blu.collective release their debut single “Rising Above” — a soulful, R&B hip-hop collaboration with raw, funky beats. Imagine D’Angelo meeting J Dilla in a live jam, with vocals, Rhodes keys, and guitar layered over a tight foundation of bass and drums. Contrasting the sparse approach of the A-Side, the instrumental “Beers at Samir’s” lets the multi-instrumentalists stretch out in gradually evolving, thick textures, while still holding down the funk. Coming from varied backgrounds in beat-making, DJing, performance, live music, and film soundtracks, the four members of the band came together in this project through a mutual love of organic soulful music with a live feel.