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
F.I.L.O
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Burnt candles by the dozen to ignite the soul fire
Sheer energy to release to melt the heart
Mind starved, voice carved onto wax (and still get taxed)
Relax, unrest unless undressed to the core
Ever so slowly, wash away old skin like springs of sulfur
So far so good, what's life got to offer?
Youth stare curiously analyze the facts
How come society wanna grow and ignore small dreams
Big team, now every work is a chore
I adore each step, hop skip a cadence
Travel distant in the age of decadence
Do this in reverence to the older veterans
Stripes on their chest plus a chip on their shoulder
Street soldiers cut without severance
But keep hustling anyways for the L or the F of it
Effervescent light guide the way
Fear no evil, once lost now found
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
First In Last Out
Thirstin' first drop just wet my appetite
But couldn't satisfy my craving for beats
Rap tight like a Christmas gift
'Tis night is an eve for a generation to uplift
Live life like a testimony
Simple rhymes in difficult times help a friend
Through a lonely tunnel at the end
Every maze a funnel into a wine bottle
And corked inside a message so mind boggling, a puzzle
Amazed at the grace having reached a goal
Knock twice on the gate heaven preach a soul
True knowledge of self shine brighter than all
For one part getting polished you better the whole
The sum of the characters carry over your role
24-karat gold, each day is a jewel
Case closed when the end credits roll
Self-representative and elected, yes I
Give and get give back to the constituents
Sit you in a chair and break down the affairs
There's nuthin fashionable
About arriving late in the game and acting OG
'Cause you can't pay dues with credit or cash
Quicktime soft players streaming all the flash
So I'm sticking copper pins into media outlets
Then I hop up in a black van and I'm out, let's
Get wit the program, shut the Dow Jonesing down
We keep underground dowsing
Microphones iron casting, everlasting sound
Blasting, no doubt
First In Last Out!
F.I.L.O, I'd rather do nothin' else
If I follow my heart to the last pulse
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
First In Last Out
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
First In Last Out
The lyrics of "F.I.L.O." by Nujabes and Shing02 speak to the struggles and perseverance of artists in the face of societal pressures and challenges. The song begins by acknowledging the sacrifices made in order to ignite one's creative fire, symbolized by burning candles. The energy and passion required to create and express oneself are emphasized, as well as the vulnerability of putting one's voice and art out into the world, exposed to criticism and taxation.
The lyrics touch on the lack of encouragement and recognition for small dreams, as society often prioritizes bigger goals. The youth are portrayed as curious observers, analyzing the realities of pursuing their passions. The song emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting artists, speaking to the role of older veterans who paved the way. The "stripes on their chests" symbolize their experience and resilience, while the chip on their shoulder reflects the challenges they faced without proper compensation.
The second verse highlights the hunger for beats and the desire to uplift an entire generation through music. The lyrics compare life to a maze, with each challenge representing a funnel into a wine bottle, holding a mind-boggling and puzzling message. The importance of self-knowledge and personal growth is emphasized, symbolized by 24-karat gold and jewels. The song urges artists to stay true to themselves and their craft, resisting the urge to conform and seek fame or recognition. The idea of "First In Last Out" represents the dedication and commitment to art despite the obstacles faced.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord, if they only knew them nights it took
Oh, if only people knew the countless nights it took
Burnt candles by the dozen to ignite the soul fire
Burning so many candles to ignite the fire within the soul
Sheer energy to release to melt the heart
Pouring all the energy to melt the heart and touch emotions
Mind starved, voice carved onto wax (and still get taxed)
A hungry mind expressing itself through music, despite facing taxation
Relax, unrest unless undressed to the core
Finding peace, but feeling unease unless genuinely exposed
Ever so slowly, wash away old skin like springs of sulfur
Gradually shedding old layers like sulfur springs wash away impurities
So far so good, what's life got to offer?
Things have been fine so far, but what does life truly have in store?
Youth stare curiously analyze the facts
Young ones observing and analyzing the reality with curiosity
Who's there to encourage give a pat on their back
Who is there to support and give them a much-needed encouragement?
How come society wanna grow and ignore small dreams
Why does society prioritize its growth over the importance of small dreams?
Big team, now every work is a chore
Being part of a large group, where even every task feels like a burden
I adore each step, hop skip a cadence
Appreciating and finding joy in every step, hopping and skipping with rhythm
Travel distant in the age of decadence
Journeying far in a time filled with excessive indulgence
Do this in reverence to the older veterans
Doing this as a tribute to the respected older veterans
Stripes on their chest plus a chip on their shoulder
Showing off their achievements while carrying a sense of defiance
Street soldiers cut without severance
Soldiers of the streets facing hardships without any compensation
But keep hustling anyways for the L or the F of it
Continuing to strive and hustle for success, whether it be for love or fortune
Effervescent light guide the way
An illuminating light leading the way with a lively and vibrant energy
Fear no evil, once lost now found
No longer fearing evil, as what was once lost has now been discovered
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
Just like the last person trapped in the destructive chaos of Babylon
First In Last Out
Being the first to enter and the last to leave
Thirstin' first drop just wet my appetite
The initial drop quenches my thirst but leaves me craving for more
But couldn't satisfy my craving for beats
Yet, it couldn't fully satisfy my intense longing for music beats
Rap tight like a Christmas gift
Rapping skillfully and precisely, like a perfectly wrapped Christmas present
'Tis night is an eve for a generation to uplift
This night is like an eve, where a generation uplifts and inspires
Live life like a testimony
Living life as a testament and example to others
Simple rhymes in difficult times help a friend
Offering simple rhymes during tough times to provide solace to a friend
Through a lonely tunnel at the end
Guiding them through a lonely tunnel towards the light at the end
Every maze a funnel into a wine bottle
Every maze serves as a passage leading into a bottle of intoxicating experiences
And corked inside a message so mind boggling, a puzzle
Contained within is a message that is both mind-boggling and perplexing
Amazed at the grace having reached a goal
Feeling astonished by the grace and fulfillment of achieving a goal
Knock twice on the gate heaven preach a soul
Knocking twice on heaven's gate to awaken and inspire the soul
True knowledge of self shine brighter than all
Understanding one's true self radiates a brilliance beyond comparison
For one part getting polished you better the whole
By improving one's individual part, the entire entity becomes better
The sum of the characters carry over your role
The collective traits define and carry forward your role
24-karat gold, each day is a jewel
Every day is as precious as a flawless and valuable 24-karat gold
Case closed when the end credits roll
Just like a case being closed when the final credits roll
Self-representative and elected, yes I
Acting as both the representative and the chosen one, yes I
Give and get give back to the constituents
Giving and receiving, then giving back to the supporters
Sit you in a chair and break down the affairs
Taking a seat and analyzing the matters at hand
There's nuthin fashionable
There is nothing trendy or stylish about it
About arriving late in the game and acting OG
Pretending to be an original gangster after entering the game late
'Cause you can't pay dues with credit or cash
You cannot fulfill your obligations with mere credit or cash
Quicktime soft players streaming all the flash
Flimsy players in a fast-paced world, streaming only superficial elements
So I'm sticking copper pins into media outlets
Inserting copper pins into media outlets, defying the mainstream
Then I hop up in a black van and I'm out, let's
Then I swiftly jump into a black van and depart, let's go
Get wit the program, shut the Dow Jonesing down
Become aware of the real deal, cease chasing the illusory Dow Jones
We keep underground dowsing
We continue to search for the hidden treasures in the underground
Microphones iron casting, everlasting sound
Microphones become strong and everlasting through the casting process
Blasting, no doubt
Blasting the music without a single doubt or hesitation
F.I.L.O, I'd rather do nothin' else
First In Last Out, I would rather do nothing else
If I follow my heart to the last pulse
If I continue to listen to my heart until the very last beat
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
Similar to the final person trapped in the chaotic inferno of Babylon
First In Last Out
Being the first to enter and the last to leave
Like the last man down in the towering inferno of Babylon
Just like the last person trapped in the destructive chaos of Babylon
First In Last Out
Being the first to enter and the last to leave
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jun Seba
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind