Forty [LP]

Blu & August Fanon - Forty [LP]

In the turbulent world of hip-hop, few artists are able to make the transition from hot young star to acclaimed rapluminary. Los Angeles emcee Blu has followed this rare path, graduating from a spot on the 2009 XXLFreshman list to an expansive catalog with more than 25 celebrated releases. Now, the talented lyricist iscelebrating his remarkable journey with Forty, a new album entirely produced by influential beatsmith AugustFanon, who has crafted tracks for Westside Gunn, Mach-Hommy, Tha God Fahim, billy woods, NavyBlue, and more. ''This album is a celebration of me reaching 40 years of age,'' Blu explains. ''All the content isa reflection of where I am mentally at the age of 40.'' With intricate verses packed with wisdom and maturity, thecollection finds Blu and a host of guests reflecting on happiness, religion, love, knowledge, humanity, and more.Fanon brings these tracks to life with a unique production approach, taking it back to basics with soul heavysoundscapes Blu describes as ''straight loops, no drum programming or layers, just really soulful loops.'' Withappearances by Kota The Friend, Asher Roth, R.A.P. Ferreira, Mickey Factz, Homeboy Sandman,Chester Watson, Fashawn, and more, Forty is a timless experience from an artist who remains a vitalpresence in any decade of life.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)