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/
I Am A Man
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has it occurred
Cause of its color
People don't know it's worth
I'll be first to tell them what they deserve
Which is the worst curse straight from my ancestors
Why dont they accept our history
That's on its canvas
Will they search for the answers
Or will they avoid the issue like it's a cancer
And reject the education
Cause it's not substantial
How many black bodies die in the street
By a shield only that cares about the powers that be
And covers up the blood that flows right under our feet
They oppresses our rights
Cause they don't want us to breathe
This fight not everybody will see
Especially if you see the writing Which is racism and greed
They'd rather divide us than multiply us
We gotta continue to fight this
We gotta continue to fight this
Why should I stand
When you can't Stand my likeness, and my people dying
I use the 1st amendment right
But you just want to override them
That's about to change
We went from being in chains
To wearing chains were about the change the game
Things will never be the same
I will exist beyond my pain
In the lyrics of J-Live's song "I Am A Man," the artist delves deep into the complexities and struggles faced by black individuals in society. By comparing a picture to a thousand words, J-Live questions the value placed on visuals and how color can influence perceptions of worth and significance. He points out the ignorance and refusal to acknowledge the history and struggles of black people by some, leading to a lack of understanding and appreciation for their experiences.
J-Live laments the reluctance of some to delve into the true meaning behind the images and history presented to them, urging for a search for answers rather than a dismissal of uncomfortable truths. The mention of black bodies dying in the streets and being oppressed by those in power reflects the systemic racism and injustices prevalent in society. The artist highlights the struggle for recognition and equality, emphasizing the importance of fighting against oppressive forces that seek to divide rather than unite.
The defiance against suppression and the demand for justice is palpable in the lyrics as J-Live questions why his likeness and the suffering of his people are not given the same respect and attention as others. By invoking the First Amendment right to speak out against injustice, the artist challenges attempts to silence or override the voices of the marginalized. The shift from being physically chained to the metaphorical chains of oppression signifies a determination to break free and change the narrative, signaling a resolve to overcome the pain and persist in existence.
In the midst of turmoil and adversity, J-Live asserts a determination to persevere and transcend the challenges faced, symbolizing a resilience and hope for a transformative future. The call to fight against racism, greed, and division resonates as a rallying cry for unity and progress, emphasizing the need for continued resistance and resilience in the face of societal injustices. The lyrics convey a powerful message of empowerment and endurance, urging listeners to recognize the struggles and triumphs of black individuals and to advocate for a more just and equitable society.
Line by Line Meaning
If a picture is a 1, 000 words
A visual representation can convey a powerful message.
Has it occurred
Have people realized this?
Cause of its color
Due to its appearance.
People don't know it's worth
Many fail to recognize its value.
I'll be first to tell them what they deserve
I will be the one to reveal the truth to them.
Which is the worst curse straight from my ancestors
The legacy of suffering passed down through generations.
Why dont they accept our history
Why do they refuse to acknowledge our past?
That's on its canvas
Displayed for all to see.
If they don't know the meaning
If they fail to understand.
Will they search for the answers
Will they seek to uncover the truth?
Or will they avoid the issue like it's a cancer
Or will they ignore it, treating it as something to be feared and avoided?
And reject the education
Refusing to learn and grow.
Cause it's not substantial
Claiming that it lacks importance.
How many black bodies die in the street
The number of lives lost due to systemic racism.
By a shield only that cares about the powers that be
Protected by those in authority, indifferent to the suffering.
And covers up the blood that flows right under our feet
Hiding the evidence of injustice from plain sight.
They oppresses our rights
Suppressing our freedoms.
Cause they don't want us to breathe
Seeking to suffocate our voices and individuality.
This fight not everybody will see
Not everyone will understand or support this struggle.
Especially if you see the writing Which is racism and greed
Unless you recognize the underlying causes as racism and greed.
They'd rather divide us than multiply us
Preferring to create discord rather than unity among us.
We gotta continue to fight this
We must persist in our efforts against oppression.
Why should I stand
Why should I show resilience?
When you can't Stand my likeness, and my people dying
When you refuse to acknowledge our humanity and the suffering we endure.
I use the 1st amendment right
I exercise my freedom of speech.
But you just want to override them
Yet you seek to silence my words.
That's about to change
That state of affairs is soon to be altered.
We went from being in chains
Transitioning from physical bondage.
To wearing chains were about the change the game
To facing different forms of oppression as we strive for progress.
Things will never be the same
The world is evolving, and we are moving forward.
I will exist beyond my pain
I will endure and thrive despite the suffering I have endured.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Cory Webster, Jerrell Powell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind