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/
Like This Anna
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
So much hair I can't even wear a hat, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
Am I supposed to still think the world flat, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
I'm only starin' cause your ass is so fat, Anna
I noticed as soon as you walked up in the place, Anna (damn!)
You can't blame a man for havin' good taste, can ya?
That's not fair, Anna, it's not right, Anna
Please turn around or I'll be starin' all night, Anna
So many men, Anna, they want to play, Anna
They all want to get their name up in your day planner
I swear, even if it's only for a day, Anna
For a majority, you'd be the only way, Anna
It's on you, Anna, what you gonna do, Anna?
I'm hopin' that's the type of man you see through, Anna
Whether you're lookin' for ménage or a matrimony
A man say he want to be your lovin' friend, homey
Just keep your eyes open so that you can spot a phony
A lot of snakes want to get up in your tenderoni
Unless you're just horny and want to ride a pony
You'd rather be left alone than left lonely
It's like this, Anna, we both know, Anna
It's kinda nice when a man spend dough, Anna
Although, Anna, you can't salary cap your mojo, Anna
You're not a ho, Anna, it's okay if all systems ain't go, Anna
You gotta tell a brother "no means no," Anna
CHORUS:
It's like this, Anna
this is a message to my homegirl, Miss Anna
You're so fly, Anna
I can't let nobody desecrate my Anna
I'm not your man, Anna
I just really want you to understand, Anna
Life is rough, but, uh
Somebody cares enough to tell you this stuff, Anna
(Repeat CHORUS)
Hey yo, you can either dance and check the rhyme later or hear me out now
A lot of these ballers at the plate don't care if they fair or they foul
It doesn't mean that you should stop trustin' all brothers, straight
throwin' in the towel
The next just might just be just right, like Baby Bear style
But choose wise, don't bother with the knucklehead that can't teach you shit
And never ever think you gotta tolerate a man that's gonna beat you, kid
But please don't toy with their heads like "green light 1, 2, 3,"'
Cause that's the kinda blue ball game that even frustrates guys like me
But you're ill, girl, full o' ideas, like the five-figure salary career
And a education take you ten years
And a man that'a give you both ears
When you talkin' ?bout your hopes and your fears
And you're damn near ?bout to shed tears
Cause your baby been coughin' all day
And the daddy ain't there and won't pay
And there's so much drama round the way
Cause the streets are too dangerous to play
And the world got you feelin' insecure
Cause you think you're fine, but you're not sure
But your beauty lies not just in your booty
But your face, all natural (it's a cutie!)
Don't you ever let the bullshit blind you
If you forget, I'll be quick to remind you
(CHORUS, 4x)
It's like this... it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
It's like this
J-Live's song "Like This Anna" is a message to his homegirl, Miss Anna, and is packed with advice and wisdom about men, relationships and self-worth. The first part of the song seems to be directed specifically at Anna, with J-Live describing how she turns heads wherever she goes, but cautioning her to be careful of the men who only want to use and objectify her. J-Live urges Anna to keep her standards high and to be wary of any man who doesn't treat her with respect and dignity. He reminds her that her beauty and self-worth are not defined solely by her physical appearance, but by her intelligence, ambition and inner strength.
The chorus is a repeated affirmation of J-Live's love and respect for Anna. He tells her that she is "so fly" and that he won't let anyone desecrate her. He emphasizes that he is not trying to be her man, but simply wants her to understand that someone cares enough to give her good advice about men and life in general.
The second part of the song is more broadly aimed at all women, with J-Live urging them to choose their partners wisely and not to settle for less than they deserve. He acknowledges that there are many men out there who will try to take advantage of women, but encourages them not to give up hope and to keep looking for someone who is worth their time and attention. He also encourages women to pursue their dreams and to value themselves for who they are, rather than just their physical attributes.
Line by Line Meaning
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
Life is unpredictable, Anna, constantly changing, Anna, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, Anna.
I'm only starin' cause your ass is so fat, Anna
Your physical appearance is attractive to me, Anna, I can't help but look, Anna.
You can't blame a man for havin' good taste, can ya?
Being attracted to a physically appealing partner is natural, Anna, it is not wrong or unfair, Anna.
Please turn around or I'll be starin' all night, Anna
I request you to turn around, Anna, to avoid me staring at you for the entire night, Anna.
So many men, Anna, they want to play, Anna
There are countless men who want to engage with you, Anna, some just for fun, Anna.
They all want to get their name up in your day planner
Many desire to be with you, Anna, to secure a place in your social agenda, Anna.
For a majority, you'd be the only way, Anna
You are the most desirable option for many, Anna, they see you as their only chance, Anna.
You'd rather be left alone than left lonely
It's better to be alone, Anna, than to feel lonely in a relationship, Anna.
You're not a ho, Anna, it's okay if all systems ain't go, Anna
You are not promiscuous, Anna, it's acceptable to decline sexual advances, Anna.
You gotta tell a brother "no means no," Anna
It's imperative to communicate your boundaries, Anna, when someone crosses the line, Anna.
Somebody cares enough to tell you this stuff, Anna
I care for you, Anna, and that's why I'm giving you this advice, Anna.
But choose wise, don't bother with the knucklehead that can't teach you shit
Be selective, Anna, don't waste time with a foolish person who can't add value to your life, Anna.
And never ever think you gotta tolerate a man that's gonna beat you, kid
It's never acceptable, Anna, to endure abuse from a partner, Anna, both mentally or physically.
But your beauty lies not just in your booty
Your attractiveness, Anna, is not just limited to your physical appearance, Anna.
Don't you ever let the bullshit blind you
Don't get carried away, Anna, by empty promises or superficial traits, Anna.
If you forget, I'll be quick to remind you
I'll always be there for you, Anna, to remind you of your true worth, Anna.
It's like this, Anna, it's like that, Anna
Life is complex, Anna, full of ups and downs, Anna, but you have the strength to overcome it, Anna.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alfie360
JL is a sick MC/Producer, HIGHLY underrated & unknown. He is a great example of Hip-Hop.
@dellvonwatson
this brotha is beyond nasty. everything about dude is smooth(beats, voice, rhymes, and everything else) good upload my man.
@anna-sx8fd
Just found this gem haha love this !!
@mrmzcat5554
anna?
@michaelmantinaos8330
Haha it’s a good song and your a Anna win win
@JonnyMartins100
what a great tune !!!!
sweet memories come to me
@TymonSmit
Love J-Live, The Hear After and The Best Part are great cd's too!!
@bulls1997
i love this song j live really gets down to earth with some real stuff and feel that if all people would treat there women with respect ........ word to life on what live is saying...............
@jesseincalgary
and this is one of the best hip hop songs ever. for reals
@victornewman06
Not a problem, thanks for checking this cat out. He's got skills!!!!!