Prolific LA-based emcee, producer, lyricist, mixing engineer, etc. Blu has left a lasting mark on the Indie/Backpack(?) Hip-Hop scene, crafting an impressive catalog instilled with the essence of the vibrant city he calls home. Johnson "John" Barnes, III—better known as simply Blu—has recorded and released a staggering amount of (largely self-released) albums, EP's, and singles since about 2006. Aside from his self-produced body of work, Blu has worked entensively in collaboration with artist like Bombay, Damu The Fudgemunk, Exile, Fa†e, Shafiq Husayn, Madlib, Mainframe as Johnson&Jonson, M.E.D. Nottz, Oh No, Ta'Raach as C.R.A.C. Knuckles, and Ray West. Now, the gifted lyricist has returned with a new album, The Color Blu(e). Among Blu's most conceptual projects to date, The Color Blu(e) is an artistic thesis statement, celebrating and reflecting on a remarkable creative journey.


The word "Blu(e)" is featured in every song title, and "Blue" is, also, thematically interwoven into each song's corresponding soundscape. An unapologetically personal collection with no features, The Color Blu(e) is set for release on September 24, 2021 and is now available for pre-order in both digital and physical formats (including a limited-edition Blu(e)-colored vinyl pressing.) Produced by Exile, the knocking first single, "People Call Me Blu(e)," is out now. Additionally, a recent email from Brown Bag AllStars (BBAS) explains, "J57 produced the lead single from Blu's forthcoming album with the song "Blu(e)s On My Mind!" Blu's album, The Color Blu(e) drops 9/24, via Nature Sounds!" It appears as though "Blu(e)s On My Mind" is, actually, available as a flexi disc-only exclusive included along with the Blu(e)-colored 2-LP vinyl pressing. To any effect, both "People Call Me Blu(e)" and "Blu(e)s On My Mind" are now available on select streaming services. Blu's The Color Blu(e) is now available for pre-order and is out 9/24 on Nature Sounds.