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
Luv
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lovesick like a dog with canine sensitivity
Developing this new theory of relativity
Connecting our souls resting in captivity
Positive life sacrifice what it is to me
Our history, only a quarter of a century
Reality, sitting on the shoulders of our chemistry
Let the blind see beyond harmony!
Breathe life into dead space blow away clouds of doubt
New territory we determine to be
Everything a safe heaven is supposed to be
Now it might seem distant but the time is near
When our thoughts take off and split the atmosphere
Pure sound wave travel semi-infinitely
Plus I'll see you there utmost definitely
[Hook:]
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently
Good gracious, every process has a genesis and ends with a revelation
God bless this opportunity for me to find a voice
For some words that have waited for way too long
Low wages, Small tips on the avenue
Haven't you heard the news lately?
Seems we've been living for sometimes in a purgatory
But yo, I thought I knew what a love song sound like
But I felt a warmer tune in the sunlight
I could still hear it in the room past midnight
Gotta move, take a solo cruise in the moon light
Sometimes I do forget, Oh how much we could ease the lives we lead
If we learn to let go, the reins that we hold
Return to our souls, and the spirit let flow
So you see, upon everyday faces there's a million shades to
Express definition of grace
But the method I choose me perrogative
There's so much love in me I got to give.
[Hook:]
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently
Oh how I could write a book on how you make me feel
But how about this song that I wrote for you?
What I feel like...I wanna put my trusts in these simple words
For you to feel what I'm saying, what you feel like?
Reminisce about the little episodes that we shared together
Remember the time that you told me
In the cold night, to relax when all I knew was to hold tight
Remember the time that I spoke to the crowd in a full house and
Realizes that you was my ace?
I was the joker on the stage singing the blues
All eyes on me and had nothing to prove
But yo, I thought I knew what a diamond shine like
But I felf a sharper love in the limelite
From the queen of hearts watching me quitely in the upper deck balcony
Sometimes I do suspect, I'm a actor in a well-scripted live divine comedy
When I look back at the frozen slice of time and try to defrost the feeling lost
Now enough with the metaphors, the motivation that I wrote this letter for
For you to know that the music held us carry on
Like you say a new day will bring us tomorrow...
[Hook:]
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently
The lyrics of Nujabes’ “Luv (sic) Part 1” featuring Shing02 is a perfect blend of poetry, love and positivity. The opening line “Lovesick like a dog with canine sensitivity” immediately captures the essence of the song as a love song, with the metaphor of being lovesick likened to a dog’s intense sensitivity. The song then takes on a philosophical twist as the lyrics tackle the concept of relativity and its connection to the soul. It speaks to the power of love to awaken souls that have been slumbering in captivity.
The next line “Positive life sacrifice what it is to me” speaks to the selflessness that comes with love, and how it requires sacrifice for it to thrive. The song then delves into their shared history as temporal beings, with the present reality resting on their chemistry. The colours that they mix, which represent their differences, are said to set the mind free, lifting the veils of illusion and opening one up to the beauty of the world.
The chorus “’cause the beat plus the melody makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently” reinforces the message of the song, emphasizing the power of music to express love’s intensities, while the verses tackle different aspects, such as the power struggle in relationships and the importance of letting go, and the nostalgia of past shared experiences. Overall, the song is a testament to the power of love, its ability to connect people on different levels, the selflessness required to make it thrive, and the beauty it brings to the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Lovesick like a dog with canine sensitivity
Feeling deeply in love with a sensitivity like a dog that can feel emotions acutely.
Developing this new theory of relativity
Creating a new perspective on love and relationships with a new theory like Einstein's theory of relativity.
Connecting our souls resting in captivity
Fostering a deeper connection between our souls that feels constrained or trapped in some way.
Positive life sacrifice what it is to me
Choosing to make sacrifices for the betterment of our lives and relationships, seeing it as a positive thing.
Our history, only a quarter of a century
Recognizing that our relationship history is only a short, 25 years long.
Reality, sitting on the shoulders of our chemistry
Realizing that our present reality is affected and influenced by the chemistry we have between us.
See ain't no mystery, the colours that we mix will set the mind free
Understanding that when we blend our different perspectives and personalities, we can create something beautiful that frees our minds.
Let the blind see beyond harmony!
Encouraging those who cannot yet see the beauty in our relationship to look beyond the surface and see the harmony beneath.
Breathe life into dead space blow away clouds of doubt
Revitalizing and invigorating our relationship by getting rid of any doubts or negative energy.
New territory we determine to be
Exploring new territory together that we choose and determine.
Everything a safe heaven is supposed to be
Creating a safe refuge for ourselves where we can fully express our love and emotions.
Now it might seem distant but the time is near
Though it may feel far off, the time when we can fully express our love and connection is approaching.
When our thoughts take off and split the atmosphere
When our minds and hearts are aligned, our love will soar high and reach new heights.
Pure sound wave travel semi-infinitely
Our love travels far and wide, infinitely reaching those who are open to it.
Plus I'll see you there utmost definitely
Assuring one another that we will always be together, no matter where our love takes us.
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently
The music and rhythm of our relationship makes me express my love for you eloquently and obviously.
God bless this opportunity for me to find a voice
Feeling grateful for the opportunity to express my love and emotions through music.
For some words that have waited for way too long
Finding the words to express my love that I've been holding onto for too long.
Haven't you heard the news lately?
Noticing and acknowledging the negativity and struggles around us.
Seems we've been living for sometimes in a purgatory
Sensing that we have been stuck in an in-between state, not quite living fully and freely.
But yo, I thought I knew what a love song sound like
But I felt a warmer tune in the sunlight
Realizing that my previous understanding of love and music was limited, and feeling a deeper and warmer love in the present moment.
Remember the time that you told me
In the cold night, to relax when all I knew was to hold tight
Recalling a specific moment when my partner brought comfort and calmness into a stressful situation.
Remember the time that I spoke to the crowd in a full house and
Realizes that you was my ace?
Reflecting on a time when I felt supported and loved by my partner during a vulnerable moment.
But yo, I thought I knew what a diamond shine like
But I felt a sharper love in the limelite
Feeling like my previous understanding of love was dull in comparison to the intensity of my current love.
From the queen of hearts watching me quitely in the upper deck balcony
Visualizing my partner as a gentle and loving presence, watching me from afar with a caring eye.
Sometimes I do suspect, I'm a actor in a well-scripted live divine comedy
Sometimes feeling like my life and relationship are part of something larger and divinely orchestrated.
For you to know that the music held us carry on
Expressing gratitude for the way that music has sustained and nourished our love.
Like you say a new day will bring us tomorrow...
Holding onto hope and trust that our love will keep growing and evolving every day, bringing us a brighter future together.
Contributed by Henry D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@user-mc8ci2vq2w
Luv(sic)
Lovesick like a dog with canine sensitivity
developing this new theory of relativity
connecting our souls resting in captivity,
positive life sacrifice what it is to me
our history, only a quarter of a century
reality, sitting on the shoulders of our chemistry
see ain't no mystery, the colours that we mix will set the mind free,
let the blind see beyond harmony!
breathe life into dead space blow away all clouds of doubt
new territory we determine to be
everything a safe haven is supposed to be
now it might seem distant but the time is near
when our thoughts take off and split the atmosphere
pure sound waves travel semi-infinitely,
plus I'll see you there utmost definitely!
'cause the beat plus the melody makes me speak of l.o.v.e. eloquently, so evidently
'cause the beat plus the melody makes me speak of l.o.v.e. eloquently, so evidently
good gracious, every process has a genesis and ends with a revelation
god bless this opportunity for me to find a voice
for some words that have waited for way too long
low wages, small tips on the avenue
never wasted, all hits for a revenue
haven't you heard the news lately?
seems we've been living for sometimes in a purgatory
but yo, I thought I knew what a love song sound like
but I felt a warmer tune in the sunlight
I could still hear it in the room past midnite,
gotta move, take a solo cruise in the moon light
sometimes I do forget , oh how much we could ease the lives we lead
if we learn to let go, the reins that we hold
return to our souls, and the spirit let flow
so you see, upon everyday faced there's a million shades to express definition of grace
but the method I choose my prerogative,
there's so much love in me I got to give!
(chorus)
oh how I could write a book on how you make me feel,
but how about this song that I wrote for you?
what I feel like... I wanna put my trust in these simple words
for you to feel what I'm saying, what you feel like?
reminisce about the little episodes that we shared together?
remember the time that you told me in the cold night,
to relax when all I knew was to hold tight
remember the time that I spoke to a crowd in a full house and realized that you was my ace?
I was the joker on the stage singing the blues
all eyes on me and had nothing to prove
but yo, I thought I knew what a diamond shine like
but I felt a sharper love in the limelight,
from the queen of hearts watching me quietly in the upper deck balcony
sometimes I do suspect, I'm an actor in a well-scripted live divine comedy
when I look back at that frozen slice of time and try to defrost the senses lost
now enough with the metaphors, the motivation that I wrote this letter for
for you to know that the music help us carry on,
like you say a new day will bring us tomorrow...
'cause your beat plus my melody makes me speak of l.o.v.e. eloquently, so evidently
'cause my beat plus your melody makes me speak of l.o.v.e. eloquently, so evidently
@croay
Nujabes wasn't a sampling master, he wasn't a beat master or a melody artisan: he was above ALL a mood inventor, a mood manipulator. He created atmospheres, areas, spaces of pure nostalgia and golden introspection. I personally don't think I can count more than 10 people that can do this. To me he reached the ultimate goal as a composer.
@popalien9152
I mean it from my heart he made me feel good as a person. Made me think well the shit wasn’t that bad.
@SebastianGamboaQ
i will aprecciate the full list
@DragonMasters525
This is so accurate its insane he was way passed every other producer/composer just him alone spawned a wholenother culture and aesthetics he was a master
@chrisb6484
I feel the same way about J Dilla and Nujabes,I can't and will never rate them,their music is timeless and just make me feel good!
Rest in Peace to them brothers!
@zarahsgarden2097
Best 🎶
@bamkyre9801
My man was a real Legend, still is
@territorialamcape2726
His music echos on.
@farhananjumdayyan7638
And will be in future
@9f4
Yeah, my kids are definitely listening to him lol