Below The Heavens' Powerful Impact | Breakdown

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Blu & Exile's Below The Heavens is one of the 24 most important albums in my life. So I decided to do a piece on how the album affected the lives of others on the 15 year anniversary of its release.
Blu also tells some pretty hilarious stories about nearly signing to Death Row, Hi-Tek replacing him with Mos Def, and of course WWE Big E's personal testimony on how Below The Heavens saved his life.
Blu & Exile are currently touring in celebration of Below The Heaven's 15 year anniversary.
Hope you enjoy.
Blu: / herfavcolor
Exile: / exileradio
Big E: / wwebige
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ABOUT TCM:
Life Through The Lens of Hip Hop.
Justin Hunte is a music and culture critic and curator. During his career he served as Director of Content & Strategic Marketing for EMPIRE as well as Editor-in-Chief of HipHopDX. Hunte is the architect behind DX's video platform and creator of popular series, DXBreakdown. Along with championing Ambrosia For Head's video strategy, Hunte is also a weekly contributor to Shade45's All Out Show on SiriusXM and has been featured on Revolt TV’s “Revolt Live," Cheddar's "Cheddar Music," as well as in Billboard magazine.
In 2017 Justin Hunte moderated the Recording Academy's panel on The Health Of Hip Hop which featured Dr. Reef Karim, psychiatrist and human behavior expert; Shanti Das, urban music executive and founder of Silence the Shame; GRAMMY nominees Vic Mensa and Charlie Wilson, and five-time GRAMMY winner Lalah Hathaway. Later that year, he participated in a debate at the prestigious Oxford Union on whether Kanye West is more relevant than William Shakespeare.
Hunte has been the centerpiece of digital campaigns for Lexus, Honda, Brisk, and Simple Mobile and has hosted concerts and panels nationwide.
A graduate of Wofford College, Hunte spent 5 years working in investment banking at Banc Of America/Merrill Lynch and has covered music, politics, and culture for numerous publications.
He is currently based in Los Angeles, California. Follow @TheCompanyMan on all socials.
#JustinHunte #TheCompanyMan

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Опубликовано:

29 июл 2022

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Комментарии : 147

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

@antwahnredding6294 2 года назад

Lupe's biggest competition back in the late 2000s!

@hiphopfan578 Год назад

Such a great album! What are the other 23 bro?

@MrKing8050 2 года назад

Below the Heavens was the Pinnacle of what a classic underground album is, underground HipHop was it's dopest from 99-07

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thanks, MrKing.

@sunflowersamurai10 2 года назад

Facts 2000s underground hiphop was peak

@TheMetalFacevillain 2 года назад

First we got a Lupe episode and now we got a Blu & Exile episode. It's like you are targeting me exactly with these videos. Much love.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thanks for checking these out, ABHB.

@picassospajamas8078 2 года назад

One of my favorite records of all time. Of all time! A friend of mine recommended it to me back in 2012, when I used to play Battlefield 3 on the PS3. I remember hearing “Dancing in the Rain” and realizing then what hip hop could do, what language could do. His verse about his grandmother passing and using writing to help him cope meant a lot, and it means even more now given that my own grandmother has passed. So odd you dropped this video this week. I was just revisiting this classic. Thank you, Justin!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

It's all happening. I'm sorry to hear your Grandma passed. My condolences. That verse stands out to me too. Thanks for the comment, PP.

@GameOnRadio1 Год назад

Below The Heavens was one of those “accidental” finds/listens for me. I was looking for underground mixtapes and it popped up. I listened to it only on the strength of the album art thinking it was a mixtape. To this day I go back to that album as one of the best complete works of music across all music genres

@danspiritoso5945 2 года назад

I had lost faith in the future of hip hop around 2008 and all I listened to was late 80’s and 90’s classics. When I heard “Below The Heavens” I was blown away and Blu restored my faith in a new generation of rappers. I felt as though the album was beyond good and considered it a classic that fit perfectly into my playlists from the 90’s. I even began to argue that hip hop wasn’t dead yet and would beg my homies to listen to the album. Blu’s lyrical depth reminded me of Nas and Exile’s production was as good as any native tongue album. The music and messaging throughout the album embodied hip hop in its purest form. Great video and I concur that this album impacted so many rap fans because it definitely reignited my passion for hip hop and I continued thereafter to find other artists who were continuing to stay true to the culture.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

"Blu’s lyrical depth reminded me of Nas and Exile’s production was as good as any native tongue album" There's another version of the script where I point out how that XXL cover had what was supposedly the next versions of previous greats. Charles Hamilton was supposed to be the next Kanye. Asher Roth the next Eminem. BoB the next Andre. And Blu the next Nas. I cut it because it drifted too far from the thesis. But I agree with you, Blu reminded me of Nas, too. Maybe I'll breakdown that cover some time. Thanks for the comment, Dan.

@naheemquattlebaum2267 2 года назад

It's wild that 09 was 13 years ago.

@riptide312 Год назад

Your style of journalism is so refreshing. Lotta video essays or artist/album breakdowns on YT can't help but feel tiresome or limited in scope, but somehow you're able to infuse your own personality, while simultaneously keeping things thoughtful & concise. Your research, scripting, & presentation are all on another level. Big ups and I'm stoked the breakdown is back! 🙂

@TheCompanyMan Год назад

Wow. Thank you Christi. I felt that and I appreciate that sincerely.🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

@nickmfnjackson 2 года назад

Man. I'm so glad you're back out here releasing content.

@101iswhatsup 2 года назад

I'm glad this project is getting the recognition it deserves. Dope that Big E customized the gear to match the album cover. I can't believe it's been 15 years. Shout out to Blu and Exile.

@artheals8869 2 года назад

Below The Heavens is top 5 hip hop albums to me.

@CDMESD 2 года назад

This was great. I was always waiting to hear it but I never bit the bullet. I am going to listen to it now.

@4LilsC 2 года назад

I'm so excited for you!!! Please come back and comment to let me know what it made you feel!

@JTT1993 2 года назад

Yeah I heard alot of people talk about this album and I got to give it a listen as well

@peterkipchumba3971 Год назад

As a fan on this side of the world (Nairobi, Kenya) big up for your dope, awesome .videos. Keep them coming.

@TheCompanyMan Год назад

Thank you!

@titusm.w5414 Месяц назад

Same hood bro👊🏾👊🏾 NBO

@DJDizzy8 2 года назад

I love that 09 XXL Class. Charles Hamilton in particular. Mans made some of the best alternative rap that I listen to still all these years later. Blu is super talented but doesn't want to rap all the time. He likes producing as well. Blu Collar Worker is such a fun track off Below The Heavens.

@JordanClemons 2 года назад

Bruh. Dude was light-years ahead of his time with those Sega samples

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

I've got a breakdown in the cut on Charles Hamilton.

@JordanClemons 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan man!!! We definitely need it. Dude's whole career derailed after that punch

@dasracistyo3043 Год назад

This is one of those albums that resonates even more through time as you get older. I remember listening to it as a teen and loving it for the bars and how it had so much personality and adolescent energy, but now as a grown man the message brings me back to that time in my life and the ups and downs of transitioning from kid to and adult.

@tavoisamuels2756 Год назад

The particular song below the heavens PT 1. Helped me climb out of depression in high school and I haven't been able self reflect on that moment until watching this. Thank you.

@Stephen-cp4de 2 года назад

Listened to this album today for the first time. I didn’t discover Blu until Miles but damn what a good album, had to check out more. Looking forward to listening a few more times with all of this context. Great video, subbed, appreciate the content

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thanks Stephen! Miles is great too. Did an interview with them on that album the year it dropped. Exile crook the interview from the beach

@DarianRobbins 7 месяцев назад

One of my good friends put me on this album in 2007 and I have never let it go. I can't describe in words what Blu and Exile captured on that album and how it still resonates with me to this day. A masterwork of musical artistry on par with classic albums even outside the Hip Hop genre.

@patrickkeane4507 Год назад

This is incredible! Blu had a major impact on me and I don't even make hip hop. Such an original artist with such pure dedication to the music. Thank you for making this video. Upon first hearing Blu all those years ago I'd never heard anything like him before and still to this day nobody sounds like him. A slept on track is Dela's "WhatUWanna" feat. Blu. Has that classic style he's known for. Man I gotta go back and dig thru his catalog again after seeing this. Love and blessings.

@SupremeLogo 2 года назад

'09 XXL Freshman the best class imo Love that you're covering this. Please go in depth on Charles Hamilton as well if you haven't already!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

I actually interviewed him recently. We talked for nearly 2 hours. I'm gonna use it for something.

@jakel4316 Год назад

You're such a great writer. Really love your breakdowns!

@nembhardandre Год назад

Liked before even watching!..thank you sir!!!!

@jpeg7750 Год назад

Facts! Got me through highschool and trying to find a style as a artist he definitely opened up a whole new dimension from me back then

@MistahDobalina 2 года назад

I loved this album so much when I first heard it in high school, that I had to spread it around. 15 years ago I started uploading songs from the album onto youtube, since none of it was on here at the time. Now some of the videos have millions of views. Its crazy to read all the comments about how much the songs have meant to them. Vicariously I feel like I'm living through them.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thank you for your service, MistahDobalina. That's dope.

@mfwest11 Год назад

This is a great piece

@PhilRockwell 9 месяцев назад

Below the Heavens is a certified Hip Hop Classic, still listen to the tracks till this day.

@emerica95023 2 года назад

Sheesh! This album has done so much with for me in my lifetime! Thank you Justin, another breakdown for the books!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thank you, Jcanela.

@Romezguide 2 года назад

Im glad your back doing videos like this

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Me too. Thanks Romez.

@v1llian30 Год назад

Good on you giving Blue / Exile some sun. Fire artists.

@shivavuyani 2 года назад

Your breakdowns are beyond!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Preciate that, Vuyani.

@Flybryy 2 года назад

Finally listened to this album for the first time this week. Great album, very soulful feel to it. Can’t wait to listen to it again and dig into the lyrics more

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Let me know how it sounds on round 2, Brian. Thanks for checking the video.

@bensortino1881 2 года назад

Came across this record when it came out. Been in my rotation every few weeks since. Never gets forgotten. CLASSIC.

@LookingForAName... 2 года назад

This is what media should be! Combining stories, art dissection and interviews to bring a cultural cohesiveness to hip hop. Below the Heavens is definitely one of my favorite projects from that era, Blu's got such a unique way of being vulnerable; he's abrasively vulnerable.

@kaliym73 2 года назад

Thank you for this Brother. I Luv Blu, his music and artistry always keeps him in my Top 5. He's that good and deserves being Bigged Up. Below the Heavens is truly an all- time Classic.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

ALL TIME CLASSIC! Thanks Kaliym.

@Jmurphfla 2 года назад

One of my all time favorite albums. So many gems in this video. Increased my appreciation for the album and one of my all time fav rapper/producer duos. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

@bospats1 2 года назад

Simply amazin(song/video)hooked me. Might have shed a tear at the time. Other than Dilla sampling MOP at the time,Exile did a masterful job on that particular track as well as not doing a disservice to said Mash out Posse

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

That's my favorite joint on the album.

@clintwarner3008 2 месяца назад

Blu's wordplay n storytellin was amazing. Exile beats fit his vibe perfectly. Found album by mistake. Below the Heavens one of my favourites. 👊🏽

@TARRS1 Год назад

Hip hop 15 years ago.... It was a special time to be part of hip hop. I haven't experienced anything since. Thank you Blu, Ex, Fash, Choosey, and the rest of the Dirty Science crew for providing the soundtrack to my 20's. Peace.

@tonydoom2573 2 года назад

Fuck yes. This is one of my all time favorites. A masterpiece. Great vid

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thanks, Tony.

@ackrol 2 года назад

Finally some justice for this jewel , the beats and the lyrics are another level so different for the time I remember this record touch me so much, i was living in another country fighting my own ghost I’m a guy from the South America I don’t remember me how I get the records but it was pure magic and still one of my favorite records of all time this year I travel to California to the smoking grooves fest just to see blu and exile live ❤️ Dream come true haha it’s was a long trip from chile to USA but worth every penny !

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

That’s awesome Sebastian. Definitely one of the cooler stories I’ve heard about this project. Glad you made it to see them live

@kasino7132 Год назад

I love this album. I was bumpin this last month

@JordanClemons 2 года назад

"Til we die" is one of those songs from Blu that hits the soul, man. Straight soul.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Gotta check that one out. Which project is it on?

@JordanClemons 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan I believe it was his "God is Good" project from like 2010

@techschmech8557 Год назад

This album was suggested to me and it grabbed me quickly. It was only right that I tell others about it. Just classic!

@dtmfool789 2 года назад

This album was my high school sound track. Incredible album.

@ArmandTheBlackRevolutionary Год назад

Back when I lived in Chicago for college I would rent a bike nearly every day and ride it from Lincoln Park to Lake Michigan. As a Black kid who grew up in predominantly white schools I was socialized weird. So as to duck being ostracized by my classmates I’d emulate their behaviors instead of embracing the feelings that inspired my own. I became dissociated from society, viewing everyone and everything from behind what had become my means of survival - a veil of cynicism. I spent days, months, and eventually whole years of my life feeling bereft of true belonging or friendship. I remember the pain of spending my 22nd birthday having only heard from my parents and some childhood friends. Despite my emotional imprisonment, i found myself deeply drawn to Blu. If it wasn’t Below the Heavens it was Her Favorite Colo(u)r. Or it was Give Me My Flowers… or Good to Be Home, and on and on and on. I mean Vanity was the song I fantasized walking across stage to at my college graduation lol This guy man…saved my life. I’m in therapy striving to pull back that veil, piece by piece. Yet somehow some way I’ll always be that 22 year old looking out across those endless waters listening to Blu, my favorite rapper of all time, remind me that my soul was intact - that my soul could still rise. Pleasure seeing him in SF for BTH 15 year anniversary although my boy was 3 hrs late lmao. Much love to you Justin, been following for years and you’re fuckin amazing. If you dont know that punch yourself in the FACE

@TheCompanyMan Год назад

Really powerful comment, WSCIIS. Thank you for sharing that sincerely. It's amazing how an artist can completely change our lives. I appreciate you.

@Rmari00 Год назад

Never heard of this album, I’m bout to tune in 🎧

@Matas05 2 года назад

We gotta put this in the atmosphere; 100,000 subscribers coming soon!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

That's the energy we need right now! Thank yoU!

@QuietStorm3007 Год назад

I'm not proud to admit that I came across this particular album from illegally downloading it. I became a subscribing fan of BLU because of Below the Heavens and all of his work thereafter. I don't know how I missed this video, gotta turn on my notifications. Great video 👍

@sunflowersamurai10 2 года назад

This album gets me emotional cuz it has shaped me as a person and has helped me mentally grapple with life's uncertainties. Blu's lyrics are just 🤯😍😍 "If a man can envision his own heaven, then can't he envision his route to it too?" "I was 18 not yet abused by time, i saw the whole world through that girls eyes" He makes 99.9% of concious rappers look ass by comparison, honestly we are lucky to have him. Exile should be put with the goats of producers like dilla, madlib and nujabes. The amount of pure SOUL in these beats sheesh. Top 5 album, mc and producer all in one.

@HShalita 2 года назад

Blu is just a beautiful human. Much respect.

@AnimeProfilePicture 2 года назад

Heck yeah, that freshmen class was the best one Below the Heavens is a classic Btw the GOAT is on the grind I see you

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

It's All Happening.

@thebomb2116 2 года назад

Keep em coming

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Dropping a GOAT piece next Saturday.

@4LilsC 2 года назад

My favorite part was when you turned to do a side bar and told us you should punch yourself in the face for making excuses for Blu reading from a paper. LOL Great video - as always - on one of my top 5 favorite albums of all time. ❤

@PreachMooreComedy Год назад

Will listen to the album now

@TheCompanyMan Год назад

Let me know what you think.

@Dukesucks Год назад

"Below the Hevaens saves lives" STARTING IT OFF WITH FAXXXX

@domikatz 10 месяцев назад

found this album in the pandemic in 2020 i just turned 20 a few months before i found it, it was so special

@hemeheru6219 2 года назад

Wow, Great piece...I actually thought I was the only dude on the east coast that loves this album...I was in the dungeon of Target's freezer covered with Ice daily bang Blu & Exile Below the Heavens...I was like DAM I'm the only one who loves this shit....

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Target freezer covered with ice daily.... Yeezus! Great album to distract from current circumstances. Thanks, Heme.

@PayMeNoMind 2 года назад

I had to have been moved by the “Simply Amazin” record - subject matter, prod & delivery - because I heard part of it on XM, and then had to go and look the artists up to actually purchase the album online. I know we spend a great deal of time with the hardcore/street tales rap, but we aren’t all living that life. So it’s beyond dope when some artists can come out and do something really dope with a lot of the daily matters we endure. The only flaw about BtH was there wasn’t a follow-up project IMO with the same impactful execution. And I thought I had a new duo to track.

@agfromdai.e3806 2 года назад

One of my favorite hip hop albums of all time

@Paul-mu8ik Год назад

my favorite album ever

@Neo.Jordon 2 года назад

Got those sideshow hiphop statues i see lol nice

@stokelyherrera6526 2 года назад

Dope Dope Dope!!!!

@reddhampton740 Год назад

Got it on vinyl! I love this project man.

@tapiwamubonderi1504 2 года назад

I have to punch myself in the face for sleeping on this. Justine thank you for the tribute.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

How'd you like the album, Tapiwa?

@tapiwamubonderi1504 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan i like the album its an amazing piece of work.

@dahomieMays 2 года назад

Yup

@qrock639 2 года назад

Am I bugging, or was the LA show in the old spot that Good Life used to be? Soon as I drove up that was the first thing I thought.

@nycolehewlett5967 2 года назад

That Kxng Crooked quote really is perfect. And I’ll never stop laughing at the “replace Blu with Mos Def” story 😂

@incognegro8846 2 года назад

Salute to Blu & Exile for this masterpiece. This album helped get me through some tough times in 07.

@blubastud Год назад

3:10 is that an ODB figurine? Where do I get that? lol

@gezeo750 Год назад

I’mma have a concussion by the end of this video 😭😭

@willzang3000 2 года назад

yasss

@BandnerdsTV 2 года назад

Yooo Justin! When you gonna chat with some brothers blending rap ans rock? 😃

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

I'm not up on what's happening in rap/rock. Who should I talk about?

@itzmeh87 Год назад

I knew Big Es singlet looked so familiar

@kevinhardin7739 2 года назад

This was an amazing album no doubt but for me I felt like Her Favorite Colo(u)r was something different!!

@DazzOne2012 2 года назад

I can't believe I never listened to this before. Time to remedy that.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Let me know what you think.

@DazzOne2012 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan I can't believe I never gave this a chance before. I'm 39 and used to live in Houston around 2007, the last throws of "ringtone era rap". I was wearing the fuck out of Lupe's "Food and Liquor in my Anti-Skip Walkman CD (couldn't afford a Zune or iPod). I wanted something more substantive, and due to the coming age nature of the lyrics this would've been right up my alley. I love it now, but I feel I missed out on something that younger me would've really related to.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

@@DazzOne2012 at least you discovered it now. It’s all happening 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

@seandafny 2 года назад

Nas being like dude... 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 hilarious

@Augors 2 года назад

Sidebar: Justin, bro, you gotten younger! Stay up! 🙏🏾

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Ha! I'll take it. Thanks, SeptAuden.

@JoseReyes-hy6rd 2 года назад

I"m interested in knowing why The Tipping Point is up on your wall of fame. I love that album and it doesn't get the love that the other Roots albums do.

@stupidrules1000 7 месяцев назад

I've been saying that this is the best rap album of the oughts. Blue Collar Worker through Cold Hearted is the best lineup of songs on any album...maybe ever.

@adhd128 2 года назад

Lmao at that Akoo ad.

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Completely forgot Akoo existed.

@philterskilter9165 Месяц назад

The 00's Illmatic 100%

@phonkp Год назад

We still showing love to Kweli ... I see.

@Shellz386 2 года назад

Miguel Jontel is Miguel.... Mind = BLOWN

@huegrickofedgewood 2 года назад

I'm a fan of Talib Kweli but he could never make something as great as below the heavens. That quote feels a little egotistical.

@TeknikNineMilli 2 года назад

One of the Best rap albums ever 🔥🔥🔥🔥🇲🇿

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

BIGFAX.

@TerraFirma47 2 года назад

GOAT album. Easy top 2 and not 2

@thacool101 2 года назад

Wait Big E and on the thumb nail had to click didnt even read the title NEW DAY ROCKS

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Thanks Capital G. What'd you think of what BigE had to say?

@thacool101 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan made me even more of a fan i also punched myself in the face because i missed the interview had to go back and watch it. but i remember that ring gear and him talking about it on the new day pod

@redgenerall28 2 года назад

Yeah, this album is great Probably stumbled across it too late but nevertheless amazing record

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

It's never too late to find amazing art.

@redgenerall28 2 года назад

@@TheCompanyMan facts

@RodNubianKing 2 года назад

Bring back Underground Rap Music! SAVE US!

@KMO325 2 года назад

Wow, I’ve heard of the album, but never listened to it. Imma punch myself in the face and go correct that mistake!

@TheCompanyMan 2 года назад

Let me know what you think, KMO.

@KMO325 Год назад

@@TheCompanyMan Finally got around to listening to this album and DAMN I wish I had listened to this when it came out. Not gonna lie, before Spotify it was almost impossible for me to listen to underground stuff before then. My top track was Dancing In The Rain.

@TheCompanyMan Год назад

@@KMO325 fucking beautiful song

@KMO325 Год назад

@@TheCompanyMan That one, My World Is..., and Below The Heavens, part 1. I have been listening to this album on repeat for some hours now. What is a follow-up album you would recommend me from them?