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Blue Saint is more than a rapper. He is a storyteller who brings vivid tales to life via the medium of hip hop. Also combining RNB and Electronica with sprinklings of Soul in a heartfelt blend that is guaranteed to leave you feeling warm inside.
The 29-year-old touches on subjects such as his Christian faith, philosophy, mythology and societal issues, Blue’s music tells the tale of a man who has been shaped by his multi-cultural up bringing and his dual Congolese/British identity.
Due to the civil war in Congo, Blue and his family moved the UK and settled in Liverpool, when he was only five years old. Despite moving all over the city, Blue considers Toxteth his true home.
Growing up in an unfamiliar country, creativity and music was one of the ways Blue could express himself. He wrote his first rap at the age of 7. The fact everyone at his school ended up knowing the words and giving him positive feedback made him want to continue. His influences include legends such as Nas, Lupe Fiasco, and Jay- Z.
At only the young age of 13, Blue gave his first paid performance and has blossomed since. Supporting the likes of Pharoahe Monch, Wretch 32, Akala and even a young Ed Sheeran in the long-gone Bumper venue on Hardman Street.
One of his more eclectic collaborations was at London’s Royal Albert Hall, strangely with a Cornish metal band called “Black Leaves of Envy”. This was for a charitable organization called Music For Youth.
The creative process for Blue is one of experimentation. He first begins to have an idea about a concept and then free styles about it on a recorder. He then says he allows his brain to ‘go crazy on a pen and paper’ and finally uses his phone to organize everything. His song Braggadocio was simply built on his fascination with the ridiculousness of the word.
Blue counts himself lucky to have worked with a wide array of different producers including Paper Plates and Reklaw. He has even collaborated internationally, with French Trip-Hop producer Beloie who he plans to release music with this year.
2024 looks to be a busy year for Blue, with a gig on the 1st of February at Metro Cola with local Hip-Hop crew Black Borough, that includes his brother Dayzy.
Release wise, Blue plans two new contrasting E.Ps. One very hard and rhythmic, influenced by traditional Boom-Bap and the second more classic and soulful with an Anderson Paak inspired feel.
With a background in visual arts, thanks to his degree in product design from Liverpool John Moore’s University, Blue likes to focus on both the visual and lyrical elements of his art.
He plans to release a graphic novel in 2024. The medium of Comic Books and Manga heavily inspire his art and Blue will often post humorous anime reviews on his Instagram – check them out @bluesaint
Local artists Blue would like to shout out include his brother’s crew Black Borough, Ola Bean the producer, Cult of the Damned legend Tony Broke and Dorcas Seb.
During the interview for this feature, I felt captivated by Blue’s friendly nature and now can’t wait to see his next gig. So I urge you to do the same on February the 1st.