Following the release of their latest single "Miles Davis," the first off their upcoming album Miles, indie titans Blu & Exile have returned with another glimpse at their forthcoming drop. This time it arrives by way of "Roots Of Blue," an ambitious track spanning nearly nine-minutes in runtime. Featuring assistance from Jacinto Rhines, the track opens with some tone-setting spoken word, transitioning over the soulful beat into a seamless verse from Blu.
It's a testament to his confidence as an emcee that Blu opts to ride Exile's understated yet effective instrumental throughout, his words painting pictures as he dives deeper into themes of race, history, and individuality. Speaking on the track in a press release, Blu named it one of the album's strongest. "On this song we took it back, all the way back," he explains. "Back to the very first people who have walked this earth that have influenced, or cultured or matured, my walk on this earth. Everyone except my immediate family. This song is my own personal family tree.”
Look for Miles to arrive in full on July 17th, featuring appearances from Miguel, Aloe Blacc, The Last Artful, Dodgr, Aceyalone, Iman Omari, and more.
QUOTABLE LYRICS
I'm the first man standing upright, holding a stone in my hand
After beating an ape claiming the land
Taking the stand and feeding my fam
Back when man ate they children
I'm killing other animals just to nurture them
