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/
Intro
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Broke loose from there confinement
All that was foul was now unleashed upon the world
Pandora, unable to undo what she had done, fell into despair
As she grieved, she heard a feeble quiver from the box
She lifted the lid once more, and out fluttered
A small, bright, most beautiful creature she had ever seen
It flapped its delicate wings as it danced around Pandora
Pandora immediately felt her angst melt away
And her heart glow with warmth
It was hope that was kept in the innermost nook of the box
It trailed behind the miasma of a darkeness
Assuaging their ill-effects on humankind
Hope gave people the will to carry on living
Amidst the pain and strife
The lyrics of J-Live's "Intro" start with the phrase "Finding reality, enter destiny," which might mean that J-Live is talking about stepping into his reality and accepting his path in life. Then he goes on to say that an angel sent from heaven has come into his life, and he is deeply attracted to him. He says that he has lost control of his emotions because of his strong desire to be near this angel. He questions himself, asking where the walls around his heart have gone and where his pride has disappeared, as he feels a deep connection with this person.
J-Live then asks how this person has such an effect on him, and why he feels so distant to him at times. He wants to know when and where this person will be with him, so that he can be there for him and make him happy. He ends the song by asking this person to come with him and be happy, indicating his willingness to take a leap of faith and follow his heart.
The song is full of feelings of uncertainty and vulnerability, with J-Live being unsure about his own emotions and the reactions of the person he is in love with. However, he still bravely expresses his feelings, which adds to the depth of the lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Finding reality, enter destiny...
The singer is acknowledging their journey to find true meaning and purpose in life, which has led them to their current state of being.
Heaven sent me an angel to love
The singer feels fortunate to have a special someone in their life that they view as a divine gift.
So strong is my hunger for him
The singer has a very intense desire for their lover and yearns for their presence.
So deep is the desire to be near him
The artist craves closeness with their lover on a profound level.
I fear I´ve lost all control... tell me
The artist is expressing vulnerability and uncertainty about their feelings, seeking reassurance from their lover.
Where are the walls that surround this heart?
The singer is questioning how their heart has become so open and vulnerable to love, wondering where their former emotional defenses have gone.
Where is the pride that once tore love apart?
The singer is reflecting on past experiences where their ego and stubbornness interfered with love, wondering how they have been able to let go of those negative traits.
How do you do what you do to me?
The artist is marveling at the power their lover holds over them, wondering how they are able to have such an effect.
When I can hardly see or find you next to me?
The artist is expressing concern about the distance between them and their lover, highlighting their longing to be closer.
Tell me how
The artist is urging their lover to explain their actions and feelings to them.
Tell me why
The singer is asking their lover to provide reasoning and explanation for their distant behavior.
Why must you be so distant?
The artist is expressing frustration and confusion about their lover's actions, wondering why they are so emotionally unavailable.
Tell me when
The singer is eager for their lover to give them a specific time or date when they will be together.
Tell me where
The singer is asking their lover to specify a location for their reunion.
And my love will be there
The singer is affirming their commitment and devotion to their lover despite the distance between them.
For you and only you
The artist is clarifying that their love and devotion is solely for their lover, and no one else.
So come... Come go with me
The artist is inviting their lover to come with them on their journey, hoping to be together always.
I... I want you to be... happy
The singer is expressing their desire for their lover's happiness, acknowledging that their happiness is a priority above their own.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hybe, Ju Hyeon Cho
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind