Back to Blu: Why the 'Below the Heavens' Album Cover Holds a Special Place in My Heart

All I See Is Blu Skies. Fat as Biggie with no Pun intended

Grand rising, my beautiful people!

LMAO, I kid, I kid. I WOULD NEVER say that ish..

But seriously..

Welcome back to another edition of Art on Wax. Today, I am vibing with a hip-hop classic: Blu & Exile's 2007 studio album, "Below the Heavens." As the two celebrate the recent anniversary of the classic album and that beautiful "Blu Note" collector's edition reissue on vinyl, CD, and cassette, let's dive into this masterpiece that still does so much for me today.

And they still spell my name fucked up on they flyers

The cover art for "Below the Heavens" is just captivating: Blu, beaming with an infectious smile, surrounded by a magical mix of blue tones and dreamy textures. This cover perfectly captures the album's essence, which merges gritty reality from urban life with magical serenity. It's like a visual expression of hope amidst struggle.

My world is blue

Now, let's talk about that blue. Not just any blue, but the kind of blue that speaks to your soul. These cool tones make the record feel deep and melancholy, which goes well with Blu's deeply personal lyrics. You might remember my post on Donald Glover's "Awaken, My Love!" with that striking face with a blue tint. Much as it is here, this blue adds layers of emotion and reflection to the visual narrative and helps it pop. It's like the universe saying, "Feel this."

What makes "Below the Heavens" so special is that Blu and Exile captured the album's soul and identity within its cover artwork. Like the music, the artwork has a vibrant, almost ethereal feel perfectly matches the album's lyrical depth and raw emotion.

Every time I look at the cover, it transports me back to the first time I heard Blu's verses and Exile's masterful beats, blending into something that spoke to me. It's not just an album cover; it's a depiction of the transformative power of music, addressing life's struggles and triumphs. This makes it a timeless piece of art, endlessly inspiring and impactful.

It's B-L-U, and if you see the E, drop 'em

Minimal yet striking, Blu's cover art throws me back to the classic hip-hop photography of an artist's expression and the emotional depth that the music holds. This simplicity makes the album's themes outstanding and roots them in a particular time and place while bringing forward its messages to relate universally.

And my mission's just beginning, call it Genesis

Let us not forget the heart of "Below the Heavens"—the music itself. Blu's lyrical genius and Exile's soulful production are a retro and brand-new sound. It doesn't lack raw emotion, with social observation at the front of their artistic agenda. One of my favorites is the first track, "My World Is." This epitomizes the vibe of the whole album, connecting with the listener through the intensity of its lyrics, ridden with deep thought over soulful beats. It's an extremely standout piece that shows Blu's storytelling ability and Exile's production capability.

nas told me it was mines right before half time

"Below the Heavens" is not just an album; it's life in all its peaks and valleys. The cover invites us into Blu's quest for meaning, reflecting on our struggles and aspirations. As we further push the boundaries between music and art, this album remains highly influential, showing how much an album cover can make us appreciate the contents further.

So, as we celebrate this anniversary, let's revisit "Below the Heavens" for a refresher course in the beauty of this art, both visual and auditory.

Until next time,

Stay bold, stay brilliant, and remember, as Jay-Z says, You could be anywhere in the world, but you're here with me. I appreciate that!

Keep finding the art in everything.

-Shadé

Further Reading

• Blu and Exile Secure Rights to "Below the Heavens" - This article details how Blu and Exile secured the rights to their iconic album, providing insight into the journey and significance behind "Below the Heavens."