TDE opened up for Blu at some point in 2007 or 2008. They weren't really homies or anything, just dudes coming up at the same time. But it's amazing how far Kendrick has gone since 2011, whereas Blu is pretty much in the same spot. Drugs really fukked him up, shyt is sad. He has the music, "look," etc to be a noteworthy rapper on a label but could never get going.
People forget but Beneath The Heavens was a big album. Sold decently for an independent record but more importantly it got label people's attention. But Blu really fell off after that instead of building his name all over Cali and getting prepared for the next step. I liked J&J, I'm not the type to say Blu only has one good album but he clearly botched his shot.