}} Biography, Albums, Streaming Links |website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=June 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170624153224/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/blu-mn0002329860|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|via=[[YouTube]] |title=Asher Roth, Mickey Factz & Blu Talk Eminem, '09 XXL Freshman Cover, Careers & More {{!}} Drink Champs | date=August 14, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA55niB_Ax4 |language=en |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref> but decided to independently release his first solo album titled ''California Soul'' (which would be re-released onto streaming platforms on January 1, 2024). It was produced by early collaborators L's and Bombay, and featured Bridgetown crew members Donel Smokes (Black Spade) and [[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]].
=== 2005–2008: ''Below the Heavens'', C.R.A.C. and ''Johnson&Jonson'' === [[File:Blu getting interviewed in Atlanta.jpg|thumb|right|Blu in 2008]] After doing a feature for the group Science Project, Blu was introduced to [[Aloe Blacc]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.1071/title.blu-a-kind-of-blu|title=Blu: A Kind of Blu|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 23, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522151438/http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.1071/title.blu-a-kind-of-blu|url-status=live}}</ref> who was also featured on the album. Aloe Blacc said he had heard a lot about Blu and said he should work with the DJ/producer of his group [[Emanon]], [[Exile (producer)|Exile]]. Exile came out to a Blu show, and afterwards invited him to be on his new compilation album entitled "Dirty Science" on Sound In Color Records. After hearing Blu on various compositions throughout Exile's album, "Sound In Color" signed Blu to a one-album deal and immediately began to feature him on various releases for the label. After working with [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]], and reaching out to [[J Dilla]] and [[Madlib]] for production on his own album, Blu decided to have Exile produce his entire LP for Sound In Color. By the time the album was done, Blu had completed two other full-length albums, one with Detroit hip-hop rapper/producer Ta'Raach and with Sound In Color/Operation Unknown producer and CEO, Mainframe.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}
In 2006, Blu pressed up the ''Lifted'' EP and mixtape premiering various productions with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]] and songs with [[J Dilla]] and [[KRS-One]]. While an opening act on a tour with Seattle-based [[Lifesavas|LifeSavas]] and Dallas-based [[Strange Fruit Project]], Blu discovered all three of his unreleased but fully completed full-length albums had leaked. The leak grew and crowds already knew his songs as he debuted them at each show for the rest of the tour. These three albums began to build a huge buzz online and caught the attention of [[Okayplayer]], as well as other sites like [[HipHopDX]] and Nah Right, who all named him "Rookie Of The Year".<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.984/title.2007-hiphopdx-awards|title=2007 HipHopDX Awards|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 23, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118041814/http://hiphopdx.com/interviews/id.984/title.2007-hiphopdx-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> The Exile-produced album was eventually released in 2007, entitled ''[[Below the Heavens]]''. However, since the label Sound in Color were almost bankrupt, only 7,000 copies of the album was pressed on CD, with no vinyl other than the single for the album, "The Narrow Path", which was also released in 2006. The label went bankrupt a few months later following the release.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}
In 2008, Blu & Ta'Raach released the album titled ''[[The Piece Talks]]'' under the moniker C.R.A.C. (or C.R.A.C. Knuckles).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/c-r-a-c-the-piece-talks|title=C.R.A.C. (The Piece Talks), by Blu & Ta'Raach|website=blu|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160621174632/http://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/c-r-a-c-the-piece-talks|archive-date=June 21, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was completely produced by Ta'Raach and featured Shawn Jackson, Noni Lomar, and Jazmin Mitchell. Originally sold on tour in 2005, the album included their hit single, "League Leaders" (The Friar cover) and the 6 inch single, "The King".{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}
During that same year, Blu's album with Mainframe was released under the group name [[Johnson&Jonson]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.plugonemag.com/2008/08/05/blu-and-mainframe-form-johnsonjonson|title=Blu and Mainframe form "Johnson&Jonson"|last=plugoneboss|date=August 6, 2008|website=Plug One|access-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> It was produced by Mainframe with rapping by Blu (alongside some occasional rapping from Mainframe), as well as features from [[Gonjasufi|Gonja Sufi]] and [[Miguel (singer)|Miguel]]. It was promoted with a mixtape called ''Powders & Oils'', which consisted of a few more exclusive songs. All of Johnson&Jonson's music consisted of only loops and raps.{{citation needed|date=October 2025}}
=== 2008–2011: Production moniker GODlee Barnes and ''Her Favorite Colo(u)r'' === [[File:Blu Rapper.jpg|thumb|right|Blu in 2011]] Blu used the production techniques he learned from working on albums with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]], Mainframe, and Ta'Raach and began to produce beats. He started working on a what was intended to be a self-produced follow up to ''Below the Heavens''. However, Blu's hard drive crashed, and the master files were lost; the album was eventually released in an unmixed and unmastered form, as a continuous mp3 file, in January 2010 under the title ''theGODleeBarnesLP''. Blu also showcased his production on a albums including the collaboration with Brooklyn rapper and actor Sene entitled ''A Day Late & A Dollar Short'' and the instrumental album ''Open'', which was later turned into a rap compilation of the same name, with various artists who rapped over the instrumental version of this album. Furthermore, Blu produced an album titled ''Her Favorite Colo(u)r'' for himself, which was initially released for free download online after breaking up with his girlfriend. The album was officially released in 2011.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15429-her-favorite-colour/|title=Blu: Her Favorite Colo(u)r Album Review {{!}} Pitchfork|website=pitchfork.com|language=en|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=June 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629032225/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/15429-her-favorite-colour/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2009–2012: Sire/Warner Bros, ''York'', ''Jesus'', and ''Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them'' === In 2009, Blu signed an artist deal, an independent film deal, as well as a label deal for his company, New World Color, with Tom Whalley at [[Warner Bros. Records]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8621/title.blu-signs-to-sire-warner-brothers-records|title=Blu Signs with Sire/Warner Bros. Records|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 23, 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819085948/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.8621/title.blu-signs-to-sire-warner-brothers-records|archive-date=August 19, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He then began working on a movie and album called ''No York''. The album would feature production from Los Angeles beat scene heavyweights such as [[Flying Lotus]], [[Sa-Ra|SA-RA Creative Partners]], [[Daedelus (musician)|Daedelus]], [[Madlib]], [[Knxwledge]], [[Samiyam]], and others. The film was to be written by Blu and directed by Khalil Joseph. Eventually, labelmates began to leave the label and all the A&R representatives began to lose their jobs. Then Tom Whalley was fired and the entire label was bought out. This took place over a year and a half and brought complete stagnation to any Warner Bros. releases. [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]] presidents and A&R's were hired by [[Lyor Cohen]], and [[Kyambo Joshua]] became Blu's A&R representative and creative director. After so much stagnation and no one being paid for contributions, Kyambo eventually helped Blu leave the label and release his music independently. However, promo copies of ''No York'' were pressed.
Blu then released a mixtape in celebration of his independence titled ''[[Jesus (Blu album)|Jesus]]'', which was released under his imprint New World Color, in conjunction with [[Nature Sounds Records]]. This album was recorded in two days, produced by Blu, and featuring production from [[Madlib]], [[The Alchemist (musician)|Alchemist]], [[Knxwledge]], [[Hezekiah (rapper)|Hezekiah]] and Rome, as well as guest appearances from [[Planet Asia]] & Killer Ben of [[Durag Dynasty]].
During Blu's stay with Sire/Warner Bros, he was given 50 beats from Exile. Blu didn't feel the production would fit his ''No York'' album, but found a bunch of old songs he wrote that had no beats. Blu recorded about 25 songs in two weeks to the Exile beats, which were later leaked online and eventually officially released under Dirty Science/Fat Beats, as [[Blu & Exile]]'s ''[[Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them]]''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.20082/title.blu-exile-to-officially-release-give-me-my-flowers-while-i-can-still-smell-them|title=Blu & Exile To Officially Release "Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them"|work=HipHopDX|access-date=June 23, 2017|language=en-US}}</ref> The album featured guest appearances from [[Fashawn]], Dag Savage, and [[Homeboy Sandman]]. An instrumental version of the album was also released.
The demo songs for "No York" were released as an album titled ''[[York (album)|York]]'' through New World Color. Recorded in New York and Los Angeles; and initially leaked in 2011, the album featured exclusive and previously released production from [[Flying Lotus]], [[Sa-Ra|SA-RA Creative Partners]], [[Daedelus (musician)|Daedelus]], [[Madlib]], [[Knxwledge]], Dibia$e, [[Samiyam]], and Exile. It also featured vocals from [[U-God]], [[Edan (musician)|Edan]], [[Theophilus London]], [[Sa-Ra|SA-RA]], [[J*Davey]], Andy Also, [[Pac Div]], UNI, Tiron, and Ayomari. ''York'' was toured along the West Coast with the live band, Koochie Monsters replaying all the songs from the album. A group with Ken Beats, co-producer of ''York'', also spawned off under a group called Neu Ngz. They performed live but never released any material.
=== 2013–2016: ''Good to Be Home'', ''Bad Neighbor'' and various projects with producers === After a lack of recently recorded albums in two years, Blu released a double album titled ''[[Good to Be Home]]'' in 2014, produced entirely by one of his earliest producers, Bombay.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/blu-stream-his-entire-new-album-good-to-be-home-4652681|title=Blu: Stream His Entire New Album, Good to Be Home|last=Westhoff|first=Ben|date=May 16, 2014|work=L.A. Weekly|access-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> Released on Nature Sound Records, the album was inspired by Blu connecting back with his West Coast roots after touring the world; and features guest appearances from [[Prodigy (rapper)|Prodigy]], [[Planet Asia]], [[Strong Arm Steady]], [[Step Brothers (duo)|Step Brothers]], Chace Infinite, [[Imani (rapper)|Imani]], LMNO & [[2Mex]] from the Visionaries, [[MED (rapper)|MED]], [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]], [[Fashawn]], [[Pac Div]], Co$$, Definite Mass and many others.
Blu followed up with a collaboration album with [[MED (rapper)|MED]], produced entirely by [[Madlib]] called ''[[Bad Neighbor (album)|Bad Neighbor]]''<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-med-blu-madlib-team-with-mf-doom-for-the-trios-all-star-lp-20150922|title=Hear Med, Blu & Madlib Team With MF Doom|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=January 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108063236/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-med-blu-madlib-team-with-mf-doom-for-the-trios-all-star-lp-20150922|url-status=live}}</ref> with features from Stones Throw alumni [[MF Doom]], [[Aloe Blacc]], [[Dâm-Funk|Dam Funk]], [[Anderson .Paak]], [[Mayer Hawthorne|Mayor Hawthorne]], Frank Nitt and Oh No, as well as [[Hodgy]] Beats ([[Odd Future]]), [[AMG (rapper)|AMG]], and [[Phonte]]. The album was promoted by a video and single for "Burgundy Whip" with Jimetta Rose back in 2013, and followed up with the single, "The Buzz" b/w "Peroxide" featuring [[Dâm-Funk]]. The album was also released as instrumentals.
In 2013, Blu teamed up with infamous Virginia producer [[Nottz]] for the EP ''[[Gods in the Spirit|Gods In The Spirit]]'' which featured [[Homeboy Sandman]], [[Aloe Blacc]], Dag Savage, and many others. The EP was followed up in 2016 with another EP, ''Titans in the Flesh''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/48882-stream-blu-and-nottz-titans-in-the-flesh-ep-news|title=Stream Blu & Nottz "Titans In The Flesh" EP|work=HotNewHipHop|access-date=June 23, 2017|archive-date=September 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928005637/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-blu-and-nottz-titans-in-the-flesh-ep-news.22883.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which featured [[Skyzoo]], [[Torae]], [[Bishop Lamont]] and many others. Both EP's were released under [[Coalmine Records]], with the 2018 re-release ''Gods in the Spirit, Titans in the Flesh'' compiling both EPs into a full-length album. Other projects from 2016 included ''Crenshaw Jezebel'' with Ray West, ''Cheetah in the City'' with French production duo Union Analogtronics; and ''Open Your Optics to Optimism'' with Fa†e. Blu also released [[Single (music)|45's]] with [[The Alchemist (musician)|Alchemist]] and [[The 45 King]].
In 2017, Blu & Exile celebrated the 10th anniversary of ''[[Below the Heavens]]'' at Regent Theater in Los Angeles, California, with a performance in its entirety with a live band.
=== 2018–2022: ''The Blueprint'', ''A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night'', ''For Sale'' and ''The Color Blu(e)'' === In March 2018, Blu released a mixtape exclusively on his [[Bandcamp]] titled ''The DS Dumbstyle Mixtape, Volume One''; which served as a compilation of songs Blu produced for various artists including [[Homeboy Sandman]], Sene, Roc C, ScienZe, Young RJ and [[MED (rapper)|MED]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Meewisse |first1=Harry |title=New mixtape by Blu: 'The DS Dumb Style Mixtape' |url=https://thefindmag.com/hip-hop-downloads-music/new-mixtape-blu-ds-dumb-style-download/ |website=The Find Mag |date=March 2018 |access-date=September 20, 2021}}</ref> This was then followed up a month later by the album ''The Blueprint'', which was entirely produced by [[Shafiq Husayn]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ivey |first1=Justin |title=Blu Teams with Shafiq Husayn for "The Blueprint" Mixtape |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.46422/title.blu-teams-with-shafiq-husayn-for-the-blueprint-mixtape |website=HipHopDX |date=April 5, 2018 |access-date=September 20, 2021}}</ref> His project with Nottz titled ''Gods in the Spirit, Titans in the Flesh'', was also released the same year. In 2019, Blu teamed up with rapper/producer [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]] to release ''A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night'', which served as a concept album based on underground life in Los Angeles.
2021 saw Blu not only release the Sirplus-produced EP ''For Sale'', but also his first multi-produced project since 2013's [[York (album)|York]]: ''The Color Blu(e)''; which was released on September 24, 2021. Preceded by the singles "People Call Me Blu(e)" and "Because the Sky is Blu(e)" and featuring production from [[Exile (producer)|Exile]], Sirplus and [[J57 (rapper)|J57]], the project serves as a concept album that celebrates and reflects on Blu's creative journey, with the word "Blu(e)" being featured in every of the album's song titles.
=== 2023–present: Projects with various producers and streaming reissues === In September 2023, Blu released ''Bad News'', a collaborative album with producer Real Bad Man, which featured guest appearances from [[CL Smooth|C.L. Smooth]], [[Planet Asia]], Cashus King, Donel Smokes and Definite. This was then followed up three months later by the album ''Afrika'', which was entirely produced by [[Nottz]], and served as a concept album based on the diasporic connection between African Americans and Africans.<ref>{{cite web |title=Afrika {{!}} Blu & Nottz |url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/afrika |website=Bandcamp |access-date=10 July 2024}}</ref>
The beginning of 2024 saw Blu reissue a number of projects onto streaming platforms, including his first project ''California Soul'', his unmastered self-produced album ''God is Good'' and his producer compilation album ''Open''. He also released a series of extra projects, that acted as accompanying bonus material to some of his albums, including ''God is Good (The Bonus Songs)'', ''Back Home Again'' (a compilation of outtakes from the ''[[Good to Be Home]]'' sessions) and ''Other Shades of Blu(e)'' (a compilation of outtakes from ''The Color Blu(e)'' sessions).
A month later, on February 9, Blu released his first official project of the year ''Royal Blu'', which was entirely produced by underground producer Roy Royal. On March 29, ''Out of the Blue'', which was produced by Shafiq Husayn and was a follow up to their mixtape ''The Blueprint'', was released. His third project of the year, ''Los Angeles'', was produced by rapper/producer [[Evidence (musician)|Evidence]], and was released on July 12.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nevares |first1=Gabriel Bras |title=Blu Travels Through The "Wild Wild West" On Evidence-Produced New Single: Stream |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/823119-blu-wild-wild-west-new-song-stream |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=10 July 2024 |archive-date=July 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718061550/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/823119-blu-wild-wild-west-new-song-stream |url-status=live }}</ref> His fourth project of the year is the [[Blu & Exile]] album entitled ''Love (the) Ominous World'', released on September 20, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Horvath |first1=Zachary |title=Blu & Aloe Blacc Deliver Impassioned Performances On Exile-Assisted "Love Is Blu" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/835679-blu-blu-exile-aloe-blacc-love-is-blu-stream |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=21 August 2024}}</ref>
== Discography == {{See also|Blu & Exile#Discography||l1=Blu & Exile discography|l2=}}
=== Studio albums === * ''California Soul'' (2003; officially re-released in 2024) * ''[[Below the Heavens]]'' {{small|(with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]], as [[Blu & Exile]])}} (2007) * ''[[The Piece Talks]]'' {{small|(with Ta'Raach, as C.R.A.C.)}} (2008) * ''[[Johnson&Jonson]]'' {{small|(with Mainframe, as Johnson&Jonson)}} (2008) * ''A Day Late & A Dollar Short'' {{small|(with Sene)}} (2009) * ''[[TheGodleeBarnesLP]]'' {{small|(rereleased in 2021 as God is Good)}} (2010) * ''Her Favorite Colo(u)r'' (2011) * ''[[Jesus (Blu album)|Jesus]]'' (2011) * ''[[Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them]]'' {{small|(with Exile, as Blu & Exile)}} (2012) * ''[[York (album)|York]]'' (2013) * ''[[Good to Be Home]]'' {{small|(with Bombay)}} (2014) * ''[[Bad Neighbor (album)|Bad Neighbor]]'' {{small|(with [[M.E.D. (rapper)|M.E.D.]] and [[Madlib]])}} (2015) * ''Cheetah in the City'' {{small|(with Union Analogtronics)}} (2016) * ''Gods in the Spirit, Titans in the Flesh'' {{small|(with [[Nottz]])}} (2018) * ''The Blueprint'' {{small|(with Shafiq Husayn)}} (2018) * ''A Long Red Hot Los Angeles Summer Night'' {{small|(with [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]])}} (2019) * ''Ground & Water'' {{small|(with [[Damu The Fudgemunk]])}} (2019) * ''[[Miles: From an Interlude Called Life|Miles]]'' {{small|(with Exile, as Blu & Exile)}} (2020) * ''The Color Blu(e)'' (2021) * ''Bad News'' {{small|(with Real Bad Man)}} (2023) * ''Live from the End of the World'' {{small|(with Fatlip)}} (2023) * ''Live from the End of the World (Deluxe)'' {{small|(with Fatlip)}} (2023) * ''Afrika'' {{small|(with Nottz)}} (2023) * ''Royal Blu'' {{small|(with Roy Royal)}} (2024) * ''Out of the Blue'' {{small|(with Shafiq Husayn)}} (2024) * ''[[Los Angeles (Blu and Evidence album)|Los Angeles]]'' {{small|(with [[Evidence (musician)|Evidence]])}} (2024) * ''Love (the) Ominous World'' {{small|(with Exile, as Blu & Exile)}} (2024) * ''Forty'' {{small|(with August Fanon)}} (2025) * ''God Takes Care of Babies & Fools'' {{small|(with [[Myka 9]] and Mono En Stereo)}} (2025) * ''Time Heals Everything'' (with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]], as [[Blu & Exile]]) (2026)
=== Compilation albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Album details |- ! scope="row" | ''In the Beginning (Before the Heavens)'' {{small|(with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]], as [[Blu & Exile]])}} | * Released: October 20, 2017 * Label: Fat Beats, Dirty Science * Format: [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]] |}
=== Mixtapes ===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Album details |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 1'' {{small|(with DJ Space Monkey)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-one|title=soul amazing (part one), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 1, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: [[Music download|Digital download]] |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 2'' {{small|(with NDJnous)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-two|title=soul amazing (part two), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 2, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 3'' {{small|(with DJ Lowkey)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-three|title=soul amazing (part three), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 3, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 4'' {{small|(with DJ Josh One)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-four|title=soul amazing (part four), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 4, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 5'' {{small|(with Alchemist)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-five-the-alchemist-edition|title=soul amazing (part five) (the alchemist edition), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 5, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 6'' {{small|(with DJ Artistic)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-six|title=soul amazing (part six), by blu|website=blu|access-date=July 14, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: August 6, 2016 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 7'' {{small|(with DJ Lowkey LA)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-seven|title=soul amazing (part seven), by blu|website=blu|access-date=May 28, 2018|archive-date=May 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180526210154/https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-seven|url-status=live}}</ref> | * Released: August 7, 2017 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''The DS Dumb Style Mixtape'' {{small|(produced by Blu)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/the-ds-dumb-style-mixtape|title=the ds dumb style mixtape, by blu|website=blu|access-date=January 5, 2022}}</ref> | * Released: January 1, 2018 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 8'' {{small|(with DJ PWC)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-eight|title=soul amazing (part eight), by blu|website=blu|access-date=January 5, 2022}}</ref> | * Released: July 13, 2019 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Soul Amazing Volume 9'' {{small|(with DJ Cristano)}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-nine|title=soul amazing (part nine), by blu|website=blu|access-date=January 5, 2022|archive-date=January 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105202655/https://thenewcolorblu.bandcamp.com/album/soul-amazing-part-nine|url-status=live}}</ref> | * Released: November 12, 2020 * Label: Self-released * Format: Digital download |}
=== EPs === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | EP details |- ! scope="row" | ''[[Gods in the Spirit]]'' {{small|(with [[Nottz]])}}<ref name="djbooth.net">{{cite web|url=https://djbooth.net/songs/2018-03-27-blu-nottz-yesterday|title=Best New Song: Blu & Nottz — "Yesterday"|date=March 27, 2018 }}</ref> | * Released: June 10, 2014 * Label: Coalmine Records * Format: [[Compact disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]] |- ! scope="row" | ''Crenshaw Jezebel'' {{small|(with Ray West)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/crenshaw-jezebel-mw0002926264|title=Crenshaw Jezebel – Blu, Ray West|work=AllMusic|access-date=October 19, 2017|archive-date=October 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171019163554/https://www.allmusic.com/album/crenshaw-jezebel-mw0002926264|url-status=live}}</ref> | * Released: March 25, 2016 * Label: Red Apples 45 * Format: Digital download, [[LP record|vinyl]] |- ! scope="row" | ''Titans in the Flesh'' {{small|(with [[Nottz]])}}<ref name="djbooth.net" /> | * Released: July 15, 2016 * Label: Coalmine * Format: Digital download, vinyl |- ! scope="row" | ''Open Your Optics to Optimism'' {{small|(with Fate)}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2817/title.blu-fa%25e2%2580%25a0e-take-a-strange-journey-on-open-your-optics-to-optimism|title=Review: Blu & Fa†e Take A Strange Journey On "Open Your Optics To Optimism"|work=HipHopDX|first=Jesse|last=Fairfax|date=October 11, 2016|access-date=October 19, 2017}}</ref> | * Released: October 17, 2016 * Label: EveryDejaVu * Format: Digital download, vinyl |- ! scope="row" | ''The Turn Up'' {{small|(with [[MED (rapper)|MED]] and [[Madlib]])}} | * Released: November 17, 2017 * Label: Bang Ya Head * Format: Digital download, vinyl |- ! scope="row" | ''True & Livin''' {{small|(with [[Exile (producer)|Exile]] as [[Blu & Exile]])}} | * Released: May 24, 2019 * Label: Dirty Science * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''Underground Makes the World Go Round'' {{small|(with Fat Jack)}} | * Released: October 25, 2019 * Label: The Order Label |- ! scope="row" | ''The Narrative'' (with [[Mickey Factz]] and [[Nottz]]) | * Released: August 20, 2021 * Label: Soulspazm, SCHMTCS |- ! scope="row" | ''Live from the End of the World, Vol. 1 (Demos)'' {{small|(with Fatlip)}} | * Released: April 29, 2022 * Label: Guilty by Association * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row" | ''I'' {{small|(with Jabee)}} | * Released: October 14, 2022 * Label: Grand Union Media, Clerestory AV * Format: Digital download |}
=== Singles === * "The Narrow Path" (2006) * "Lemonade" (2011) * "Cellnl's" (2011) * "Amnesia" (2011) * "The Buzz" b/w "Peroxide" (2013) {{small|(with [[MED (rapper)|MED]] and [[Madlib]])}} * "The Clean Hand" (2013) * "The West" (2014) * "The Return" b/w "Thriller" (2015) * "Kiss the Sky" (2015)
=== Guest appearances === * [[Tanya Morgan]] – "Morgan Blu" from ''[[Brooklynati]]'' (2009) * [[J. Dilla]] – "Smoke" from ''[[Jay Stay Paid]]'' (2009) * [[The Alchemist (musician)|Alchemist]] – "Therapy" from ''[[Chemical Warfare (The Alchemist album)|Chemical Warfare]]'' (2009) * [[Fashawn]] – "Samsonite Man" from ''[[Boy Meets World (album)|Boy Meets World]]'' (2009) * [[The Grouch (rapper)|The Grouch]] & [[Eligh]] – "Old Souls" from ''[[Say G&E!]]'' (2009) * [[The Roots]] – "Radio Daze" and "The Day" from ''[[How I Got Over (album)|How I Got Over]]'' (2010) * [[Exile (producer)|Exile]] – "When Nothing's Left" from ''[[4TRK Mind]]'' (2011) * [[9th Wonder]] – "Piranhas" from ''[[The Wonder Years (9th Wonder album)|The Wonder Years]]'' (2011) * [[MHz Legacy]] – "Yellow & Blue" from ''[[MHz Legacy (album)|MHz Legacy]]'' (2012) * [[Danny!]] – "Misunderstood" from ''[[Payback (album)|Payback]]'' (2012) * [[Pac Div]] – "Cross-Trainers" from ''[[GMB (album)|GMB]]'' (2012) * [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]] – "Jones's" from ''[[Disrupted Ads]]'' (2013) * [[Roc Marciano]] – "Cut the Check" from ''[[Marci Beaucoup]]'' (2013) * [[Statik Selektah]] – "My Hoe" from ''[[Extended Play (Statik Selektah album)|Extended Play]]'' (2013) * [[Slum Village]] – "Let It Go" from ''[[Evolution (Slum Village album)|Evolution]]'' (2013) * [[CunninLynguists]] – "The Morning" from ''[[Strange Journey Volume Three]]'' (2014) * [[Black Milk]] – "Leave the Bones Behind" from ''[[If There's a Hell Below]]'' (2014) * [[Homeboy Sandman]] – "Loads" from ''[[Hallways (album)|Hallways]]'' (2014) * [[Skyzoo]] & [[Torae]] – "Rediscover" from ''[[Barrel Brothers]]'' (2014) * [[Step Brothers (duo)|Step Brothers]] – "Tomorrow" from ''[[Lord Steppington]]'' (2014) * [[L'Orange (record producer)|L'Orange]] & [[Kool Keith]] – "This New World" from ''[[Time? Astonishing!]]'' (2015) * Elliterate – "Games" from ''Charlie Russell'' (2017) * The Funk Junkie – "As Live As It Gets (Games Redux)" from ''Moondirt'' (2017) * Nolan The Ninja – "Lei$ure" from ''YEN'' (2017) * Tope ft. Abstract Rude – Faithful (2018) * Vic Deal ft. Catt – "Changing" from ''La Costa Nostra'' (2020) * [[Logic (rapper)|Logic]] – "Orville" from ''[[Vinyl Days]]'' (2022) * [[Open Mike Eagle]] – "The Wire S3 E1" from ''[[Another Triumph of Ghetto Engineering]]'' (2023) * Strange Dust - "Mood" from ''Strange Company'' (2024) * [[Heems]] – "Porches" from ''[[Lafandar]]'' (2024) * [[McKinley Dixon]] - "Could've Been Different" from ''[[Magic, Alive!]]'' (2025) * [[Po3]] feat. [[Blu]] — “Déjà Vu” (2026)
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Wikiquote}} {{Commons category}} * {{Discogs artist}} * {{allmusic}}
{{Blu (rapper)}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Blu}} [[Category:1983 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:21st-century African-American male rappers]] [[Category:21st-century African-American rappers]] [[Category:21st-century American male rappers]] [[Category:People from San Pedro, Los Angeles]] [[Category:Rappers from Los Angeles]] [[Category:Sire Records artists]] [[Category:Underground rappers]] [[Category:Five percenters]] [[Category:21st-century American rappers]] [[Category:20th-century African-American musicians]]