As a die-hard fan of 90's soulful hip-hop, it's not often that I hear anything new that even comes close to that classic signature sound from my childhood. Unlike a lot of "hip hop purists" I don't bitch and moan about the current state of the game, the lack of lyricists, crate diggers, and soul sampling producers...I just quietly sift through all the bullshit, and treasure the few gold nuggets I can find. With that being said, about a month ago while I was "sifting" aka surfing the 'net peeping out blogs & boards...I came across some talk about Blu & Exile. Yeah exactly what I was thinking...who the fuck are they?? Anyway...I saw numerous people claiming that their new album was without a doubt the album of the year. I immediately figured that the statements were from stans and/or Blu & Exile themselves....Until I started seeing more and more heads all over the 'net hyping the album.

I eventually gave in and downloaded "Below The Heavens"....and let me tell you...the hype is real. From beginning to end, the album is pure hip-hop. It's one long breath of fresh air in today's dirty and smoke infested hip-hop atmosphere. Exile produces the entire LP and creates a fluid, soul drenched sound which compliment's Blu's lyrics and smooth flow throughout. The content matter of the LP moves from various topics mostly concentrating on Blu's struggles with life, relationships, and love for hip hop. The dusty soul samples, scratched hooks, throwback lyrics, and ill rhyme schemes proved that real hip hop is not dead and it's still Below The Heavens.

I could keep writing about this album for days...but I'd rather you give it a listen and let it speak for itself.

1. My World Is
2. The Narrow Path
3. So(ul) Amazin'
4. Juicen' Dranks
5. In Remembrance Of Me
6. Blu Cola Workers
7. Dancing In the Rain
8. First Things First
9. No Greater Love
10. Show Me the Good Life
11. Simply Amazin'
12. Cold Hearted
13. The World Is (Below the Heavens)
14. You Are Now In the Clouds With (The Koochie Monstas)
15. Untitled Bonus Track 1
16. Untitled Bonus Track 2
17. Untitled Bonus Track 3

***CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD "BELOW THE HEAVENS"***

Leave a comment & lemee know what y'all think of the album...is the hype real? do I have horrible taste? let a playa know!