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
D.T.F.N.
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It is essential that i move my pencil
My credentials and my dental make it nice and simple
So yall can hear it never fear it and you come and listen
(listen up, listen up)
Cause mindstyle forever glisten
Makin it a mission,
For rap to a be new age established religion
My tabernacle will shackle any emcees that want step to me in battle
Im keepin it peace and order while im hittin the gavel
You talkin that bullshit?
You gonna hit the gravel
Cause im gonna do what i can, do what i must
Those silly motherfuckas cant rock the mic
They need to hush
That'll be the favorite fanatical lyrical lust
Feeding ya ears with grade A lyrical foods stuffs
Making you blush when you hear it
Making your spirit overjoy for these lyrics that you want to spit it
Honey we vivid on candid camera now im gonna scare ya
Like godzilla fightin gamera spreadin malaria
In ya area pandemonium just a bound
To CYNE hittin ya town with the musical sound now
And move the crowd with the graphic displays of physical waves
That make you wanna lose it for days
Nigga we made, lyrical art and seranade
Impress the mind like miracles in biblical days.
Blessin the club with my presence
Forgave all of my lessons
The only protection that im carryin is not a weapon
Gets to high steppin when you see me
No man can ever beat me
I sit back and shine hard believe me
Im glistenin
Talkin bullshit while bitches listenin
Wishin a bubble I say im hard on black, michelin
Wrapped around this 20inch buckshine, ridiculous
Freak nasty hoes cry down and look meticulous
You hearin this?
Even these chicken heads delirious
With the vocab and the neck sparklin serious
Come on shorty dont look shy
No need feminine
With ya cute eyes fat thighs and hair marvelous
Skin tone melodic
Ya voice sound exotic
You so fine popurri scent from when you farted
Lets get it started back at my place
Gettin retarded
And dont be actin brand new boo
We gettin on it
So whatchu talkin about
Here are my digits so hit the walk about
So we can set it up in the truck
You know we bouta fuck
So light it up
Im blazin yo mind
We passin the time
Fuck doin lines
We sippin on expensive wine
Damn youre fine
Pretty brown thighs im gonna climb
Body sublime
Sippin coronas
Lickin the lime
Line for line
It be the Cise rippin your mind
So give me some time
So we can unwind
Yo, this is how we did it
The city is gettin me hype
Grabbin the mic
Precise star rippin it nice
Them and the life
My words became the vehicle
Movin the crowd
Lyrical sounds remain diesel
The speakers amplify the words from my mind
And the visible sense stand words forth to the cyne
Reppin this rhyme hard
Standin to the right of the God
Up above givin love
While he's rappin his song
Even though I stand 5'11"
My head is touchin heaven
Above the clouds the sounds stop 9/11
I be the deacon reverend
Rockin the triple 7
And be the crews im wreckin
So sunny im far collectin
Im stayin leavin the message
But sometimes you be second guessin
You better be understanding
That i never left the first question
Move on my music
Meticulous in many directions
Hittin ya city town area province and section
The opening lines of the song take the listener back to the rapper's state of mind when he is in grind central. He uses his credentials and dental as a metaphor for making things simple for the audience to hear, and encourages them to listen up. He then talks about how he wants to establish a new age religion in rap, and anyone who steps to him in battle will face defeat. He is all about keeping peace and order while hitting the gavel, but is quick to shut down any bulls**t talk. He feeds his listeners with grade A lyrical foodstuffs, and makes them overjoyed with lyrics that they want to spit out. He compares himself to Godzilla fighting Gamera, and wants to spread pandemonium in your area with the musical sound of CYNE.
In the second verse, the rapper talks about how he forgave all of his lessons and the only protection he carries is not a weapon. He shines hard and talks about his buckshine being ridiculous. He thinks the women are listening to his bulls**t, wishing they were all up in his business. His voice sounds exotic and he sets up a meeting with a girl to get it started back at his place. As they get high and sip on expensive wine, he climbs the pretty brown thighs of the girl's body sublime, sipping on coronas and licking the lime. He rips your mind with his lines and wants to unwind.
Line by Line Meaning
I let my mind mental go back to grind central
I focus my thoughts on the hustle and work ethic
It is essential that i move my pencil
Writing and creating is a necessary part of my life
My credentials and my dental make it nice and simple
My experience and skills make my work smooth and accessible
So yall can hear it never fear it and you come and listen
I want you to listen without hesitation and enjoy my music
(listen up, listen up) Cause mindstyle forever glisten
Pay attention because my unique style will always shine
Makin it a mission, For rap to a be new age established religion
I strive to make rap a respected and revered art form
So we gon move it in my bullpen
We will take action in my studio
My tabernacle will shackle any emcees that want step to me in battle
I will defeat any rappers who dare to challenge me
Im keepin it peace and order while im hittin the gavel
I maintain a sense of calm and control while delivering my music
You talkin that bullshit? You gonna hit the gravel
If you spew nonsense, you will face defeat
Cause im gonna do what i can, do what i must
I will do everything in my power to succeed
Those silly motherfuckas cant rock the mic They need to hush
Incompetent rappers should remain silent
That'll be the favorite fanatical lyrical lust
My passionate and skillful lyrics are beloved by fans
Feeding ya ears with grade A lyrical foods stuffs
I provide top-notch lyrical content for your enjoyment
Making you blush when you hear it Making your spirit overjoy for these lyrics that you want to spit it
My music evokes strong emotions and inspires you to rap along
Honey we vivid on candid camera now im gonna scare ya
My music is raw and authentic, ready to surprise you
Like godzilla fightin gamera spreadin malaria
I bring intense energy and impact like a monster battling
In ya area pandemonium just a bound
I am causing chaos and excitement in your vicinity
To CYNE hittin ya town with the musical sound now
CYNE is bringing their unique music to your city
And move the crowd with the graphic displays of physical waves
Our performance captivates the audience with powerful visuals
That make you wanna lose it for days
Our music has a lasting effect that makes you wanna dance endlessly
Nigga we made, lyrical art and seranade
We have created masterpieces of lyrical expression
Impress the mind like miracles in biblical days
Our music leaves a profound impact, just like ancient miracles
Blessin the club with my presence
I bring a positive and influential energy to the club
Forgave all of my lessons
I have learned from my past mistakes and moved on
The only protection that im carryin is not a weapon
I rely on my talent and skills, not violence or weapons
Gets to high steppin when you see me
I exude confidence and charisma when I enter the scene
No man can ever beat me
I am unbeatable and unmatched
I sit back and shine hard believe me
I confidently showcase my talent and shine brightly
Im glistenin
I am dazzling and radiating with excellence
Talkin bullshit while bitches listenin
I speak confidently while attracting the attention of women
Wishin a bubble I say im hard on black, michelin
I compare myself to a tough and prestigious brand, Michelin
Wrapped around this 20inch buckshine, ridiculous
I have an impressive and flashy 20-inch car rim
Freak nasty hoes cry down and look meticulous
Attractive women are captivated and enamored by my presence
You hearin this? Even these chicken heads delirious
Even promiscuous women are strongly affected by my music
With the vocab and the neck sparklin serious
My extensive vocabulary and dazzling jewelry make a serious impact
Come on shorty dont look shy
Don't be hesitant, beautiful girl
No need feminine
You don't need to act reserved or ladylike
With ya cute eyes fat thighs and hair marvelous
You have attractive eyes, curvy thighs, and fabulous hair
Skin tone melodic
Your skin tone is harmoniously beautiful
Ya voice sound exotic
Your voice has an alluring and unique quality
You so fine popurri scent from when you farted
You are incredibly attractive, even your bodily functions are appealing
Lets get it started back at my place
Let's begin the fun and excitement at my home
Gettin retarded
We will have an immensely enjoyable and carefree time
And dont be actin brand new boo
Don't be aloof or distant, my dear
We gettin on it
We are going to have a wild and energetic experience
So whatchu talkin about Here are my digits so hit the walk about
What are you waiting for? Take my contact information and let's meet up
So we can set it up in the truck
We can have a private and intimate encounter in my vehicle
You know we bouta fuck
It is obvious that we are going to engage in sexual activity
So light it up
Let's get high and have a good time
Im blazin yo mind
I am impressing and astonishing you
We passin the time
We are enjoying each other's company and killing time
Fuck doin lines
We don't need to rely on drugs to have fun
We sippin on expensive wine
We are indulging in luxurious and high-quality wine
Damn youre fine
You are incredibly attractive
Pretty brown thighs im gonna climb
I am eager to explore and appreciate your beautiful legs
Body sublime
Your body is absolutely stunning
Sippin coronas Lickin the lime
We are enjoying Corona beer with a lime garnish
Line for line
I am delivering my lyrics with precision and skill
It be the Cise rippin your mind
Cise is captivating and impressing your mind with his words
So give me some time
Please allow me some time and space
So we can unwind
Let's relax and enjoy each other's company
Yo, this is how we did it
I'm here to explain our method and approach
The city is gettin me hype
The urban environment is energizing and exciting me
Grabbin the mic
I take hold of the microphone
Precise star rippin it nice
Precise Star is delivering his verses with skill and precision
Them and the life
Both us and our lifestyles
My words became the vehicle
My lyrics became the means or medium
Movin the crowd
We are captivating and energizing the audience
Lyrical sounds remain diesel
Our lyrics are powerful and impactful
The speakers amplify the words from my mind
The singers project and magnify the thoughts in my head
And the visible sense stand words forth to the cyne
The tangible experience showcases the words of CYNE
Reppin this rhyme hard
We are representing our music and lyrics fervently
Standin to the right of the God
We stand beside the divine, representing divine creativity
Up above givin love
The higher power blesses us with support
While he's rappin his song
While he is performing his own music
Even though I stand 5'11"
Despite my height being 5'11"
My head is touchin heaven
My ambition and passion reach heavenly heights
Above the clouds the sounds stop 9/11
My music transcends earthly conflicts and unites people
I be the deacon reverend
I am a spiritual leader and minister
Rockin the triple 7
I am wearing jewelry with the number 777
And be the crews im wreckin
I am outshining and surpassing the other rap groups
So sunny im far collectin
I am metaphorically collecting success and wealth
Im stayin leavin the message
I consistently convey and spread a meaningful message
But sometimes you be second guessin
However, you sometimes doubt or question me
You better be understanding
You should try to comprehend and appreciate
That i never left the first question
I never strayed from my original purpose or intentions
Move on my music
Keep progressing with my music
Meticulous in many directions
I am careful and precise as I explore various musical styles
Hittin ya city town area province and section
I am bringing my music to all areas and regions, big and small
Contributed by Addison P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Mu7ammed..
I left
My mind mental going back to grind central. It is
Essential that I move my pencil. My credentials in my
Dental make it nice and simple, so y’all can hear it, never
Fear it, and you come and listen (Listen up, listen up) 'cause
My rhyme style forever glisten, making it a mission for
Rap to be a New-Age established religion
So we gon’ move it in my pulpit. My tabernacle
Will shackle any emcees that want to step to me and battle
I’m keeping the peace and order while I’m hitting the gavel
You talking that bullshit? You’re gonna hit the gravel
'Cause I’ma do what I can and do what I must
Those silly motherfuckers can’t rock the mic—they need to hush (Shut up)
I'll be your favorite fanatical lyrical lush
Feeding your ears with grade-A lyrical food stuffs
Making you blush when you hear it, making your spirit
Overjoyed from these lyrics. After, you want to spit it (Yeah)
Honey, we’re vivid on candid camera. Now, I’m scaring ya
Like Godzilla fighting Gamera, spreading malaria (Haha)
In your area, pandemonium just abound ‘cause
The CYNE’ll hit ya town with that musical sound now
And move the crowd with the graphic displays of physical
Waves that make you wanna lose it for days
Nigga, we made lyrical art and serenade
Impress the mind like miracles in biblical days
[Verse 2: Cise Starr]
Blessing
The club with my presence, forgetting all of my lessons
The only protection that I’m carrying is not a weapon
Gets to high stepping when you see me. No man can ever
Beat me. I sit back and shine hard—believe me
I’m glistening, talking bullshit while bitches listening
Pushing a bubble, I’m sitting hard on black Michelin
Wrapped around a twenty-inch, buff shine ridiculous
Freak nasty hoes, squat down, and lick meticulous
You’re hearing this? Keeping these chickenheads delirious
With the vocab and the neck sparkling serious
Come on, shorty. Don’t look shy—no need fearing this
With your cute eyes, fat thighs, and hair marvelous (Yeah)
Your skin tone melodic, your voice sound exotic
You're so fine, potpourri scent from when you farted (Haha)
Let's get it started back at my place, getting retarded
And don’t be acting brand-new, boo—we getting on it. So what
You talk about? Here are my digits, so hit the walkabout
So we can set it up in the truck. You know we bout to fuck
So light it up. I’m blazing your mind. We’re passing the time
Fuck doing lines. We’re sipping on expensive wines
Damn, you’re fine. Pretty brown thighs I’m gonna climb
Body sublime, sipping Corona, licking the lime
Line for line, it’d be the Cise ripping your mind
So give me some time so we can unwind
Yo
This is how we did it. The city is getting me hype
Grabbing the mic, PreCise Star ripping it nice (Nice)
Dimming the lights, my words became the vehicle
Moving the crowd—lyrical sounds remain diesel
The speakers amplify the words of my mind. In the
Physical sense stands one-fourth of the CYNE. Repping
This rhyme, so I'm standing to the right of the God
"Up Above," giving love while he's rapping his song
Even though I stand 5'11", my head is touching heaven
Above the clouds, our sounds stop 9/11
I be the Deacon Reverend rocking a triple-7
It’d be the crews I'm wrecking, so, sonny, I’m call-collecting
I’m staying, leaving a message, but sometimes you’re second-guessing
You’d better be understanding that I never left a first question
Moving my music, meticulous in many directions
Hitting your city, town, area, province, and section
@SgtBagel32
Cise Starr has got one of the sickest flows
@Mu7ammed..
I left
My mind mental going back to grind central. It is
Essential that I move my pencil. My credentials in my
Dental make it nice and simple, so y’all can hear it, never
Fear it, and you come and listen (Listen up, listen up) 'cause
My rhyme style forever glisten, making it a mission for
Rap to be a New-Age established religion
So we gon’ move it in my pulpit. My tabernacle
Will shackle any emcees that want to step to me and battle
I’m keeping the peace and order while I’m hitting the gavel
You talking that bullshit? You’re gonna hit the gravel
'Cause I’ma do what I can and do what I must
Those silly motherfuckers can’t rock the mic—they need to hush (Shut up)
I'll be your favorite fanatical lyrical lush
Feeding your ears with grade-A lyrical food stuffs
Making you blush when you hear it, making your spirit
Overjoyed from these lyrics. After, you want to spit it (Yeah)
Honey, we’re vivid on candid camera. Now, I’m scaring ya
Like Godzilla fighting Gamera, spreading malaria (Haha)
In your area, pandemonium just abound ‘cause
The CYNE’ll hit ya town with that musical sound now
And move the crowd with the graphic displays of physical
Waves that make you wanna lose it for days
Nigga, we made lyrical art and serenade
Impress the mind like miracles in biblical days
[Verse 2: Cise Starr]
Blessing
The club with my presence, forgetting all of my lessons
The only protection that I’m carrying is not a weapon
Gets to high stepping when you see me. No man can ever
Beat me. I sit back and shine hard—believe me
I’m glistening, talking bullshit while bitches listening
Pushing a bubble, I’m sitting hard on black Michelin
Wrapped around a twenty-inch, buff shine ridiculous
Freak nasty hoes, squat down, and lick meticulous
You’re hearing this? Keeping these chickenheads delirious
With the vocab and the neck sparkling serious
Come on, shorty. Don’t look shy—no need fearing this
With your cute eyes, fat thighs, and hair marvelous (Yeah)
Your skin tone melodic, your voice sound exotic
You're so fine, potpourri scent from when you farted (Haha)
Let's get it started back at my place, getting retarded
And don’t be acting brand-new, boo—we getting on it. So what
You talk about? Here are my digits, so hit the walkabout
So we can set it up in the truck. You know we bout to fuck
So light it up. I’m blazing your mind. We’re passing the time
Fuck doing lines. We’re sipping on expensive wines
Damn, you’re fine. Pretty brown thighs I’m gonna climb
Body sublime, sipping Corona, licking the lime
Line for line, it’d be the Cise ripping your mind
So give me some time so we can unwind
Yo
This is how we did it. The city is getting me hype
Grabbing the mic, PreCise Star ripping it nice (Nice)
Dimming the lights, my words became the vehicle
Moving the crowd—lyrical sounds remain diesel
The speakers amplify the words of my mind. In the
Physical sense stands one-fourth of the CYNE. Repping
This rhyme, so I'm standing to the right of the God
"Up Above," giving love while he's rapping his song
Even though I stand 5'11", my head is touching heaven
Above the clouds, our sounds stop 9/11
I be the Deacon Reverend rocking a triple-7
It’d be the crews I'm wrecking, so, sonny, I’m call-collecting
I’m staying, leaving a message, but sometimes you’re second-guessing
You’d better be understanding that I never left a first question
Moving my music, meticulous in many directions
Hitting your city, town, area, province, and section
@Wacck
nujabes really brings the best out of MCs, Cise Star was no exception
@Instucablanator
One of the best songs hands down, sick beat
@TheRoplo1
Hooooooooooooooly shit Cise Starr and Nujabes never cease to amaze me
@SuperSmokinbuddah
BlackClass180 which tracks do u like best of them? i wanna check them
@resoluterecordsLLC
+MG Stylez Nujabes - Feather (feat. Cise Starr) is a great one.. also check out the band cise starr raps in called Cyne.. a good example of a great track from them is Cyne - Maintain also check out Uyama Hiroto - Soul of Freedom Feat. Cise Starr
@SuperSmokinbuddah
+ResoluteRecords the last track is mind blowing! thanks bro
@heviutza
Oh my, Cyne is close to heart since 2008. I recommend with warm to get the album Evolution Fight. You will love Every Single Track, i promise.
@PKSkyler
Just so you know it's only one "r "in Cise Star. He's a very underrated MC. RIP Jun Seba as well.