Forty (LP)

In the turbulent world of hip-hop, few artists are able to make the transition from hot young star to acclaimed rap luminary. L.A. icon Blu has followed this rare path, graduating from a spot on the 2009 XXL Freshman list to an expansive catalog with more than 25 celebrated releases. Now, the talented lyricist is celebrating his remarkable journey with Forty, a new album produced by influential beatsmith August Fanon, who has crafted tracks for Westside Gunn, Mach-Hommy, Tha God Fahim, billy woods, and more. "This album is a celebration of me reaching 40 years of age," Blu explains. "All the content is a reflection of where I am mentally at 40." With intricate verses packed with wisdom and maturity, the collection finds Blu and a host of guests reflecting on happiness, religion, love, knowledge, humanity, and more. Fanon brings these tracks to life, taking it back to basics with soul-heavy soundscapes Blu describes as "straight loops, no drum programming or layers, just really soulful loops." Featuring Kota The Friend, Asher Roth, R.A.P. Ferreira, Mickey Factz, Homeboy Sandman, Chester Watson, Fashawn, and more, Forty is a timeless experience from an artist who remains a vital presence in any decade of life. Tracklist: 1. Forty (feat. Chris cLArke and Mickey Factz) 2. Worthy (feat. Cashus King and Scienze) 3. Simple (feat. Sene and Chester Watson) 4. Love (1-4) (feat. Wyldeflowher, Geminelle, Yah-Ra, Lexxus, and Noveliss) 5. Dance (feat. Phoenix Cruz and Charles Hamilton) 6. Happy (feat. Kota The Friend and R.A.P. Ferreira) 7. Knowledge (feat. Triune and Tristate) 8. Bible (feat. Propaganda and PCH) 9. Human (feat. Homeboy Sandman and Asher Roth) 10. Loser (feat. Cashus King and Stik Figa) 11. Joy (feat. Fashawn and Choosey)