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 Time To Waste
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The devil kicked me out of hell cause I'm a nice guy
Boutta pull up in the new whip flyin in the sky
We about to turn up like it's 3095
Ay
We aint gonna waste no time, waste no time
Got my bad lil shorty right next to me
She got me feeling like I'm high off ecstasy
We ain't gonna waste no time, waste no time
I'm not finna waste no time today
I need every single second of the day that I can get
I don't waste time
Bitch I fight crime
I remember seeing homies getting swirlies back in grade 9
I'm finna become an investor
Tryna chase the money I don't care to impress her
Everything I'm doin I'm doin it for myself and the family and the fans
We don't give a damn
I step on the gas
I don't come in last
These bitches are mad
Their left in the past
I leave my problems in the past
When you look over you see a hundred on the dash
I can't waste no time cause I'm chasin that cash
If you think that you know me you don't
Cause that was in the past
I'm a new man and I don't give no fucks
I done wasted my time caring for people that didn't deserve it
Now they done left me deserted
You is a ma fuckin' trick, bitch
And I don't fuck witchu
You did me dirty back in highschool
That's why we can't be friends
And that's why I'm finna ascend while you descend
I got something you don't bitch I got a vision
Your gonna wish you was in my position
That's why all the people tend to be dissin
The devil kicked me out of hell cause I'm a nice guy
Boutta pull up in the new whip flying in the sky
We about to turn up like it's 3095
Ay
We aint gonna waste no time, waste no time
Got my bad lil shorty right next to me
She got me feeling like I'm high off ecstasy
We finna party, finna turn up all night cause
We aint gonna waste no time, waste no time
Bitch I'm next up I'm tired of being in queue
Sorry but I'm gotta do what I gotta do
If your not riding with me then screw you
All I really need is me and the crew
Lil shorty gon twerk when she see the bands
She finna make it clap without no hands
You got shorties sellin pussy like designer brands
They be taking orders doin that shit on command
They do it for bands
They do a lil dance
They dropping they pants
They getting on they knees and they hands
But understand
I got hella respect so
Waste no time while you get in yo bag
Ay
Gotta live life like it's your last day
Let the haters see through you like X-ray
We finna party, finna turn up all night cause
We ain't gonna waste no time, waste no time
The lyrics to J-Live's song "No Time To Waste" convey a sense of urgency and determination in making the most out of life. The opening lines suggest a rebellious nature, as the singer is kicked out of hell for being too kind. This sets the tone for a narrative about seizing opportunities and living life to the fullest without wasting any time.
The lyrics also touch on themes of personal growth and leaving behind negative experiences. The singer mentions not wanting to waste time on people who didn't deserve their care, indicating a desire to move on and focus on personal goals and aspirations. The lyrics suggest a newfound sense of self-confidence and determination to succeed, emphasizing the importance of chasing money and pursuing one's own vision.
Throughout the song, there is a celebration of living in the present moment, partying, and enjoying life's pleasures. This is reflected in lines about having a "bad lil shorty" by their side and feeling high off ecstasy, creating an atmosphere of excitement and uninhibited enjoyment.
Overall, "No Time To Waste" is an energetic and charismatic anthem about embracing a fearless and driven mindset, letting go of past disappointments, and embracing the present moment to achieve personal success.
Line by Line Meaning
The devil kicked me out of hell cause I'm a nice guy
Even though I may seem kind and gentle, I've been cast out of negative environments because of my positive nature.
Boutta pull up in the new whip flyin in the sky
I'm about to arrive in a brand new car, soaring above others, symbolizing my success and achievement.
We about to turn up like it's 3095
We are going to have a wild and extravagant party, as if we are living in a distant future where enjoyment knows no limits.
We aint gonna waste no time, waste no time
We are determined and focused, refusing to waste any precious moments or opportunities.
Got my bad lil shorty right next to me
I have my attractive and confident partner by my side, adding to my own sense of self-assurance.
She got me feeling like I'm high off ecstasy
Her presence and energy elevate my mood to an intoxicating level, making me feel euphoric and elated.
We finna party, finna turn up all night cause
We are absolutely ready to have an unforgettable and exhilarating night of celebration.
I'm not finna waste no time today
Today, I have no intention of squandering a single moment; every second is valuable and should be maximized.
I need every single second of the day that I can get
I recognize the importance of utilizing every available second in order to achieve my goals and fulfill my potential.
I don't waste time
I do not partake in fruitless activities or allow time to slip away effortlessly.
Bitch I fight crime
I actively combat and oppose injustice, playing the role of a hero standing up for what is right.
I remember seeing homies getting swirlies back in grade 9
The memories of witnessing my friends being bullied in middle school still resonate with me.
I'm finna become an investor
I am determined to venture into the world of investments and financial opportunities.
Tryna chase the money I don't care to impress her
My primary focus is pursuing wealth and financial success; impressing others is of little importance to me.
Everything I'm doin I'm doin it for myself and the family and the fans
Every action and endeavor I undertake is not only for my own benefit but also for the well-being and support of my family and fans.
We don't give a damn
We genuinely do not care about the opinions or judgments of others; our focus remains on our own path and purpose.
I step on the gas
I accelerate and push forward with determination and enthusiasm.
I don't come in last
I refuse to be left behind or to settle for mediocrity; I strive to excel and achieve success.
These bitches are mad
These individuals are envious and resentful of my success and accomplishments.
Their left in the past
Their negativity and animosity are left behind as I progress and move forward.
I leave my problems in the past
I firmly believe in leaving my past troubles and challenges behind me, focusing on the present and future.
When you look over you see a hundred on the dash
When you glance at the car's dashboard, you will see the speedometer displaying a hundred miles per hour, symbolizing my swiftness and progress.
I can't waste no time cause I'm chasin that cash
I cannot afford to waste any time because I am actively pursuing and striving to attain wealth and financial stability.
If you think that you know me you don't
If you believe you have a complete understanding of who I am, you are mistaken; there are depths and facets of myself that remain unseen.
Cause that was in the past
The previous version of myself, along with associated experiences, opinions, and actions, no longer define who I am in the present.
I'm a new man and I don't give no fucks
I have transformed into an improved version of myself, prioritizing my personal growth and development while disregarding the opinions of others.
I done wasted my time caring for people that didn't deserve it
In the past, I squandered my time and energy on individuals who did not appreciate or deserve my care and attention.
Now they done left me deserted
Those same individuals have abandoned me, leaving me feeling abandoned and alone.
You is a ma fuckin' trick, bitch
You are a deceitful and manipulative individual, using others for personal gain and pleasure.
And I don't fuck witchu
I want nothing to do with you or your toxic presence.
You did me dirty back in highschool
In high school, you betrayed and mistreated me, causing harm and emotional pain.
That's why we can't be friends
Due to your past actions and behavior, it is impossible for us to establish a friendship or maintain a positive connection.
And that's why I'm finna ascend while you descend
As I rise and progress in my life, achieving greater heights, you are destined to decline and deteriorate.
I got something you don't bitch I got a vision
I possess a clear and compelling vision for my future, a sense of purpose and direction that you lack.
Your gonna wish you was in my position
Eventually, you will regret not being in my advantageous and successful position.
That's why all the people tend to be dissin
This is why many individuals choose to criticize and belittle me; they are envious of my achievements and potential.
Bitch I'm next up I'm tired of being in queue
I am confident that I am the next one to rise to prominence and success, no longer willing to wait in line behind others.
Sorry but I'm gotta do what I gotta do
Apologies, but I am determined to do whatever is necessary to achieve my goals and fulfill my aspirations.
If your not riding with me then screw you
If you are not supportive or willing to join me on this journey, then I am uninterested in maintaining a connection with you.
All I really need is me and the crew
Ultimately, my true support system consists of myself and the loyal friends and allies who stand by my side.
Lil shorty gon twerk when she see the bands
A young woman, full of confidence, will dance provocatively upon witnessing the wealth and success represented by large amounts of money.
She finna make it clap without no hands
She has the skill and ability to make her body move sensually and provocatively, without relying on her hands, impressing those around her.
You got shorties sellin pussy like designer brands
There are women engaged in the sex trade, commodifying their bodies for profit, much like luxury fashion brands commodify their products.
They be taking orders doin that shit on command
These women obediently follow instructions, fulfilling the desires and demands of their clients without question.
They do it for bands
Their motivation for engaging in such activities is the accumulation of substantial amounts of money.
They do a lil dance
As part of their performance, they engage in a seductive and provocative dance, further enticing potential customers.
They dropping they pants
They remove their pants, exposing themselves and offering an intimate experience to those willing to pay.
They getting on they knees and they hands
To cater to the desires of their clients, they kneel down and use their hands to provide sexual services.
But understand
It's important to comprehend and acknowledge the following
I got hella respect so
I have earned and garnered significant levels of respect from others due to my actions and character.
Waste no time while you get in yo bag
Do not squander your time as you focus on pursuing your financial success and accumulating wealth.
Gotta live life like it's your last day
It is essential to embrace and cherish each day as if it were your final day on this Earth, making the most of every moment.
Let the haters see through you like X-ray
Allow those who criticize and despise you to observe your true self, unbothered by their judgment and transparent in your authenticity.
We finna party, finna turn up all night cause
We are fully prepared and enthusiastic to enjoy a vibrant and energetic night of celebration and excitement.
We ain't gonna waste no time, waste no time
We have made a firm commitment to not waste any of our time, fully maximizing and savoring every moment and opportunity.
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Mark Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind