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
City Lights
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always in trouble need love on the double spent cake
And a lifetime climbing to the level
Contract with the devil loopholed expiration date
On the side of good people always set the record straight
Round and round the piano keys meditate
Felt in the music need it now can't let it wait
Not a secret everything is all out and exposed
How it goes another day another story told
Stuck inside the puzzle searching still trying to get a hold
Forgotten souls got lost in the cold trying
To get freedom now they need 'em walking down to hope road
Said they hope so but it was a no go
Front row stage show well placed logo
Fancy lights and the cameras are on
But he don't care he's just there to sing another sad love song
[Hook: Pase Rock]
Fade to black the soundtrack to another night
Is the music of the rain and the city lights
Feel no pain it makes the whole city bright
Without the sparkle or hype it's just another night (x2)
[Verse 2]
(Pase Rock)
And they all knew what it was from the first glance
No excuses should've planned in advance man
(Substabtial)
Documented on ProTools or Tascam
Struggles & hustles of an ordinary black man
(Pase Rock)
Spin a record with two week life span
Can't find a good girl so we hug the mic stand
(Substantial)
Not a lot of paper left in his right hand
Making enemies of folks he treated like fam
(pase rock)
Stone cold solid rock every point stop
What you lean on soon as the pressure drops
(Substantial)
Ghetto hot
Know the ledge and you'll hear the shot
But he'll never stop
'Til his name's known on every block
(pase rock)
Spread my wings fly away to the night beat
He's wide awake while the rest of the city sleeps
(Substantial)
In these gritty streets
Dudes creep with plenty heat
Pay it no mind and we grind losing plenty sleep
[Verse 3: Substantial]
Yo... Yo...
Some play for keeps while you laid asleep
In the dark your worst nightmare waits for he
Anything discern, no dawn or despair
Air's crisp and calm I think a storm is near
And I'm watching lightning dance across the skyline
Usually miss it, rarely find time
To bask in blackness, hint of line shine
But in a jazz pub chilling, sippin' with fine wine
Hypnotize by the strum of the upright
Feel like lost souls got their eyes on me some nights
So keep my eyes wide and move cautious
Slip and find yourself in a brand new coffin
By the morning...
Now you're one with the night breed
You should've known better if you're anything like me
But the city lights will seduce you
Daywalkers beware if it's not what you're used to
The lyrics of "City Lights" by Nujabes feat. Substantial & Pase Rock talk about the struggles of an ordinary black man who is always in trouble and needs love, but at the same time, he is climbing the ladder of success. He has a contract with the devil with an expiration date, but he clarifies that he is on the side of good people and always sets the record straight. He meditates to the piano keys, and music is his escape from the reality of his life. Even though he is in the limelight with fancy lights and cameras, he sings another sad love song. The chorus talks about the city lights and the rain that make the whole city bright, and it doesn't matter if you feel pain because you just need to soak in the ambience.
In the second verse, Pase Rock and Substantial take turns to rap about their struggles as black men trying to make it in the music industry. They talk about documentations on ProTools and Tascam, the struggles and hustles, and how they have made enemies of people they treated like family. They hug the mic stand and have little paper left in their hands, making their way on the gritty streets. But they never stop, as they want their names to be known across every block, and they spread their wings to fly away in the night beat.
The third verse talks about how easy it is to lose oneself in the city lights and the seduction of the city. The singer describes his fear that a storm is near and how watching the lightning dances across the skyline is a reminder of the darkness and despair that the city can bring. He observes that while the city lights are seductive, they also pose a danger to anyone who is not used to it. The song talks about the struggles, the vices, and the danger of the city, but also provides a ray of hope, where one can escape the reality of life through music.
Line by Line Meaning
Always in trouble need love on the double spent cake
I'm always facing problems and need love quickly to overcome them, even if it means spending my savings.
And a lifetime climbing to the level
I've been working hard my whole life to reach success.
Contract with the devil loopholed expiration date
I made a deal with the devil, but there's a loophole that'll allow me to break it.
On the side of good people always set the record straight
I'm always on the side of good, and I make sure to correct any misinformation or lies.
Round and round the piano keys meditate
I feel calm and relaxed as I play the piano and meditate.
Felt in the music need it now can't let it wait
I feel the power of the music strongly and can't wait to experience it again.
Not a secret everything is all out and exposed
There are no secrets anymore, everything is out in the open.
It's going down like the water in the river flows
Things are happening naturally and with ease, like the flow of a river.
How it goes another day another story told
It's just another day with new experiences and stories to tell.
Stuck inside the puzzle searching still trying to get a hold
I'm still trying to figure things out and find my place in the world.
Forgotten souls got lost in the cold trying
People who were ignored or overlooked are struggling to survive.
To get freedom now they need 'em walking down to hope road
They're seeking freedom and hope, and are making their way towards it.
Said they hope so but it was a no go
They hoped for success, but it didn't work out.
Front row stage show well placed logo
Being in the front row of a show with a well-placed logo doesn't matter to me.
Fancy lights and the cameras are on
There's a lot of attention on me with all the bright lights and cameras.
But he don't care he's just there to sing another sad love song
But I don't care, I'm just there to sing another sad love song.
Fade to black the soundtrack to another night
The night fades into darkness and the soundtrack changes to reflect that.
Is the music of the rain and the city lights
The rain and city lights provide the background music for the night.
Feel no pain it makes the whole city bright
Despite the pain and struggles, the city is still bright and shining.
Without the sparkle or hype it's just another night (x2)
Without any excitement, it's just a regular night like any other.
And they all knew what it was from the first glance
They all knew exactly what it was from the moment they saw it.
No excuses should've planned in advance man
I should've planned ahead and not made any excuses.
Documented on ProTools or Tascam
I recorded my struggles and hardships on ProTools or Tascam.
Struggles & hustles of an ordinary black man
These recordings reflect the struggles and hardships of an ordinary black man.
Spin a record with two week life span
I'm only able to enjoy these records for a short period of time before they're gone.
Can't find a good girl so we hug the mic stand
I can't find a good partner, so I'm devoted to my music instead.
Not a lot of paper left in his right hand
I don't have a lot of money left in my right hand.
Making enemies of folks he treated like fam
I've made enemies out of people who I considered family.
Stone cold solid rock every point stop
I'm solid and unbreakable when it comes to my beliefs and opinions.
What you lean on soon as the pressure drops
What you rely on when things get tough and the pressure is on.
Ghetto hot
The ghetto is a hot and intense place to be.
Know the ledge and you'll hear the shot
If you know what you're doing, you won't be caught off guard.
But he'll never stop
But I'll never give up.
'Til his name's known on every block
Until I have a presence on every block and people know who I am.
Spread my wings fly away to the night beat
I'm spreading my wings and flying away to the beat of the night.
He's wide awake while the rest of the city sleeps
I'm awake and active while the rest of the city is asleep.
In these gritty streets
In these rough and tough streets.
Dudes creep with plenty heat
People are sneaking around with plenty of guns.
Pay it no mind and we grind losing plenty sleep
I'm focused on my work and not paying attention to the lack of sleep I'm getting.
Yo... Yo...
An exclamation to get attention.
Some play for keeps while you laid asleep
Some people are ruthless and will stop at nothing while others are relaxed and asleep.
In the dark your worst nightmare waits for he
In the darkness, your worst fears and nightmares come alive.
Anything discern, no dawn or despair
It's hard to tell what's real or not, and there's no hope or light in sight.
Air's crisp and calm I think a storm is near
The air is calm but there's a feeling of a coming storm.
And I'm watching lightning dance across the skyline
I'm watching the beautiful display of lightning across the sky.
Usually miss it, rarely find time
I don't often get the time to appreciate these beautiful natural occurrences.
To bask in blackness, hint of line shine
To enjoy the darkness with just a hint of shining light.
But in a jazz pub chilling, sippin' with fine wine
But I'm relaxing in a jazz pub, sipping on fine wine.
Hypnotize by the strum of the upright
I'm captivated by the beautiful sound of the upright bass.
Feel like lost souls got their eyes on me some nights
I feel like the spirits of lost souls are watching me on some nights.
So keep my eyes wide and move cautious
I need to be careful and aware of my surroundings.
Slip and find yourself in a brand new coffin
If you're not careful, you could easily end up dead and in a new coffin.
By the morning...
By morning...
Now you're one with the night breed
Now you're one with those who belong to the night.
You should've known better if you're anything like me
You should've known the risks if you're anything like me.
But the city lights will seduce you
But the bright city lights will attract you and make you want to stay.
Daywalkers beware if it's not what you're used to
Those who are used to the daylight should be careful when entering the night.
Contributed by Anthony F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@fullmoon7047
[Verse 1: Pase Rock]
Always in trouble need love on the double spent cake
And a lifetime climbing to the level
Contract with the devil loopholed expiration date
On the side of good people always set the record straight
Round and round the piano keys meditate
Felt in the music need it now can't let it wait
Not a secret everything is all out and exposed
It's going down like the water in the river flows
How it goes another day another story told
Stuck inside the puzzle searching still trying to get a hold
Forgotten souls got lost in the cold trying
To get freedom now they need 'em walking down to hope road
Said they hope so but it was a no go
Front row stage show well placed logo
Fancy lights and the cameras are on
But he don't care he's just there to sing another sad love song
[Hook: Pase Rock]
Fade to black the soundtrack to another night
The music of the rain and the city lights
Feel no pain it makes the whole city bright
Without the sparkle or hype it's just another night
[Verse 2]
(Pase Rock)
And they all knew what it was from the first glance
No excuses should've planned in advance man
(Substabtial)
Documented on ProTools or Tascam
Struggles & hustles of an ordinary black man
(pase rock)
Spin a record with two week life span
Can't find a good girl so we hug the mic stand
(Substantial)
Not a lot of paper left in his right hand
Making enemies of folks he treated like fam
(pase rock)
Stone cold solid rock every point stop
What you lean on soon as the pressure drops
(Substantial)
Ghetto hot
Know the ledge and you'll hear the shot
But he'll never stop
'Til his name's known on every block
(pase rock)
Spread my wings fly away to the night beat
He's wide awake while the rest of the city sleeps
(Substantial)
In these gritty streets
Dudes creep with plenty heat
Pay it no mind and we grind losing plenty sleep
[Verse 3: Substantial]
Yo... Yo...
Some play for keeps while you laid asleep
In the dark your worst nightmare waits for he
Anything discern, no dawn or despair
Air's crisp and calm I think a storm is near
And I'm watching lightning dance across the skyline
Usually miss it, rarely find time
To bask in blackness, hint of line shine
But in a jazz pub chilling, sippin with fine wine
Hypnotize by the strum of the upright
Feel like lost souls got their eyes on me some nights
So keep my eyes wide and move cautious
Slip and find yourself in a brand new coffin
By the morning...
Now you're the one with the night breed
You should've known better if you're anything like me
But the city lights will seduce you
Daywalkers beware if it's not what you're used to
@sanjayr
I'm here because this is the second stop on my tour of the things i'll miss when i finally kill myself.
I found this song after you died Nujabes. You're the only person i've ever felt understood the wonder, the beauty and the utter despair of this life and your music was one of the reasons i lived another 10 years longer than i thought i would.
I should have been wrists slit at 21 bleeding into a shower cubicle.
You gave me 10 years more of hope, enabling me to have the courage to keep moving on and seeing more.
Thank you so much for that.
Please don't be mad at me for giving up hope. I tried to stay as long as i could man...
@user-fy5ty5zx9m
[詩1：パースロック]
うつ病
常に困っているのは、ダブルで愛が必要です
使ったケーキ
そして一生はレベルに登ります
悪魔の抜け穴の有効期限との契約
善良な人々の側では、常に
まっすぐ録音
ピアノの鍵をくるくると回す
音楽を感じて、待てないようになりました
秘密ではないすべてが公開され、公開されています
川の水が流れるように下って行く
別の日にどうなるか別の話が語った
まだ把握しようとしているパズルの内部で立ち往生
忘れられた魂は冷たい試練で迷子になった
自由を得るために、彼らは彼らを歩く必要がある
希望の道へ
彼らはそう望んでいると言いましたが、それはノーゴーでした
最前列のステージに配置されたロゴを表示
ファンシーライトとカメラがオンになっています
しかし、彼は歌うためにそこにいることは気にしません
別の悲しいラブソング
【フック：パースロック】
フェードしてサウンドトラックを別の夜にブラック
雨と街の明かりの音楽
痛みを感じず、街全体が明るくなる
きらめきや誇大宣伝がなければそれはちょうど別の夜です
[詩2]
（パースロック）
そして、彼らは一目でそれが何であるかを知っていました
言い訳は事前に計画しておくべきではありません
おとこ
（代替）
ProToolsまたはTascamに文書化
普通の黒人男性の闘争と衝動
（パースロック）
2週間のライフスパンでレコードをスピン
良い女の子が見つからないのでマイクスタンドを抱きしめます
（実質的）
右手に紙があまり残っていない
彼が家族のように扱った人々の敵を作る
（パースロック）
すべてのポイントストップの石の冷たい固体岩
圧力が下がったらすぐに頼るもの
（実質的）
ゲットーホット
棚を知っていれば、ショットが聞こえます
しかし、彼は決して止まることはありません
（実質的）
ゲットーホット
棚を知っていれば、ショットが聞こえます
しかし、彼は決して止まることはありません
「彼の名前がすべてのブロックで知られるまで
（パースロック）
翼を広げて夜のビートまで飛んでいく
街の残りの部分の間、彼は目を覚ましている
眠る
（実質的）
これらのザラザラした通りで
男は十分な熱でクリープ
それを気にしないで、私たちはたくさん失うことを粉砕します
睡眠
[詩3：充実した]
ヨ…ヨ…
あなたが寝ている間にキープをする人もいます
暗闇の中であなたの最悪の悪夢は彼を待ちます
空気がさわやかで穏やか嵐が近いと思います
スカイライン全体でライトニングダンスを見ている
真っ黒に浸るには、ラインのヒントが映える
でも、ジャズパブで冷やして、上質なワインとシッピン
直立者の弦で催眠術をかける
失われた魂が私にいくつかの夜彼らの目を向けたように感じます
だから目を広くして慎重に動く
滑り落ちて真新しい棺桶に身を置く
朝までに...
今、あなたは夜の品種を持つ人です
あなたが何かならもっとよく知っているべきだ
私のような
しかし、街の明かりがあなたを誘惑します
デイウォーカーは、慣れていない場合は注意してください
歌詞をGoogle翻訳で翻訳したらこうなった。何を歌っているのか意味はよくわからんけど、この曲大好き
@benzen5190
Listening to this while taking a evening stroll in central Kyoto during the gorgeous cherryblossom period. Amazing.
@benzen5190
+Jesse Yamamoto I hope you have a great time man!
@Udontknow
sharing is caring, thx for the imagination <3
@majorcrits333
You just described a dream of mine.
@cosmorunner23
Hope to do that in a few years, if all goes well I can get into a teaching program that will have me travelling to japan for a few years, really hope I can get onto it
@shiroism8039
@@cosmorunner23 would love to visit japan one day and travel myself, hey its been a lil minute any update on you gettin' in that teaching class bro?
@AI-tc8fv
I've only heard 5 seconds and I'm hooked, I need a car ASAP man imagine driving at night to this
@Spectre01
Hahaha same man
@flushedgarden
get that shit twin
@datkamakievi1869
For Real brotha❤