“25 year old John Barnes, better known as Blu, stands at the forefront of Los Angeles’ new down-to-earth brand of do it yourself hip hop – a rare honest lyricist in a world of throwaway rappers. His ’07 debut Below The Heavens (produced entirely by Exile) immediately set him apart as a true artist, and new projects this year alongside Ta’Raach and Mainframe (as Johnson and Jonson) have continued to spread the word. Next year will see more collaborations, touring, and Blu’s first true solo project, Godlee Barnes.In this first of his three Keys 2 The City clips, Blu describes the “west coast bubble” that makes up LA’s inclusive hip hop/jazz/rock/soul scene and highlights the musical fusion Cali’s next movement of artists brings to the game.” -Tunji