For me, Blu has been one of the most important artists to touch a mic post-2000. And, to be honest, in the history of hip-hop. Below The Heavens impacted in me such a way that it's indescribable, although I've tried numerous times over the years. The advance copy hit my doorstep (courtesy of J.Kim) and I was absolutely stuck. I go back to it constantly, which also proves its timeless nature. I'm not blind to the stretch-marks in his catalog or some of his unusual remarks... what I'm simply saying is that - on the mic - he's transparent, thought-provoking and an overall exceptional MC. He's also one of the most prolific guest MCs, delivering solid verses that need playlists (and his mixtape series) to help put them all in one place. In honor of his Born Day today, below is just a handful of my favorite verses/tracks from Blu's exceptional catalog. I hope you appreciate the man's music as much as I have, and give the man his flowers while he can smell them...