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.
Not Too Far From Nothing
Jay Electronica Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
terrorize the commercialized thrill the hecklers
you might be eating off that wack shit for now but i interrupt dinner like bill collectors
hit the lights cue music run the real projectors
i was raised on kool-aid and pac-man
steely dan gap band michael jackson
outside the fiends would scuffle up for crack
in the same spots where shell-toes was doin backspins
you bubble you b-l-o-w
visual like the hubble, you trouble,
lancaster to man-chester
i slam rappers
and keep weak niggas in line like band campers
In these lyrics, Jay Electronica speaks about the various ways in which one can address sickness, challenges, or problems. He suggests that there are multiple paths to healing like there is more than one way to heal a leper. The idea that there might be multiple remedies for any affliction is suggestive of the idea that solutions or healing are not simply one-size-fits-all. Similarly, in addressing the naysayers or the hecklers, he suggests that there are different ways to address or challenge individuals who try to undermine or oppose one's work. In essence, he suggests that there are creative and individualized approaches one can take in addressing any issue.
He further goes on to critique mainstream commercialism by saying that consumers are 'eating off that wack shit', and he interrupts their dinner like a bill collector would. He essentially suggests that buying into shallow or superficial music is unethical and unfulfilling. Jay's upbringing is also emphasized as he describes growing up with certain pop culture icons such as Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, and Gap Band. He sheds light on his surroundings, with drug addicts scuffling over crack in the same places where breakdancers used to perform. He essentially suggests that his background had both positive and negative elements that shaped his view of the world.
In the final lines of the lyrics, Jay takes a jab at weak rappers and says he keeps them in line like band campers. He focuses on the importance of individuality and originality, suggesting that he brings his own colorful perspective and that those who lack it are weak. Overall, the song not only highlights Jay's personal experience and perspective but also suggests the importance of individuality and creativity in addressing the challenges that life may present.
Line by Line Meaning
its more than one way to heal a leper
There are multiple ways to solve a problem.
terrorize the commercialized thrill the hecklers
Challenging and disrupting the mainstream and popular culture.
you might be eating off that wack shit for now but i interrupt dinner like bill collectors
Critiquing those who are successful but are still promoting subpar content.
hit the lights cue music run the real projectors
Initiating the true message and content that deserves attention.
i was raised on kool-aid and pac-man
Growing up with simple pleasures of childhood.
steely dan gap band michael jackson
Appreciation for legendary music icons.
outside the fiends would scuffle up for crack
Observing and experiencing the harsh reality of drug addiction in the community.
in the same spots where shell-toes was doin backspins
Reflecting on how the same places where breakdancing was a cultural expression are now plagued with drug abuse.
thats why i spit the otherful colorful you a fly motherfucka
Creating music that is unique, diverse, and attracts attention.
you bubble you b-l-o-w
Acknowledging those in the industry who are only successful momentarily and will eventually fade away.
visual like the hubble, you trouble, lancaster to man-chester
Using vivid imagery and comparisons to describe the obstacles and challenges faced in different regions and communities.
i slam rappers
Dominating and overpowering other rappers in the industry.
and keep weak niggas in line like band campers
Controlling and keeping those who lack talent in check.
Contributed by Lucas Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
SNK Traducciones
The Science of Everything in Life: The Greatest Story Ever Told.
Apollo G
Yo Jay thank you again for uploading these! Please upload Light Years again (it's one of my favourites) when you get the chance🙏🏾
manofentity official channel
Jay Elect THE GREATEST that never have interest in really becoming the GOAT accord to the show promoters...#HE IS MY GREATEST TO EVER DO IT FUCK the records sales
Michael Cobbs
Good lyrics.
wheresleepingdogslie
verse underrated af
DaCritikquee
The Eloheim
Essa Almalki
Am I the only one who knows that this is a new track
King Cletus
It's over 8 years old...
santana
Essa Almalki yooo forreal... freshhh jay elect !
Kyle H
Vision like the hubble u troubled