As hip hop grows in Alberta, emerging Calgary MC The Blue is developing his sound leaning on the classic late ‘90s vibe, laying his uplifting rhymes over tightly produced, clean R’n’B-influenced beats punctuated by effervescent vocal pop hooks. His 2022 release, Things Could Be Worse, is an upbeat, positive, and sunny effort that saw The Blue nominated for Rap Recording of the Year at the 2023 YYC Music Awards. Things Could Be Worse sees The Blue growing his crew of collaborators to create a sound that incorporates urban pop cameos for its cleanest hooks, while his band keeps the room moving with dancefloor beats, thick bass grooves, and jazz-influenced funk guitar, and hooky keys, giving The Blue a vibe that feels like The Roots on a disco kick, like a neighbourhood alley dance party on a hot summer day.
Biography by Mike Dunn