In 2007, West Coast emcee Blu and producer Exile created what many consider to be a new-age classic Hip-Hop album in the form of Below The Heavens. Positioning a then newbie Blu and an already experienced Exile into the underground limelight as a pairing destined for greatness, since that release the two have gone to release solo projects and after years of longing, finally reunite to give fans what they’ve been waiting five years for with their latest installment.
With Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them, Blu and Exile have once again created a nice project however, it doesn’t sound much different than the debut. What makes this album different is the fact that the project was created over a few days; songs made “for recreation as opposed to work.” Despite being almost unintended, the duo generate a list of solid features including Black Spade, Jimetta Rose, FashawnHomeboy Sandman.
Exile’s production palette evokes a soulful and melodic vibe throughout the album whilst Blu’s explore topics of faith, false fathers, life and maintaining. RecruitingMr. Roger’s greeting on the hit show for “Good Morning Neighbor,” exile also turns to the late and great Amy Winehouse and her Frank version of “Moody’s Mood For Love,” for the album opener “The Letter.”
Despite some complaints about Blu – like his lack of stage presence, or him not attending shows in New York – Blu’s lyrical abilities can not be questioned. On “A Man,” Blu basically details the concept of people and faith, advising listeners to find out who God is in relation to their lives and determine who it is that they believe in. On “The Only One,” Blu speaks of essentially learning to live; “I want to feel like I can fly again. They say the limit is the sky, but I’m sick of getting high. I don’t want to have to die to feel like I’m alive. I just want to be I.” On “Seasons,” Blu speaks of rap’s pornographic nature and lack of hope.
With all of the good of Blu’s lyricism, also come some shortcomings. Sometimes his delivery isn’t clear as he is rapping a little fast, and at other times comes off as a jaded critic. Whilst the duo created magic together once upon a time, with this album they haven’t necessarily progressed past that classic. Exile maintains smooth levels on production, but if Blu were to recreate the passion and progression that he exhibited with NoYork, it would’ve made for a better effort.
Blu & Exile – Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them
Released: September 4, 2012
Label: Dirty Science
Buy: iTunes / Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk
Reply