Blu

Bio

Johnson Barnes, known professionally as Blu, is an American rapper and producer born on April 15, 1983, in San Pedro, California. He first gained recognition as one half of the duo Blu & Exile, whose 2007 debut album Below the Heavens is widely regarded as a landmark underground hip-hop release. Blu’s solo work and numerous collaborative projects have established him as a key figure in the Los Angeles underground scene, noted for introspective lyricism and jazz-inflected production. His catalog spans jazz rap and alternative hip-hop, and he continues to release music independently while maintaining a dedicated following.