He was also an owner of "tribe", a record store in Shibuya, Tokyo, and led indie record label Hyde-Out Productions. He released two albums in Japan, Metaphorical Music in 2003 and Modal Soul in 2005. He was also a member of the production duo Urbanforest, an experimental collaboration with Nao Tokui (appearing on the Lady Brown 12").
In addition to Japanese artists like Shing02 and Minmi, he has collaborated with underground American hip-hop acts Cyne, Apani B-Fly, Five Deez, Substantial, Fat Jon and British rapper Funky DL.
He has also contributed music to the soundtrack of Samurai Champloo, an anime which blends a setting in feudal Japan with modern anachronisms, especially hip-hop music.
On March 17, 2010, it was announced on the Hyde-Out Productions website that Jun passed away on February 26, 2010 at the age of 36 after being involved in a serious car accident on the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway. He was promptly transported to the hospital, where attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. An English announcement was made on March 18 by friend and collaborator Shing02 on the Empire22 website:
Today, I have very somber news for the international hip hop community, especially fans of the independent hip hop scene, and those who have followed my career.
It has been announced that Jun Seba, aka Nujabes, Japanese hip hop producer extraordinaire, passed away late February. Official statement from the label (in Japanese) here:
http://hydeout.net/hydeout/2010/03/_hydeoutproductions.html
We deeply regret the loss of a unique talent and a close friend. Through his soulful music, Nujabes has touched so many people around the world, even beyond his dreams. He was a mysterious character to most as he avoided the public limelight, rarely conducted interviews, so only a few got to know the man behind the signature production. Yet it continued to amaze me how young listeners of all backgrounds learned of his enigmatic name, and expressed support for his music.
As I write now from Japan, I had been leaving him messages the past couple of weeks, trying to get in the studio together, so the news could not have come any more unexpected. Even last week, I passed by his house and called him thinking he was still home.
I met Nujabes around 2000 and as an upcoming MC, I was fortunate to work on tracks such as Battlecry, F.I.L.O, Luv(sic) parts 1, 2 and 3. We had been working on the next trilogy of Luv(sic) over the past year (which we're determined to see through). The last time we talked in January, Nujabes emailed me to wish Jeff Resurreccion, a 19-year old beatboxer who had just passed way from cancer, his heartfelt condolences.
While we continue to respect the privacy of his family, we will work to preserve his legacy, and pay tribute to the body of work, some unreleased, that he has left for us to enjoy. Jun Seba will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans worldwide.
in peace,
Shing02
Blessing It (feat. Substantial
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maryland and Cincinnati to the Far East, son
And we just begun to spread the gospel
Substantial, Pase Rock hip hop apostles
Far from preaching with this art you call rapping
Taking y'all back from before this all happened
Fronting hardcore when you're barely soft porn
Never penetrating the inner to get your heart warm
Disrespect hip hop and I'll spit in your face
These kids are a waste of oxygen, it's madness
Get in your case and all your shit like back checks
Got my eye on ya like insanity grabbed ya
Y'all CD packaging, and I can't stand rappers
You're bound to get ripped and then turned into garbage
I'll stay blessing mics my followers pay homage
Substan, blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life Hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
Substan, blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
On point like the pens we write with
Living righteous in these times of peril and crisis
The pain'll squeeze you lifeless (dead)
What's it matter who's the nicest?
Who's alive, who's gonna live to see their life is
Hopefully me, my lifeline of emcee extends past to paying dues
How much it cost to be free?
Deep-rooted underground, but on the surface, a tree
Branching out, all I ever really wanted to be
They want to put us in a box and then pack it away
But we ain't having that, no pause, no which way
Yo, I'm going to the top and that's where I'll stay
Fuck the middle ground
Cold, getting biz while you was sitting down
The joint sound hitting now, freestyle or written down
Your flow is played out, money you need to get that shit in style
Speedy on the quick fast, long-term we make it last
Forever in a daze, stay clear of the path 'cause, yo
Substan-
Substan blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
Substan, blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
Children of the Sun, look out, here we come
Live in Brooklyn, Maryland's where I'm from
We don't stop, uh, 'til you've had enough
Five Deez, UV connect that's what's up
Children of the sun, watch out, we're coming for ya
Rocking from the 'nati mid-west to California
And it don't stop even when you've had enough
Pase and Substantial, dude, that's what's up
Blessing it effortless testing this? Doubt it
Mic specialist, son we kept events crowded
As nice as you wish you were, ripped mics are my signature
Thought you said your shit is hot it's barely room temperature
We're scorching, torturing cats from Cincinnati to New York and back
Word to Pat, don't say jack
When we bankrupt your crew from spinning the Wheel of Fortune black
We take you there and send you walking back!
Substan, blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
Substan, blessing it yes, I am, blessing it
Uv for life hell yes, we stay blessing it
Pase, I'm blessing it yes, I stay blessing it
Five Deez forever, you know we stay blessing it
The lyrics to "Blessing It Remix" by Nujabes Feat. Substantial featuring Pase Rock delve into themes of unity, self-expression, perseverance, and staying true to oneself in the world of hip hop. The artists emphasize the importance of each individual teaching and uplifting one another to reach greater heights, bridging the gap between different regions like Maryland, Cincinnati, and the Far East while spreading their gospel of hip hop. They highlight their role as hip hop apostles, using their craft to connect with listeners and share their art with authenticity.
Substantial and Pase Rock express their dedication to the art form by denouncing superficiality and lack of substance in the music industry. They critique those who only scratch the surface without delving deep into their art form, comparing them to "barely soft porn" and challenging them to tap into their inner selves to create meaningful music that resonates with the heart. They stress the importance of respecting hip hop and call out those who disrespect the culture, emphasizing their commitment to blessing microphones and paying homage to the true essence of the genre.
The artists further explore the struggles and challenges they face as underground emcees, touching on themes of perseverance, authenticity, and staying resilient in the face of adversity. They assert their commitment to staying true to their roots and remaining on point in their craft, navigating through times of peril and crisis with a sense of righteousness and purpose. Substantial and Pase Rock speak about the pressures of conforming to mainstream expectations but assert their refusal to be boxed in, instead branching out and staying true to their vision as artists.
In the closing verses, the artists assert their determination to rise above mediocrity and stand out in the competitive music industry. They assert their individuality and unique voice, rejecting the notion of conforming to trends or seeking validation from external forces. Through their powerful words and assertive tone, Substantial and Pase Rock convey a sense of urgency and passion for their craft, pledging to continue blessing the mic and making their mark in the world of hip hop while maintaining their authenticity and integrity as artists.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, each one, teach one, we reach on
Hey, let's all help each other grow and learn as we continue on this journey
Maryland and Cincinnati to the Far East, son
From Maryland to Cincinnati and even beyond to the Far East, we're making our mark
And we just begun to spread the gospel
We're just getting started in sharing our message and passion for hip hop
Substantial, Pase Rock hip hop apostles
Substantial and Pase Rock are like messengers spreading the word of hip hop
Far from preaching with this art you call rapping
We're not just talking, we're living and breathing this art known as rapping
Taking y'all back from before this all happened
Bringing you back to the roots of hip hop before all the mainstream trends took over
Fronting hardcore when you're barely soft porn
Acting tough when in reality, you're not strong at all
Never penetrating the inner to get your heart warm
You're not delving deep within yourself to find true warmth and connection
Rock on at a ridiculous pace
Keep moving forward and creating at an intense speed
Disrespect hip hop and I'll spit in your face
If you disrespect the culture of hip hop, we won't tolerate it
These kids are a waste of oxygen, it's madness
Those individuals who don't appreciate or contribute positively are a waste in this world
Get in your case and all your shit like back checks
We'll hold you accountable and call you out on all your faults
Got my eye on ya like insanity grabbed ya
We're watching you closely as if insanity has a hold on you
Y'all CD packaging, and I can't stand rappers
You're just a product of the music industry, and I can't stand fake rappers
You're bound to get ripped and then turned into garbage
If you're not authentic, you'll be torn apart and discarded
I'll stay blessing mics my followers pay homage
I'll keep spreading positivity through my music, and my fans will always show respect
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jun Seba
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@catlover4397
My No1 song on Spotify this year
@immayefan303
taste
@OmnipotentO
Gentlemen.
@omarjordan8162
Ong
@ceoofperc5353
this song reminds me of a light breeze on a temperate day. a reminder that life can be good, simple, and beautiful.
@gaintrain2839
RIP Nujabes - Yes I stay blessin' it 🙏
@Calamityyy
Right from the start those first notes are immediatly hitting in the soul
@Jbrown1806
Man this album takes me back and it always feels like the 1st time hearing it. ❤
@itzalitfam7478
2024 Blessin It!
@consciousbeingoflight
🙏🏽🧡