Blu & Exile

The Los Angeles duo, consisting of MC Blu (Johnson Barnes) and DJ/producer Exile (Aleksander Manfredi), gained critical acclaim with their debut album, Below the Heavens (2007), blending Blu's introspective raps with Exile's Pete Rock and J Dilla-inspired production. Blu and Exile first connected in the early 2000s, with Blu supporting acts like Slum Village and Platinum Pied Pipers before signing with Exile's label and releasing Below the Heavens. The album propelled Blu into the spotlight, earning him recognition as an "Artist to Watch" in various publications. Despite working on solo projects, the duo reunited in 2012 for their collaborative LP, Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them.