Johnson Barnes, a.k.a. one part of Johnson & Johnson, b.k.a. Blu, moved at least eight times growing up in LA. And it seems like that constant movement is having an effect on his music career. After his excellent collaboration with Exile and his most recent soul-inflected LP with Mainframe as Johnson & Johnson, Blu refuses to take a breather. Recently posted on his Myspace page, "Since (RIPJD&JB)" is a jubilant, soulful summer track. The production is classic J Dilla-style, chopped-up soul samples in a fun-size package.
"Since (RIPJD&JB)"
"Amnesia" plays the classy B-side here. The vibe is sultry: smoke circles filling up the lounge, piano keys serenading the audience. As if the sound source was not enough of an homage to Billie Holiday, Blu mentions her in name a handful of times. Excellent pair of tracks from the best rapper ever inspired by Will Smith's music circa Big Willie Style.
"Amnesia"