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/
Happy Belated
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Unforceable, invincible, atypical, enter this ventricle
Wide open like a child's pleasure principle
My principalities remain unrinseable
Brain unwashable, dry clean only
So fresh on deep, never lonely
So genuine, my copies ain't phony
So recognize and give me what you owe me
Whether in solitude or assembly
I make (fraggles?) go BOW! Never wimbly
I got my enemies shook like there was ten of me
[Hook]
Happy belated one of these days
I survive everywhere (the people wanna be paid)
So many ways, you must be crazed if you think that you can stop it
[Verse 2]
Think I don't command props
You gotta redefine what props is
Well, it's awful proper, you can start there
Proper respect and my product you handle with proper care
Even though it stand the test of time
With the wear and tear
To make the grandstand, the new look threadbare
Still the fact remains
Those that want to test my threshold pain
Better be well-trained or they won't last to the refrain
I am lyrics (BLAOW!) Two to your brain
I double-tap you where the source of the trouble at
I'm sure you had to double that
To show y'all the serious, furious
I bring the cat back to life, bein' curious
And scratchin' beneath the surface to a J-Live rhyme
The shit that make payola-playas nervous at your service
One of these days, even they may play the real shit, yeah
Even primetime need a little true school rhyme time
So let the sun shine on every square mile of style
ANd one of these days our rappers won't be so foul
As they bullshit their way through
Livin' in denial like the shit that we say don't shake 'em
Oh, to you, if you want to teach them the fine truth
Or let them think they bullet-proof
One of these days (BLAOW!) Right in the ass kisser
And don't forget your get-over scheme
Here, take it with ya, I see through like a cipher
That's why ya got - threw you out my cypher
I'm through tryin' to decipher the double-talk
Double that too, so the biters'll get it right
And the writers will get excited
But see man, your bitch ass will never get invited
To a caliber, an echelon like this
Until something better was created
Then I say "Happy Belated"
In J-Live's song "Happy Belated," the rapper delivers a confident, assertive message about his talents and abilities. He describes himself as "unforceable, invincible, atypical," with a ventricle that is wide open like a child's pleasure principle. J-Live declares that his "principalities remain unrinseable" and his brain is "unwashable, dry clean only." He clearly has a high opinion of himself and his skills, which he backs up by stating that he never feels lonely and his copies are not phony. J-Live demands the listener's attention and long-term memory, warning that his enemies are afraid of him.
The hook of the song is catchy, with J-Live wishing himself a belated happy day and proclaiming his survival skills. He tells the listener that there are so many ways he can succeed and they must be crazed if they think they can stop him. J-Live warns anyone who wants to test his threshold pain to be well-trained, or they won't last.
In the second verse, J-Live challenges the listener to redefine what "props" means and reminds them to handle his product with proper care. He states that his music has stood the test of time, and even though it may be threadbare, it remains a grandstand. J-Live delivers a powerful lyric that hits home, stating that one day, even primetime TV will need a little true school rhyme time. He urges the listener to let the sun shine on every square mile of style and hopes that one day, rappers won't be so foul.
Overall, J-Live's "Happy Belated" is a song about the rapper's self-confidence and his belief in his abilities. He warns his enemies, demands the listener's attention, and challenges them to redefine what "props" means.
Line by Line Meaning
Unforceable, invincible, atypical, enter this ventricle
I am a force to be reckoned with, unstoppable and unique. Come inside my mind and experience my world.
Wide open like a child's pleasure principle
My mind is open and free to explore just like a child's imagination is limitless.
My principalities remain unrinseable
I am who I am, unchangeable, and cannot be altered.
Brain unwashable, dry clean only
My mind and thoughts are only for those who understand my worth and can handle my style. I am unique and cannot be washed away or altered like other things.
So fresh on deep, never lonely
I am always sharp and on point even when alone. I am true to myself and never feel lonely in my own thoughts.
So genuine, my copies ain't phony
I am an original, and my followers are true to my style. My followers are not impostors or fake copies of myself.
So recognize and give me what you owe me
Acknowledge my talent and contribution and give me what I am rightfully owed. Show me respect in the industry and the world.
Your attention and long-term memory
Remember me and my talent in the long run. Pay attention to my style and keep my name in mind when you think of rap music.
Whether in solitude or assembly
Whether I am alone or with a group, I always remain true to myself and my music. I am independent and strong enough to stand alone but happy to collaborate.
I make (fraggles?) go BOW! Never wimbly
I dominate and control others in the industry. My style is strong and powerful, making others acknowledge my worth.
I got my enemies shook like there was ten of me
I am so strong and powerful that even my enemies are intimidated and can't handle me. They are scared and nervous about my talent and influence.
Happy belated one of these days
Someday in the future, people will realize the true talent and influence I have in the industry. They will look back and acknowledge my worth, even if it is belated.
I survive everywhere (the people wanna be paid)
I am successful and thrive in every aspect of the industry, from performing to getting paid. People want to be like me and make a name for themselves.
So many ways, you must be crazed if you think that you can stop it
I have achieved success in many ways, and nobody can stop it. Those who try to stop me are crazy to think they have the power to change my success.
Think I don't command props
Do not undermine my talent and influence in the industry. I demand respect and acknowledgment of my worth.
You gotta redefine what props is
You must change your definition of success and talent because I am so unique and powerful in the industry.
Well, it's awful proper, you can start there
My talent and influence are beyond adequate and follow the highest industry standards.
Proper respect and my product you handle with proper care
Handle my music with the utmost care and respect. I put a lot of effort and hard work into my craft, and it deserves to be treated properly.
Even though it stand the test of time
My music is so extraordinary that it will endure over time and remain relevant for years to come.
With the wear and tear
Even with damage and the passage of time, my music remains strong and stands tall in the industry.
To make the grandstand, the new look threadbare
I can make outdated things look new again and make it look like it belongs in the current world's grandstand.
Still the fact remains
Regardless of the situation or industry, my talent and worth are irrefutable and true.
Those that want to test my threshold pain
My critics want to see how much pain it would take to stop and defeat me.
Better be well-trained or they won't last to the refrain
My critics must be strong and skilled to endure my power and talent or else they will capitulate and be defeated.
I am lyrics (BLAOW!) Two to your brain
My music is powerful and can penetrate deep into the listener's mind and soul.
I double-tap you where the source of the trouble at
My music and talent can strike at the very source of your fears and problems, changing your perspective and life.
I'm sure you had to double that
You must think carefully about your response to my talents and represent the best of yourself before responding to me.
To show y'all the serious, furious
I am serious and formidable, and my influence and talent are uncontested and respected in the industry.
I bring the cat back to life, bein' curious
My passion and curiosity for the industry drive me to create new and innovative music that will bring life and relevance to the industry.
And scratchin' beneath the surface to a J-Live rhyme
I dig deep beneath the surface and create meaningful and passionate music that reflects my innermost thoughts and emotions.
The shit that make payola-playas nervous at your service
My unique and innovative music creates fear in those who play music solely for money and are nervous about their talent being replaced.
Even primetime need a little true school rhyme time
Even prime-time music can benefit from my unique and innovative style and influence. A little bit of my music can help even the biggest artists reach new heights in the industry.
So let the sun shine on every square mile of style
My influence and talent shine brightly and reach every corner of the industry, illuminating and influencing new talent and styles.
And one of these days our rappers won't be so foul
Someday soon, the industry will be free of foul and disrespectful music, and artists will produce meaningful and passionate music that brings joy and inspires listeners.
As they bullshit their way through
Many artists have succeeded by lying and being disingenuous in the industry, but it's time for a change and for talent and honor to be respected in the industry.
Livin' in denial like the shit that we say don't shake 'em
Artists who refuse to change and acknowledge real talent and honor live in denial and ignore reality.
Oh, to you, if you want to teach them the fine truth
If you want to bring truth and honor back to the industry, you must teach and lead by example. Inspire others to create meaningful and innovative music.
Or let them think they bullet-proof
If you refuse to lead and teach, these artists will remain delusional and live in a world where their talents are bullet-proof, ignoring the truth and facts of the industry.
One of these days (BLAOW!) Right in the ass kisser
Someday, these artists will receive justice and be served their due by those who respect talent and honor in the industry.
And don't forget your get-over scheme
Remember the deceitful and selfish tactics you used to get where you are in the industry. These tactics won't last forever and will eventually catch up to you.
Here, take it with ya, I see through like a cipher
Take your get-over scheme with you, or even better, abandon it altogether. I see through your tactics and won't be fooled by them.
That's why ya got - threw you out my cypher
Because of your deceitful tactics, I have expelled you from my circle of respected and talented industry professionals.
I'm through tryin' to decipher the double-talk
I won't try to decipher or understand your lies or deceitful tactics anymore, and your talents will remain unacknowledged and irrelevant in my eyes.
Double that too, so the biters'll get it right
Double your deception and lies so that those who copied your get-over scheme will get what they deserve and be exposed for their unoriginal and deceitful tactics.
And the writers will get excited
Writers who value talent and authenticity in the industry will be inspired and energized by those who bring honesty and passion to the industry.
But see man, your bitch ass will never get invited
Those who lie and use deceitful tactics in the industry will never be accepted or invited to join those who value and respect talent and honor in the industry.
To a caliber, an echelon like this
Industry professionals who value talent and honor like myself will never accept or invite those who use deceitful tactics to join our ranks.
Until something better was created
Until something new and innovative is created in the industry, those who use deceitful tactics to get ahead will remain irrelevant and unacknowledged in the industry.
Then I say "Happy Belated"
Once the industry recognizes true talent and honor, they will look back on our time and acknowledge the contributions of myself and those who value talent and authenticity in the industry.
Contributed by Sophie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.