Hailing from Miami, where successful Hip-Hop artists like Rick Ross and Flo Rida have paved the way, upcoming artist Billy Blue is hoping to get some of that same success. Already at 19, he has worked with notable producers such as Akon and Timbaland and finally his debut album presented by Poe Boy Music Group entitled “36 Reasons” is here. With his hit single “Story Of My Life” featuring Akon, I was excited to finally get to review the album for myself.

While I’m not a huge fan of that classic Southern sound, I must admit that Blue definitely had his own style. He indeed had that Miami swag but as I listened he sort of reminded me of a 2009 version of Juvenille meets Plies. It was awkward to find that his music was definitely reminiscent to that of a New Orleans style.

One of my favorite tracks on this album had to be “In The Bed.” This song had a sexy R&B vibe to it with a sultry male singer on the hook. This could definitely be a grown and sexy club or even cut joint. Blue’s southern accent really adds to the swag on this track. I may be going a little fast but I can even envision Rick Ross on the remix. Do I hear a possible Miami remix collaboration in the works?

You know every album is incomplete unless there is at least one track where the rapper spills out the struggles they’ve had in their lives. “This Is My Life” is about how Blue came from basically nothing and now he can sit back and relax knowing that the good times are ahead of him. From drug dealing to suicide, Blue discusses it all on this joint.  It’s a very inspirational joint with a very well produced mid tempo track. It’s just an all around real joint and I think Hip-Hop lovers would definitely appreciate his story.

“Get Like Me” featuring Brisco is definitely a club banger. The production is bananas on this track. It has a very classic southern sound mixed with a futuristic type vibe with sounds that accentuate the track. It’s basically a braggadicious joint that everyone can appreciate. There was a nice blend of Brisco’s more hyper type flow and Blue’s more subtle and smooth southern flow.

The best track on this entire album in my opinion has to be “Sun Don’t Shine.” The production on this joint was crazy. It has a smooth swag mixed with a psychedelic Jimmy Hendrix type vibe to it. The guitar riffs in it really add to that whole rock and roll era and it goes well with Blue’s voice. It even has the whole Hendrix-emo dark vibe to it. On this track Blue discusses how he doesn’t mind if bad things happen because he’s going to hell anyway. Not a very upbeat topic but somehow it still worked. While I’m not generally a fan of dark and gloomy music, this song stood out to me for some reason. He gives a very unique spin on what people traditionally talk about when speaking about blessings or spirituality. It’s an all around unique track and I can respect the creativity whether I agree with the joint or not. It was hot, period!

Can I give you 36 Reasons to buy this album, well it’s possible because the tracks were nice. If you are a fan of that classic Dirty South swag and hot beats that make your head nod, this is definitely the album for you. Just straight, real gutter and hood music, you gotta respect that!  I must admit that I am impressed; for Blue to only be 19 he is definitely doing his thing and I look forward to him getting more exposure. Keep doing your thing Blue!