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/
Raw Footage
J-Live Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lemmi get in my zone
Lemmi get in my zone
Black out
A shot three times from the nine will common denominate you
In a concrete jungle you niggas is fucking ape food
Biscuit to ya melon make ya blood look like grape juice
Niggas is animals banana clips I handles
Ya mu'fuckas wish this shit was contagious
I'm out here five
Some die to stay alive
On the coins other side
Some fucks living to die
But I don't choose sides all I see is dollar signs
And I'm bout the fuckin paper
Other shit comes later
Cause my fam gotta eat so I'm chewing this beat
I was raised by the streets where the city don't sleep
Brooklyn East New York fucka watch where you walk
Buck fifty for ya lips fucka watch how you talk
Got the goons on deck
And niggas pulling ya card
Alotta niggas act hard
But they're playing they're part
Til I roll up on a nigga skipping beats in his heart
And my mind shine bright cause I'm reflecting a star
Now uh days young fucks scared to be who they are
They get found in dump trucks after amber alarms
But I'm armed and dangerous but the waters is calm
But it still runs deep Gz passed the baton
But I'm just a fly nigga
If you look up in the sky
You'd be like my nigga
This boy done did it so I gotta get it
I'm motivation for the ghetto I trot the meadows
I pull strings like Geppetto
Some thank the devil
EmocleW ruoY
She says you're welcome
Not quite thirty eight but I'm feeling special
I might make mistakes but I learn from em
No rebuttal
It's double the pleasure to deceive the deceiver
Wise words from who
Yea his name is N-igma
In J-Live's song "Raw Footage," the lyrics depict a gritty and harsh reality of life in the streets. The artist immerses himself in his zone, ready to tackle the challenges that come with living in a concrete jungle. He presents a vivid image of violence, stating that being shot with a 9mm gun will unite anyone in a common denominator. The reference to "ape food" suggests that in this environment, individuals are vulnerable and easily taken advantage of.
J-Live exhibits his lyricism by playing with words and using clever metaphors. He describes the impact of a gun on someone's head, comparing the resulting blood to grape juice. He sees himself as the one who can handle these situations, referring to banana clips, symbolizing ammunition, and his ability to control it.
The artist emphasizes his drive for financial success, as he mentions dollar signs and his focus on making money. He acknowledges the importance of providing for his family before anything else, reflecting his upbringing in a neighborhood where survival is paramount.
J-Live also touches on the facade that some people present, acting tough but ultimately playing a role. He juxtaposes this with his genuine nature and willingness to face the consequences for being true to himself. The song concludes with a line about reflecting a star, indicating that despite the challenging circumstances, there is still hope and potential for greatness.
Overall, "Raw Footage" delves into the harsh realities of urban life, highlighting themes of survival, financial struggle, and the complexities of personal identity.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo P
Hey, listen up
Lemmi get in my zone
Let me enter a state of focus and creativity
Black out
Enter a state of intense focus and disregard for distractions
A shot three times from the nine will common denominate you
Being shot three times with a 9mm gun will bring unity to those targeted
In a concrete jungle you niggas is fucking ape food
In this rough urban environment, you all are vulnerable and easily preyed upon
Biscuit to ya melon make ya blood look like grape juice
A gunshot to your head will cause your blood to resemble grape juice
Niggas is animals banana clips I handles
People are savage and dangerous, but I can handle the powerful firearms
Bars I rip I'm sick hock before I spit
I deliver powerful and skillful rap verses with a contagious impact
Ya mu'fuckas wish this shit was contagious
You all desire the impact and influence of my rap style
I'm out here five
I am out here, present and active
Some die to stay alive
Some individuals are willing to sacrifice their lives to survive or prosper
On the coins other side
In a different perspective or circumstance
Some fucks living to die
Some individuals are merely existing with no purpose or ambition
But I don't choose sides all I see is dollar signs
I prioritize financial gain and remain neutral in conflicts
And I'm bout the fuckin paper
I am solely focused on making money
Other shit comes later
Other matters are of lower importance to me
Cause my fam gotta eat so I'm chewing this beat
I am putting in hard work and effort in my music to provide for my family
I was raised by the streets where the city don't sleep
My upbringing in the urban environment has shaped my identity and work ethic
Brooklyn East New York fucka watch where you walk
Be cautious in the tough neighborhoods of East New York, Brooklyn
Buck fifty for ya lips fucka watch how you talk
Be careful with your words or you may face a severe physical consequence
Got the goons on deck
I have a group of loyal and intimidating individuals ready to support me
And niggas pulling ya card
Some people are challenging your authenticity
Alotta niggas act hard
Many individuals pretend to be tough or aggressive
But they're playing they're part
They are merely acting according to their role or image
Til I roll up on a nigga skipping beats in his heart
I will confront someone who is feeling intimidated and causing their heart rate to increase
And my mind shine bright cause I'm reflecting a star
My mind is illuminated and brilliant because I am emulating a successful and influential figure
Now uh days young fucks scared to be who they are
Currently, many young individuals are afraid to express their true selves
They get found in dump trucks after amber alarms
They end up dead and discarded, discovered only when police alerts are triggered
But I'm armed and dangerous but the waters is calm
I am prepared and potentially threatening, but the situation appears peaceful
But it still runs deep Gz passed the baton
Despite appearances, there are significant underlying issues and a lineage of individuals passing on their influence
But I'm just a fly nigga
I am a stylish and charismatic individual
If you look up in the sky
If you observe the world from a broader perspective
You'd be like my nigga
You would admire and respect me
This boy done did it so I gotta get it
I have achieved success, so I must continue striving for more
I'm motivation for the ghetto I trot the meadows
I serve as inspiration and encouragement for the disadvantaged communities, navigating both difficult and peaceful environments
I pull strings like Geppetto
I have control and influence, similar to the puppeteer Geppetto
Some thank the devil
Some individuals attribute their success or abilities to negative forces
EmocleW ruoY
Your welcome, Welcome to me
She says you're welcome
A woman expresses her gratitude for the actions I have taken
Not quite thirty eight but I'm feeling special
I may not have reached the age of 38, but I still feel significant and unique
I might make mistakes but I learn from em
I acknowledge that I make errors, but I use them as opportunities for growth
No rebuttal
I do not need a response or argument
It's double the pleasure to deceive the deceiver
I derive satisfaction from tricking those who attempt to deceive others
Wise words from who
Who is the source of these insightful statements?
Yea his name is N-igma
The individual responsible for these words of wisdom is called N-igma
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: Joen Lewis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
REGISHERI
Acid burns^^