J-Live started his career by releasing solid 12" such as "Longevity", "Braggin' Writes", and "Hush the Crowd", which earned him a spot in The Source's "Unsigned Hype" column.
Recorded mostly at J's own Triple Threat Studios in Philadelphia, The Hear After actually seems to have taken on a life of its own. Guest vocalist on the album, include up and coming artist, Kola Rock, Cvees, and the soulful sounds of Virgin recording artist, Dwele. The album features production by Floyd the Locsmif (Atl), Hezekiah, James Poysner (Philly), Probe DMS, Fire Dept., (NYC), Oddisee (DC), and J-Live himself. "The title is a play on words. People think of the here after as the after life or somewhere you go when you die. Like heaven or hell. Me personally, I see heaven as being at peace with yourself while you're alive. I see hell as the path you choose in life as opposed to a place you go after death. The album is called The Hear After because I'm at peace with myself musically, and I've been through hell to get that way. This is what you "hear after" all that has transpired so far. This is what I've been working to accomplish since the last album."
Like J's last two full length records, The Best Part and All of the Above, The Hear After covers a wide range of thoughts and emotions both musically and with its subject matter. "If you were to look at the whole thing, you would see a story line about an artist trying to maintain and expand his career and still be there for his family. That was the biggest struggle while making the record, and its no coincidence that it's a theme that becomes obvious listening to it. But there are songs about almost every aspect of my life from growing up in the city, to raising kids, touring heavy, building and teaching, politics, party and bullshit. I can't just spit about one thing for a whole record. That's not my style."
J-Live has been rhyming and mixing since the age of 12 but he has made much more of a name for himself as an MC than as a DJ. "I definitely focus on rhyming more. Growing up doing both it was easier on the pockets to be an MC. Records and equipment can get expensive. But I love spinning." One of the highlights of his entertaining live show is when he rhymes and beat juggles on the turntables simultaneously, performing his classic, "Braggin' Writes." J-Live is also known to produce beats.
J-Live has always used music to get his messages across. He explains, "I grew up listening to everything from BDP to NWA, to PE [[artist]Public Enemy], Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Nice and Smooth. Whether the music was pimped out, gangsta, militant or whatever, rappers had something important to say to kids like me. And I listened intently. As a 5%er, I can't imagine how much of an influence hip hop had on the way I see the world."
Case in point, J's favorite song on the album, "Audio Visual" is so descriptive it's a song "in 3-D". From the quirky, key accents to the thick-ass bottom running throughout the song, J-Live paints a colorful, picture of his life on and off the mic. "Brooklyn Public" is his ode to his days as an educator. Earlier in his career, J-Live taught middle school English/Language Arts in Brooklyn for a few years.
Making music for the walkmans as well as the Jeeps, J-Live made a mature, sonically sophisticated album. "I feel like I represent hip hop's middle class. Seems like everybody's either crying broke or screaming rich or both. I try to speak to the people in between. The everyday hard working fun loving hip hop heads."
Year Formed: 1995
Official Site: http://www.j-livemusic.com/
Coming Home
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I've never changed my way or changed my life
And now I'm coming home
Yeah, I'm coming home
Where I belong
I've been gone to long
I'm coming home
And if you're still around I'd like to go out
For I'm coming home
Yeah I'm coming home
Where I was born
Where my heart belongs
I'm coming home
I've looted life
Through a different time
Seen the sun come up
In the forest sky
Drank the sweetest wine
From a silver cup
Sometimes being deaf, sometimes being blind
Well I don't know who'll meet me at the shore
Many years have gone since I walked out that door
But now I'm coming home
Yeah, I'm coming home
I just hope I find, my piece of mind
I'm coming home
I've always been a-roamin' round this world
And I've never changed my way or changed my life
But now I'm coming home
Yeah, I'm coming home
Where I belong
I've been gone to long
I'm coming home
The lyrics of J-Live's song "Coming Home" captures the feeling of longing and the desire for a sense of belonging. The singer reflects on their constant roaming and the refusal to change their path or lifestyle until now. They declare that they are finally coming home, where they belong after being gone for too long.
The song evokes a bittersweet emotion, as the singer reminisces about saying goodbye a long time ago and expresses a hope that the person they left behind is still around. There is a sense of eagerness to reconnect, as they propose going out together. The repetition of the phrase "I'm coming home" reinforces their determination and excitement to return to their place of origin.
The lyrics also touch upon the experiences and adventures the singer has had during their time away. They mention looting life through different times, witnessing the sunrise in the forest sky, and indulging in the sweetest wine from a silver cup. These experiences have shaped their perspective, sometimes leaving them feeling deaf and blind to the world around them.
The final verse hints at uncertainly, as the singer acknowledges not knowing who will be there to meet them at the shore. They acknowledge the passing of many years since they walked out the door, but remain hopeful that they will find their peace of mind upon returning home.
Overall, "Coming Home" is a song about the longing for a place of belonging and the desire to reconnect with one's roots. It encapsulates the universal theme of searching for a sense of home and the emotional journey that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I've always been a-roamin' round this world
I've spent my life traveling and exploring different places and experiences
And I've never changed my way or changed my life
I have remained true to myself and my choices throughout my journey
And now I'm coming home
After all my adventures, I am finally returning to my place of origin
Yeah, I'm coming home
I am eagerly and enthusiastically returning to my home
Where I belong
I am returning to the place where I truly fit in and feel a sense of belonging
I've been gone too long
I have been away from home for an extended period and it's time to return
Well I said goodbye so long ago to you
I had bid farewell to you a considerable time ago
And if you're still around I'd like to go out
If you are still present in my life, I would love to spend time with you
For I'm coming home
Because now, I am finally returning to my home
Where I was born
I am going back to the place where I first entered this world
Where my heart belongs
I am going back to the place that holds a special place in my heart
I'm coming home
I am on my way back to where I truly call home
I've looted life
I have explored life's treasures and experiences
Through a different time
I have experienced various eras and periods
Seen the sun come up
I have witnessed the sunrise
In the forest sky
While surrounded by nature's beauty in the sky
Drank the sweetest wine
I have savored the most delightful and satisfying pleasures
From a silver cup
From a vessel that symbolizes luxury and indulgence
Sometimes being deaf, sometimes being blind
At times, I have chosen to ignore or overlook certain things, intentionally or unknowingly
Well I don't know who'll meet me at the shore
I am uncertain about who will be there to greet me upon my arrival
Many years have gone since I walked out that door
A significant amount of time has passed since I departed from that place
But now I'm coming home
Nevertheless, now I am finally returning home
I just hope I find my peace of mind
My only desire is to discover inner harmony and tranquility upon my return
I'm coming home
Once again, I emphasize that I am making my way back to where I belong
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CLIFTON CHENIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind