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/
Hush the Crowd
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
MC's out there how deep does the underground get?
Deep engough to set up the upset
With your dream and aspirations personal status across the nation
That only leads to the aggravation of realizing thee exaggerate
The stakes when your the best on the block
You got the whole world locked
Thinkin' lyrics get you over leave you sadly mistaken
That just cause your flavor is phat
Doesn't mean your Tasters Choice
If the crowd doesn't recognize your voice
So new jacks feel the sad truth the proof
Now you can have the best beat and the illest flow
A dope crew with the full proof stage show
But it your jams what the followers don't know
You ain't gettin' no love from the crowd bro
Is that justice when you come correct like a-yo bust this
And heads be like "Who the fuck is this" -B.I.G.-Warning
But when the same records on the play list
The last shall be first and the least likely to get dissed
Now it might of been a while but ain't a damn thing changed
From the opening acts to the solid gold wax
But these are the facts when you gotta wait your turn on line
So let me show you one way to kill time
Hook:
Cause this is for the heads that' on some next shit
(NEXT SHIT) Noboy reocognize till the next hit (NEXT HIT)
You gotta hush the crowd (HUSH THE CROWD)
I said hush the crowd (HUSH THE CROWD)
A-yo this is for the heads that's on some next shit
(NEXT SHIT) But nobody recognize till it's the next hit (NEXT HIT)
You gotta hush the crowd (HUSH THE CROWD)
It don't matter when they ain't gettin' loud (HUSH THE CROWD)
Verse 2:
A-yo how many times have you seen it?
The local boy makes good around your hood
With the style you couldn't knock uless you tried it
But gettin' props is a whole nother mission
Because crowd participation is bore of attrition
See time is the person that you have to sift through
Cause you just an act people have to sit through
Before the show stoppers pay twice as much as you
But frankly guess who the crowd came to see
Especially the ones who showed up two hours early
Just to pack up the front put yourself in they shoes
We ain't got time for new jacks trying to pay dues
You lose because I got the dialect blues
You're unknown just like them 50,000 other crews
So I'm a either play the back or you can hear the boos
So when you wondering why it's so quiet you hearin' crickets
I'm saving my energy for the names on the ticket
Matter of fact a-yo you best to shorten up your show
I paid my doe to see the pros flow
My man in the back got plenty of pennys to throw
And now you askin' me to say "ho" oh hell no but that's why
Hook
Verse 3:
So let's see as we break this down logically we confirm premiscy
The crowd wants to murder ya because they never heard of ya
But do you quit it wishing you never would of did it
Or say committed and come with it
Well I prefer the latter cause time fly and if your dope
You get a deal and watch your pockets get fatter
And if your wack you'll probably get a deal anyways
Cause now a days come on look around it don't matter
Besides what's your options put you hard work up for adoption
And climb back down from the middle of the ladder
I rather break the mics and the lights and lick a shot up in the air
Just to watch the crowd scatter
But naw cause then you mess it up for the few true
Hardcore heads to give credit where the credit is due
guarantee that if you keep it dedicated to them
They'll turn around and dedicate it you like yo
Hook
In J-Live's song Hush the Crowd, the rapper delves into the struggles underground MCs face when trying to gain recognition and respect from their audiences. He starts by questioning how deep the underground scene can get and how far one needs to go to create a powerful and lasting impact in the rap game. J-Live highlights the reality that many self-proclaimed 'lyricists' fail to recognize: having a good flow and lyrics are not enough to get you recognized; you need to connect with your audience. The crucial role the crowd plays in elevating or demoting an artist's career is highlighted. If the audience doesn't recognize your voice, the flavor of your music, or your style, then you may not get any love from them. The rapper emphasizes the importance of waiting for your turn and making sure that you don't lose sight of your goals.
In the chorus, J-Live speaks directly to an audience that's always looking toward the next big thing, saying that they have to "hush the crowd." The MC is highlighting the need for underground artists to make sure they earn and hold people's attention when they get a chance to perform. He goes further to explain how the local boy making good around the hood has to fight to get recognition, and how tough it can be to get props from the crowd. J-Live addresses how the audience's expectations for the opening acts can be unrealistic, as they often have to see the newbies sifting through their sets before the main event. J-Live highlights how, as an artist, this lead to attrition as you have to gain the audience's attention, but if they are not familiar with your style, then it's a whole other mission.
Overall, J-Live outlines the significance of the audience as the gatekeeper to one's success. MCs need to take the time to build genuine connections with their listeners and deliver outstanding performances to be recognized in the game. It is essential to stay committed, work hard, and stay true to your craft, even when it feels like your efforts are not bearing fruit.
Line by Line Meaning
MC's out there how deep does the underground get?
How far down does the underground scene go?
Deep enough to set up the upset
It's deep enough to make a name for yourself and upset the status quo.
With your dream and aspirations personal status across the nation
Your dreams and aspirations are important, but it's also important to recognize they may only lead to disappointment and frustration.
That only leads to the aggravation of realizing thee exaggerate
When you hype yourself up too much, you're only setting yourself up for disappointment and frustration.
The stakes when your the best on the block
When you're on top, the stakes are higher.
You got the whole world locked
You may feel like you have everything under control, but it's important to remember that others may not see it that way.
Thinkin' lyrics get you over leave you sadly mistaken
Thinking your lyrics alone will carry you is a mistake.
When lyricist are brought to the rude awakening
When you realize that your lyrics alone won't get the crowd going, it's a rude awakening.
That just cause your flavor is phat
Just because you think your style is cool or fresh, it doesn't mean everyone else will agree.
Doesn't mean your Tasters Choice
Your particular style may not be what the crowd wants or expects.
If the crowd doesn't recognize your voice
If the crowd doesn't know or recognize you, it's hard to get them excited about your music.
So new jacks feel the sad truth the proof
It's important for new artists to realize the harsh truth about the music industry and how difficult it can be to gain recognition.
Now you can have the best beat and the illest flow
Even if you have a great sound and style, it won't necessarily translate into success or recognition.
A dope crew with the full proof stage show
Even having a great team and performance won't guarantee recognition.
But it your jams what the followers don't know
If the crowd doesn't know your music or style, it's hard to get them interested or excited.
You ain't gettin' no love from the crowd bro
If the crowd isn't feeling your music, it's hard to get them to participate or get excited.
Cause this is for the heads that' on some next shit
This is for the innovative and unique artists making music that's different from the norm.
But nobody recognize till the next hit
Even if your music is great, it may take an extra push or hit to gain recognition.
You gotta hush the crowd
Sometimes, it's important to quiet the crowd and focus on delivering a great performance.
I said hush the crowd
Reiterating that the focus should be on delivering a great performance, rather than hyping up the crowd unnecessarily.
The local boy makes good around your hood
The hometown hero can gain recognition and success in their own community.
With the style you couldn't knock unless you tried it
You can't judge someone's style or sound until you've actually given it a chance.
Because crowd participation is bore of attrition
Getting the crowd to participate is hard work and takes time.
See time is the person that you have to sift through
Time is the primary factor in gaining recognition and success in the music industry.
Cause you just an act people have to sit through
As an up-and-coming artist, people may see you as just another act they have to endure.
Before the show stoppers pay twice as much as you
The big-name acts and headliners get paid more, but they also have more pressure and expectations.
But frankly guess who the crowd came to see
The headliner and bigger acts are who the crowd really wants to see and are most likely to remember.
We ain't got time for new jacks trying to pay dues
The crowd isn't necessarily interested in new, unproven artists who are just starting out.
You're unknown just like them 50,000 other crews
There are countless other artists and groups who are also unknown and trying to make a name for themselves.
So I'm a either play the back or you can hear the boos
Either accept your place and perform accordingly, or risk being booed and rejected by the crowd.
So let's see as we break this down logically we confirm premiscy
Analyzing the industry and recognizing that recognition and success are often based on popularity and timing.
The crowd wants to murder ya because they never heard of ya
If the crowd doesn't know your music, it can be difficult to gain their attention and participation.
But do you quit it wishing you never would of did it
Do you give up and regret trying, or keep pushing forward despite the obstacles?
Or say committed and come with it
The key is to stay committed and keep working hard to try and gain recognition.
Well I prefer the latter cause time fly and if your dope
It's better to stay committed and work hard, because time passes quickly and if your music is great, you may gain recognition.
You get a deal and watch your pockets get fatter
If you're successful, you can make a lot of money and gain recognition.
And if your wack you'll probably get a deal anyways
Even if your music isn't great, you still may be able to gain some recognition and success.
Cause now a days come on look around it don't matter
In today's music industry, success can come in many different forms and from many different styles of music.
Besides what's your options put you hard work up for adoption
Your other option is to give up and abandon all your hard work.
And climb back down from the middle of the ladder
If you give up, you may have to start all over again and lose any momentum or recognition you've gained.
I rather break the mics and the lights and lick a shot up in the air
Some artists may prefer to rebel against the system and disrupt performances if they feel they're not being recognized.
Just to watch the crowd scatter
The goal may be to shock or scare the crowd into paying attention, but it's not necessarily a productive approach.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind