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/
Practice
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
Take a step back
Don't worry about that guy, don't worry if he be lying
Don't worry because the world is yours so light it on fire
Don't worry about that shordy ignoring your calls it's boring
Exploring your inner self is something more rewarding
I've had a few bad seasons, never won a game
It's clear I'm here for a reason, I don't know who to blame
Or do I thank them for blessing me
I just second guess it think he's testing me
He told me how to do it
I do how I do it
I feel as if a shoe in
The cabinet I'm trapped
I can't open the door
In the back wrapped in plastic
In the candy store
I can't breathe, it's drastic
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
Feelin feelin feelin feelin like a villain
I'm just chillin in the building
Dealing with my thoughts
Talk to myself and I'm appealing
But they don't see it , listen to my words
They don't believe it, but it's okay because
One day I will achieve it, talk to me nicely
I'd suggest and tell you it's unlikely, but also likely
That one day I'll living like I'm Spike Lee, let's shoot a movie
You knew he'd make it groovy on a track
So it's time to look forward no more time looking back
He told me how to do it
I do how I do it
I feel as if a shoe in
The cabinet I'm trapped
I can't open the door
In the back wrapped in plastic
In the candy store
I can't breathe, it's drastic
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
They say practice what you preach
But if the preacher don't practice
What benefits do you reap
The lyrics of "Practice" by J-Live are a reflection on the importance of integrity and self-reflection. The repeated phrase "practice what you preach" is a common adage that encourages people to follow through with their words and beliefs. However, the song questions this idea by asking what benefits there are if the preacher themselves don't practice what they preach. The lyrics suggest that it is important to look inward and focus on personal growth rather than external validation. The line "exploring your inner self is something more rewarding" encourages listeners to prioritize their own journey and not worry about the opinions of others.
The verse that begins with "Take a step back" emphasizes the importance of not getting caught up in external distractions and focusing on personal development. The lines "I've had a few bad seasons, never won a game, it's clear I'm here for a reason, I don't know who to blame" suggest that even when facing challenges, there is a purpose to the struggle. The song suggests that one should thank their struggles for the lessons they learn rather than blaming them for their hardships. The lines "I just second guess it think he's testing me" suggest that there is a higher power at work and the struggles are part of a larger plan.
Overall, "Practice" is a reflective and introspective song that encourages listeners to focus on their journey rather than external validation. It also emphasizes the importance of integrity in one's beliefs and actions.
Line by Line Meaning
They say practice what you preach
People often advise others to act consistently with what they advise, but...
But if the preacher don't practice
...if the person giving the advice doesn't follow it themselves,
What benefits do you reap
...what advantages can you expect from taking their advice?
Take a step back
Don't worry so much about external factors or other people.
Don't worry about that guy, don't worry if he be lying
Don't concern yourself with other people's behavior or honesty.
Don't worry because the world is yours so light it on fire
You have the ability to make an impact in the world, so go out and do it.
Don't worry about that shordy ignoring your calls it's boring
Don't worry if someone is ignoring you, it's not worth focusing on.
Exploring your inner self is something more rewarding
Instead, focus on personal growth and self-discovery, which is more fulfilling.
I've had a few bad seasons, never won a game
The artist has experienced some setbacks and losses.
It's clear I'm here for a reason, I don't know who to blame
Despite this, they still believe they have a purpose, and don't blame anyone for their failures.
Or do I thank them for blessing me
They even consider being thankful for their struggles, which may have led them to where they are now.
I just second guess it think he's testing me
However, they still sometimes doubt whether their struggles were for a reason or just a test of their strength.
He told me how to do it
Despite this, the singer has received guidance from someone else.
I do how I do it
They still choose to do things their own way.
I feel as if a shoe in
They feel confident in their own approach.
The cabinet I'm trapped
However, they still feel trapped or held back in some ways.
I can't open the door
They struggle to find a way out.
In the back wrapped in plastic
They feel like something valuable or important is being hidden or kept from them.
In the candy store
This may be a reference to temptation or the allure of something sweet or enjoyable.
I can't breathe, it's drastic
This situation is suffocating or overwhelming for the artist.
Feelin feelin feelin feelin like a villain
The artist feels like they are thought of as a bad or evil person.
I'm just chillin in the building
Despite this, they are calm and relaxed in their current environment.
Dealing with my thoughts
They are processing their own emotions and ideas.
Talk to myself and I'm appealing
They find comfort in talking to themselves and expressing their thoughts.
But they don't see it, listen to my words
However, others may not understand or appreciate what they have to say.
They don't believe it, but it's okay because
The singer is okay with others not believing in them,
One day I will achieve it, talk to me nicely
As they still have confidence that they will accomplish their goals, and want to be treated with respect in the process.
I'd suggest and tell you it's unlikely, but also likely
They acknowledge that success is not guaranteed, but still possible.
That one day I'll living like I'm Spike Lee, let's shoot a movie
They imagine a future where they are successful and creative, like filmmaker Spike Lee.
You knew he'd make it groovy on a track
They may even aspire to be like Lee in their own artistry or expression.
So it's time to look forward no more time looking back
In any case, it's time to focus on the future and move on from past struggles or failures.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Paul Sarp III
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Libikuroi
Criminally underrated master peace!! This whole album is pure glory and love for the game.
@mariobryant8803
I absolutely love this song- Legendary
@toadstyle101
Summer 2007 was an unforgettable summer for me, one of the reasons was this album. Can't go back to those days, but the music will always be there to remind me :'-)
@mike_t_007
Between this, Kanye and Common we were good to go
@spazzdineveryway
Bruh, I just redownloaded my itunes store and saw I bought this gem when it released. Talking about finding gold in a treasure chest for real. Dope track
@reallyharsh
such a great jam, my favorite jazzy jeff song!
@coreymarvelous5370
One of the best songs of all times to me hands down sample been tookin by tribe called quest main source de la bunch of others but this one was done properly jazzy jeff str8 marv on dis
@atopol6834
Roadrunner Chi Ali
@LostBoysBasketball
Classic cut, Happy 4/20 ladies and gentlemen 😎
-“They say nobody’s perfect but they also say practice makes perfect. Man, I wish they’d just make up their damn mind.” -Wilt Chamberlain
@emblem2425
Donald Byrd's Think Twice sample never gets old no matter how many different songs I have heard it used in.