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/
No Doubt
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get the lights out, get the lights out
Yeah, I might call you, I might call
When the night falls, can I get all?
And I wanna know your name, no doubt
Baby tell me what your game's all 'bout
When I see you, I go insane, no doubt
Baby girl, you ain't the same, no doubt
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
(Yeah)
In the beginning, I was staring at the sun light
Then you came up in the picture and made some right
Your body got me thinking, what I can do one night
Got me wilding over here, let me have one bite
You see, you get my mind go crazy
Let me call you Queen B, I'll treat you like Jay Z
Daily, on my mind lately
They don't see, what I see but I know you gonna ride tonight
Soft lips, big hips, what's your mind like
Do you got a minute, 'cause I wanna get the time right
Ahh shit, let me have a lil bit
Let me have a lil taste, got time for you day and night
And now I'm looking at you, I see you looking back
Even when I'm talking to you, you always smile like that
Now let me get your number, let me get your snap
Together, you and I vibe like that
And I wanna know your name, no doubt
Baby tell me what your game's all 'bout
When I see you, I go insane, no doubt
Baby girl, you ain't the same, no doubt
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
(Yeah yeah)
Gotta try to get you
Girl, I haven't been the same, ever since I met you
Who am I to blame, I'm just tryina come through
Everytime you pass by, got me looking like a fool
But girl you're so fine, but I guess you already knew
'Cause you walking like a model, whenever I'm in your school
Looking at my model, you keeping up the chin up
Just give me a minute and I'll turn it into minutes
I can be the coke bottle, you can be the pin-up
Girl you got me woke when I'm looking at your figure
When I see that thing move, girl, I turn into a sinner
Look into your eyes, then I take you out for dinner
Girl, I got a game, I'm preparing to run
The way your lips sparkle and glare in the sun
You got your hair in a bun, girl, you're comparing to none
How 'bout you tell me where you're from
I wanna share in this fun
(Haha)
And I wanna know your name, no doubt
Baby tell me what your game's all 'bout
When I see you, I go insane, no doubt
Baby girl, you ain't the same, no doubt
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
Gotta try to get you right now, baby right now
Get the lights out, get the lights out
Yeah, I might call you, I might call
When the night falls, can I get all?
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
And I wanna know your name, no doubt
Baby tell me what your game's all 'bout
When I see you, I go insane, no doubt
Baby girl, you ain't the same, no doubt
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
And I wanna know your name
And I wanna know your game
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
(Ahh)
The lyrics to J-Live's song "No Doubt" portray a narrator who is captivated by a particular person and expresses a strong desire to connect with them. The song begins by emphasizing the urgency and immediacy of wanting to be with this person, as the singer asks to "get you right now" and suggests turning off the lights for a more intimate atmosphere. The repetition of the phrase "no doubt" throughout the song signifies the singer's conviction and certainty in their intentions.
The lyrics also reflect the singer's curiosity about the person's identity and intentions. They want to know their name and understand their "game," implying a desire to delve deeper into their personality and motives. The singer acknowledges their growing infatuation, admitting that the person drives them "insane" and noting that they have become fixated on them.
The second verse introduces the individual as a shining presence who brings positivity and brightness into the singer's life. The lyrics describe their physical attributes, such as "soft lips" and "big hips," and express a desire to spend time with them. The singer admires the person's confidence and compares them to a model, displaying appreciation for their appearance. They daydream about being together, fantasizing about sharing moments like dinner dates and casual conversations.
Line by Line Meaning
Gotta try to get you right now, baby right now
I'm determined to pursue you immediately, right at this very moment.
Get the lights out, get the lights out
Let's create an intimate and romantic atmosphere by turning off the lights.
Yeah, I might call you, I might call
Perhaps I will give you a phone call to connect with you.
When the night falls, can I get all?
During the nighttime, can I have your undivided attention and affection?
And I wanna know your name, no doubt
I'm genuinely interested in learning your name without any uncertainty.
Baby tell me what your game's all 'bout
Please enlighten me on what your intentions and motives are in this interaction.
When I see you, I go insane, no doubt
You have such a profound effect on me that it drives me to a state of madness, without a doubt.
Baby girl, you ain't the same, no doubt
There is something remarkably unique and special about you, without a doubt.
And I wanna know your name
I have a strong desire to discover and become acquainted with your given name.
And I wanna know your game
Furthermore, I am curious about your intentions and strategy in this interaction.
Thinking 'bout you all the time, when I'm looking at you
I constantly have you on my mind, especially when I have the opportunity to gaze upon your presence.
You've been all up in my mind, gotta try to get you
You have consumed my thoughts completely, and I must make an effort to attain your companionship.
In the beginning, I was staring at the sun light
Initially, my attention was fixated on something radiant and captivating.
Then you came up in the picture and made some right
However, when you entered into the scene, you brought about a sense of correctness and fulfillment.
Your body got me thinking, what I can do one night
The allure of your physical form has provoked contemplation about the possibilities of an intimate encounter.
Got me wilding over here, let me have one bite
Your presence is driving me to behave erratically, and I am yearning for a taste of what you offer.
You see, you get my mind go crazy
You have the ability to incite a sense of mental chaos within me.
Let me call you Queen B, I'll treat you like Jay Z
Allow me to refer to you as Queen B, as I am prepared to give you the same level of respect and admiration that Jay Z provides to Beyoncé.
Daily, on my mind lately
Constantly, you have been occupying my thoughts lately.
They don't see, what I see but I know you gonna ride tonight
Others may not perceive what I perceive, but I have confidence that you will accompany me tonight.
Soft lips, big hips, what's your mind like
Your tender lips and curvaceous hips intrigue me, but I am also curious about your thoughts and emotions.
Do you got a minute, 'cause I wanna get the time right
If you have a moment to spare, I would like to ensure that our timing aligns perfectly.
Ahh shit, let me have a lil bit
Excuse my expression, but I desire to experience a little bit of what you have to offer.
Let me have a lil taste, got time for you day and night
Allow me to sample a small portion of what you possess, as I am willing to dedicate my time to you throughout the day and night.
And now I'm looking at you, I see you looking back
As I currently gaze upon you, I notice that you are reciprocating the same level of attention towards me.
Even when I'm talking to you, you always smile like that
Even during our conversations, you maintain a delightful smile that captivates me.
Now let me get your number, let me get your snap
Please provide me with your phone number and Snapchat username, allowing us to stay connected.
Together, you and I vibe like that
In harmony, our energies and personalities complement each other perfectly.
Girl, I haven't been the same, ever since I met you
Since our encounter, my life has undergone a significant transformation due to your presence.
Who am I to blame, I'm just tryina come through
I cannot be held responsible, as I am only attempting to establish a connection with you.
Every time you pass by, got me looking like a fool
Whenever you walk by, I find myself appearing foolish and captivated by your presence.
But girl you're so fine, but I guess you already knew
However, it is important to note that you are incredibly attractive, although I suspect that you are already aware of this fact.
Cause you walking like a model, whenever I'm in your school
Your graceful gait resembles that of a runway model, especially when we are in the same educational institution.
Looking at my model, you keeping up the chin up
As I observe your actions, I notice that you maintain a confident and positive demeanor.
Just give me a minute and I'll turn it into minutes
Allow me a brief moment, and I will transform it into a significant period of time spent together.
I can be the coke bottle, you can be the pin-up
I can embody the allure and desirability of a Coca-Cola bottle, while you portray the image of a pin-up model.
Girl you got me woke when I'm looking at your figure
Your physical appearance arouses a heightened sense of consciousness and awareness within me.
When I see that thing move, girl, I turn into a sinner
The way your body moves has the power to tempt me into committing sinful actions.
Look into your eyes, then I take you out for dinner
As I gaze deeply into your eyes, it fuels my desire to take you out for a meal.
Girl, I got a game, I'm preparing to run
I possess a strategy or plan in mind, which I am ready to put into action.
The way your lips sparkle and glare in the sun
The radiance and shine of your lips when exposed to sunlight is truly mesmerizing.
You got your hair in a bun, girl, you're comparing to none
Your hair neatly tied up in a bun adds to your unmatched beauty and appeal.
How 'bout you tell me where you're from
Why don't you inform me of your place of origin?
I wanna share in this fun
I desire to participate and enjoy the experiences and enjoyment that you have to offer.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Daniel Schröder
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind