Closed Sessions is an independent Hip Hop label with deep roots in Chicago’s music scene started in 2009. Building a community and giving guidance to young artists starting their music careers, more than 50 artists have released records and documentaries via the label. The duo Blu & Exile consists of rapper Blu (Johnson Barnes) and hip-hop producer Exile (Aleksander Manfredi). Blu's flow is more thought provoking than bling related, as his content reflects the joy and pain of working class youth. Exile is a producer, DJ and occasional emcee, with a production style of “laid back soulful vibes”.