Music is therapy for young hip hop artist

Edmonton

One needs to look no further than Barry Morin Jr--a.k.a., Blu; an Aboriginal hip-hop artist from the Big River First Nation who uses his past to guide his future.

Blu was another sad story of a youth falling victim to peer pressure. Peer pressure coming in the way of substance abuse. It wasn't until Blu entered rehab three years ago that he steered himself in a positive direction and hip-hop became his new addiction.

"Well pretty much whenOin the past, like probably about three years ago I went to rehab and that's pretty much what pulled me out, is music. As soon as I started writing about my past experiences and everything, it just brought out a lot of anger and after that everybody heard my music, they liked it and I didn't have to hide anything anymore. So that's pretty much what saved my life and made me smarten up, you know? MusicOhip-hop."

The fact that he didn't have to hold anything in anymore became the thought behind Blu's theory--Music is therapy.

It's safe to say that his first CD entitled 'Rez Life' was a therapeutic endeavor, along with being a possible eye opener for listeners.

"It's moments of life on the rez, cause nobody knows of rez life living in the city. I gotta let them know that we exist too. That's pretty much what my CD is, it's rez life. In order to know about it, you gotta listen to it. You don't have to live it, just listen."

Blu went on to explain life on the reservation through his eyes.

"There's always fights over there. There's young kids' watching their parents sniffing gas and everything. They don't have anyone to look up to. Some of them don't have TV. Some of them are living in poverty. I don't know man, they just gotta upgrade."

Blu understands that having a creative outlet, whether it is music, art, or dance is a great path for children to follow.

"Well pretty much all they need is opportunities to do something that they love doing. That will pull them out of anything, cause music pulled me out of my addiction, so they just need opportunities."

Blu explains that along with opportunites, a hero or a role model would be helpful on the path to success of reaching goals.

"They need someone to look up to. I'm not saying that I'm that person but I do my best to try and keep them on the right track. I try to tell them how it is before they even try going to that stage."

Perhaps his next CD which will be entitled 'Wake the Nation" will be just the message that the youth, along with the rest of the world needs to hear.

"That's the main song of the CD is "wake the Nation. (The message behind it) Try to wake them up, tell them what's happening nowadays. I'm hoping it will go out worldwide, but that's a work in progress. It's a positive message in each and every song."

Fans can be rest assured that the message, along with every word, and every note will be crafted to perfection, as Blu is a noted perfectionist.

"As soon as I make a song and people say it's done and to me it's not done, it's never done until it's done perfect, you know? The sounds have to come out, the vocals have to be all leveled. I don't know, man some parts sound empty and I have to fill in all the time."

When asked of his inspirations, Blu listed some heavy hitters in the rap industry. Names such as Akon, Eminem, and Tupac were mentioned because of the fact they sing or rap about their lives, and their society. However he is not a carbon copy of those rappers as one radio station described his music as "very unique, there is no other sound like it."

It's becoming even more apparent that this is Blu's niche and this is becoming more apparent with his recently announced four nominations for the Aboriginal Peoples Choice Music Awards taking place in Winnipeg, on Nov. 7. He is nominated for best new artist, best songwriter, best rap or hip-hop CD, and single of the year. It means a lot to Blu to be recognized for his craft.

"I never thought I'd make it this far. It makes me feel real thankful for the fans, for their support, for enjoying my music that I never even expected. I'm just thankful."

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

With the success Blu's already gained; a successful CD, another one on the way, four award nominations, overcoming an addiction, and being an inspiration to Aboriginal youths, one would be inclined to wonder what else is on the horizon. Apparently, Blu has aspirations of one day becoming an Aboriginal hip-hop music producer. With the momentum he has already gained in a short amount of time, Blu indeed has the opportunity to 'wake the nation.'

BY THOMAS J. BRUNER

Sweetgrass Staff Writer

COPYRIGHT 2008 Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA)
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning