Jay Electronica has yet to release a full-length album but has released two official singles to date, "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit C," which won a Sucker Free Summit Award for Instant Classic. His music so far has been made available through the internet, either through being leaked to what URB magazine describes as "obscure web forums", or through an appearing and disappearing MySpace page (currently two seem to be in existence, at /jayelect and at /jayelectronica). Erykah Badu has questioned whether he ever will release, in her words, "actual albums". From New Orleans, LA he has lived in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Detroit, where he recorded his Style Wars-era music with several J Dilla beats, meeting the producer subsequently to ask for permission to use the recordings as a demo. Detroit is where Electronica met producer/engineer Mike "Chav" Chavarria, who introduced him to both J Dilla and Mr. Porter, and who is now a regular collaborator.
Jay Electronica first gained significant attention through Act 1: Eternal Sunshine (The Pledge), made available on a MySpace page in 2007. It is 9:13 continuous minutes of music, without drums, built from Jon Brion's soundtrack to the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. There are five segments or movements, marked by changes in music and mood, raps by Electronica, and occasional snippets of sampled dialogue (children arguing in Kurdish, Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka). The first segment is spoken word by Just Blaze and Erykah Badu describing the artist over piano music. The nature of the piece of music, along with the nature of its appearance, led to a slow build-up of interest in Electronica as an enigmatic figure. Songs circulating online as the Style Wars EP gained wider circulation, and other songs, such as the dream-inspired "Dimethyltryptamine", soon appeared. In January 2008, Gilles Peterson's 90-minute Gilles Peterson Worldwide was devoted to the rapper. Hiphopdx.com in 2008 called him "arguably...the most talked about new emcee last year ... at times...more like a myth or urban legend than an actual rapper", and URB ran a cover story on the artist under the banner "Jay Electronica: A Spotless Mind:: An MC’s mystery revealed", which referred to his wanderings as his being "like some sort of hip-hop Jack Kerouac".
Jeff Weiss' piece for the L.A. Weekly, "Jay Electronica: Much Better Than His Name Would Suggest", acknowledged that the rapper could be fairly described as "one of the most buzzed about rappers of 2008", but attempted to temper the hype somewhat, describing Act 1... as "ambitious, wildly original, if not slightly pretentious", while endorsing only to an extent the comparisons URB had made (referencing an "abstract rhyming style") to rappers like Nas and Pharoahe Monch.
According to URB, Act II: Patents of Nobility will feature Nas, and will be the second of a putative trilogy. URB also reported that digital EPs with both Guilty Simpson and producer 9th Wonder were planned. His most recent music as of November 2008 is the Just Blaze-produced track "Exhibit A (Transformations)".
According to a Filter TV interview, Jay Electronica has partnered with Decon to release his debut project. It is being described as a multi-media release and footage from the project which was partially shot in Nepal and Dubai has begun to surface online. The first clip to leak is titled "Dear Moleskine" and can be found on YouTube, the track was produced by Just Blaze and the clip was directed by Jason Goldwatch from Decon. In June of 2009, Decon and Jay's "The Dogon Society" released "Exhibit A" digitally. "Exhibit C" was released on iTunes December 16, 2009 and quickly shot to the top 10 of the iTunes Hip-Hop charts. The following week it was chosen by Hot 97's DJ Enuff as the Heavy Hitter pick of the week. On February 9, 2010, it was announced Jay Electronica will appear at the 2010 Bonnaroo Music Festival. Further proof of the continuing buzz about this artist saw On Jay Electronica sell out 2 nights at the Jazz Cafe Jazz Café, London (UK) on Feb 17, 2010.
Jay Electronica continued his scattered release practice, dropping "A Million In The Morning" on April 4, 2010. The song features a weary Electronica trying to keep himself awake to escape his nightmares.
On April 30th, Jay Electronica debuted "The Ghost of Christopher Wallace" via his Twitter. The song features P Diddy and is produced by London beatsmith Quincey Tones, who is known for producing such acts as Young Jeezy and Royce da 5'9".
On 12th November 2010, Jay-Z announced that Jay Electronica was officially the newest member of his own 'Roc Nation' record label/management company, which boasts such acts as J. Cole and Willow Smith.
Jay has been travelling the world and was in London, United Kingdom for an extended period of time completing his debut album 'Act II: Patents of Nobility (The Turn)'.
Jay Electronica and Erykah Badu have a child together, a girl named Mars Merkaba, born on February 1, 2009.
Abracadabra
Jay Electronica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
can you feel the dawn approaching?
I overheard niggas saying jay was on the verge
he could make rumsfeld resign with rhymes he never heard
commune with the birds
and can manipulate matter with the usage of words
I'm the best and freshest with the written text, fuck what ya heard
its the metaphysical, dolby digital
any joe`ll tell you the flows so pivotal
every words literal
each diatribe is sort of like an interview,
come get a inner view
right past the man and the myth to the mineral
i was born uptown a mile from the riverview
look (uh), im a simple man ya understand
masterin my temple man trying to expand
but when they think you simple man
they'll try to play you out like you a simpleton
see what im saying
niggas want pain not mercy
im writtin in my moleskin on the train to Canarsie
stand clear of the closin doors
the peo-ple are in constant fear of a trojan war
the vehicle thats supposed to free us is just a hor-
i gotta call em like a see em
even it it means they'll sancture my per diem
the angels will thank me in the streets if I see em
saying there he go but I wouldnt wanna be him
holdin up a three and reppin for new orleans
let us begin
The opening lines of Jay Electronica's "Abracadabra" set the tone for the remainder of the song by introducing a sense of mystery and anticipation. The listener is asked if they are paying close attention, and then told that the dawn is approaching. This imagery suggests that something big, perhaps unexpected or even magical, is about to happen.
The rest of the song delivers on this promise by showcasing Jay's unique and powerful lyrical abilities. He starts off by referencing rumors that he is on the verge of something significant. He then asserts his skill as a wordsmith, claiming that he can make powerful people like Rumsfeld resign with his rhymes. Jay also reveals an affinity for nature, saying he can commune with birds and manipulate matter with his words.
As the song continues, Jay reflects on the power of words in general, stating that every word he speaks is literal and that he sees himself as conducting interviews with his diatribes. He also touches on his origins in New Orleans and his focus on self-improvement. Throughout the song, he asserts his own power and potential while simultaneously acknowledging the challenges he faces.
Overall, "Abracadabra" is a bold and thought-provoking song that showcases Jay Electronica's unique talents and perspectives.
Line by Line Meaning
are you watching closely?
Are you paying close attention?
can you feel the dawn approaching?
Do you sense that something significant is about to happen?
I overheard niggas saying jay was on the verge
I heard people saying that Jay is about to achieve something significant
he could make rumsfeld resign with rhymes he never heard
Jay's rhymes are so powerful that they could make a government official resign
commune with the birds
Jay has a unique and mystical connection to nature
and can manipulate matter with the usage of words
Jay's words can have a profound impact on the physical world around him
throwin dice on the curb
Jay is a skilled gambler, taking risks and testing his luck
I'm the best and freshest with the written text, fuck what ya heard
Jay is confident in his abilities as a rapper and doesn't care what anyone else thinks
its the metaphysical, dolby digital
Jay's music is spiritual and digital at the same time
any joe`ll tell you the flows so pivotal
Anyone can recognize how important Jay's flow is to his music
every words literal
Jay's lyrics are straightforward and true
each diatribe is sort of like an interview,
Jay's raps are like conversations, where he's interviewing himself or others
come get a inner view
Come listen closely to Jay's inner thoughts and emotions
right past the man and the myth to the mineral
Jay transcends typical notions of fame and identity to speak on a deeper level
i was born uptown a mile from the riverview
Jay grew up near a river in a city neighborhood
look (uh), im a simple man ya understand
Jay is down-to-earth and straightforward
masterin my temple man trying to expand
Jay is constantly working to improve himself, physically and mentally
but when they think you simple man
When people underestimate Jay's intelligence and abilities
they'll try to play you out like you a simpleton
They'll try to take advantage of Jay's perceived simplicity
see what im saying
Do you understand my point?
niggas want pain not mercy
Some people prefer to cause harm rather than show compassion
im writtin in my moleskin on the train to Canarsie
Jay is always working on his craft, even while commuting
stand clear of the closin doors
Please move away from the closing train doors
the peo-ple are in constant fear of a trojan war
The people are always worried about an unexpected conflict or struggle
the vehicle thats supposed to free us is just a hor-
The thing that's supposed to help us is actually a hindrance
i gotta call em like a see em
Jay speaks the truth, even if it's not popular or convenient
even if it means they'll sancture my per diem
Even if it means sacrificing his daily expense allowance
the angels will thank me in the streets if I see em
If Jay encounters benevolent spirits, they will appreciate his honesty
saying there he go but I wouldnt wanna be him
People recognize Jay's talent, but wouldn't want to walk in his shoes
holdin up a three and reppin for new orleans
Jay is representing New Orleans, his hometown, with pride
let us begin
Now it's time to get started
Contributed by Micah M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
NYG1991
I overheard niggas saying Jay was on the verge
He could make Rumsfeld resign with rhymes he never heard
Commune with the birds
And can manipulate matter with the usage of words
Throwin' dice on the curb
I'm the best and the freshest with the written text, fuck what you heard
It's the, metaphysical, dolby digital
Any Joe'll tell you, the flow's so pivotal
Every word's literal
Each diatribe is sort of like an interview
Come get an inner view
Right past the man and the myth to the mineral
I was born uptown a mile from the river view
That’s FUEGO! My god!
GreenEight
I'm 30 now, and your poetry's been a part of my life since I was a teen. It's helped me more than I could explain here. Thanks Jay E, much love.
Lawrentz82
First song I ever heard from Jay some years back....became an instant fan. I need to revisit his old stuff so I can get this concept that I must've been too young to comprehend...imma enjoy ever second of it too lol
Eric
Lawrentz82 I’m recycling his stuff too and it really hits different now
Apollo G
Wake up to your grave it's the reminder on the clock,
And those fleeting bits of satisfaction turn to afterthoughts,
But if you say the magic word, you could crawl back on the verge,
and see that fire in the sky burn everything back to life,
You don't have to sleep to dream and live in paradise.
True Poetry. Forever a fan 🙏🏾
Karim
@Amr Mohamed aint nothing changed, i just hope it does change
Matthew Taher
So grateful that your music will always be there for me when I’m having a hard day
NYG1991
I overheard niggas saying Jay was on the verge
He could make Rumsfeld resign with rhymes he never heard
Commune with the birds
And can manipulate matter with the usage of words
Throwin' dice on the curb
I'm the best and the freshest with the written text, fuck what you heard
It's the, metaphysical, dolby digital
Any Joe'll tell you, the flow's so pivotal
Every word's literal
Each diatribe is sort of like an interview
Come get an inner view
Right past the man and the myth to the mineral
I was born uptown a mile from the river view
That’s FUEGO! My god!
NYG1991
@slumsfinest, hell yes! Beast!
slumsfinest
Still 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
STEELO
This shit so flames