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 pt3
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come sudden like clouds, and it hid my sun
My truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
On our lives we nourished
And the days we cherished as kids
We let them whizz on by, but when I rewind
Your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
Your smile is the only thing that shines
In your last breath you told me, that you had to go
Cause it pained you so
Oh I loved you so much so
Was I selfish to hold on
And cling on to your body that hosts a soul
That wanted to set free the eagle in a cage
And you became eagerly what I wanted to be
You the person to leave, I the person
To see off another best friend to land's end
I watched grown men moan, and women weep
As you quietly descended six feet deep
But the spirit ascended before our wet eyes
A gift from god, returned to sender
Though I like to pretend that this never happened
I can turn around and see you laughing
But the fact is you could never practice
Getting blind-sided and eating the wind shield
Endless field of shards of glass
This too shall pass, but reality bites, it says not so fast
First you must climb a calvary of shattered hopes
And then a mountain of prayers unheard
'till you reach that peak where you can see the dark abyss below
Then you let me know if you have what it takes for a leap of faith
I had to say, hell no, heaven yes, but not yet
Please bless a forehead, cold in a bedOr alone on the road with nobody to hold
When the pouring rain is too much to bear
It's a reason to live for a seed that needs care
Till death do us apart and it did
Come sudden like clouds and it hid my sun
My truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
On our lives we nourished
And the days we cherished as kids
We let it whizz on by, but when I rewind
Your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
Your smile is the only thing that shines
Now I hit this stage in honor of you
How's the other side, I bet it's a splendid view
No more stress for rent, or to make ends
Collide in a cocktail, shame with envy
I can hide behind lens that block the UV
Looking in from the outside the bowl is murky
The toll for the bridge is rising
Weatherman says storm, city hall is burning
Same ol' chaos, gotta shut my cell like I'm waiting to take off
On the runway, scoping out the window
The moisture covers the sight though
Telling myself it's just another day in the life of a starving artist
Trying to paint a dream you woke from
Chasing the departed
We used to hang by the banks to see who can skip a stone the farthest
What I thought was a stream is now an ocean
No such thing as an extreme to show devotion
To your craft, which I didn't know the half
Tried to knock down your door and caught the backdraft
And a whiplash, all in reverse
Then I finally stood up and said, we reserve the right to serve anyone
And on the same note you deserve the best of the most fun
By the way I got your letter, you said you were fed up
Well I second that and I reckon that you tried
So I don't place a blame that you took the fifth
And the first flight out of town, into the mist
Till death do us apart and it did
Come sudden like clouds and it hid my sun
Your truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
On our lives we nourished
And the days we cherished as kids
We let 'em whizz on by, but when I rewind
Your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
Your smile is the only thing that shines
Your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
Your smile is the only thing that shines
Whether a tree lives to see the end of centuries
Or a random hand picks it instantly
Life is art, a miracle for all to see
I must tell you that you lived beautifully
The song "Luv Part 3" by Nujabes talks about the power of music in putting times in perspective and adding a perfect soundtrack to one's life. It highlights the idea that music can be sensual and even sexual at times, taking listeners on a journey of vibes and feelings. The lyrics touch on how music can offer a sense of freedom, making the world owe nothing to the person.
The song also addresses the struggle of living up to societal expectations and finding a reason to work. It notes the wishful thinking of finding a gig that lives up to the billing and trying to make sense in a cycle of billing. The lyrics suggest starting over, taking pieces of bright moments that pass by like a meteorite, and breaking everything down into pieces that highlight the highs and lows of life.
Furthermore, the song highlights the value of personal connections and the impact they can have in keeping memories alive. It speaks to reconnecting with someone special after a long time apart, and the power of music to transport people back to the special moments of their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
And now
The singer is introducing a surprise for the listener.
We have a wonderful surprise for you
The singer and someone else have a pleasant surprise for the listener.
It's funny how the music put times in perspective
Music can make time seem different or put it in a new context.
Add a soundtrack to your life and perfect it
Music can enhance life and make it feel complete.
Whenever you are feeling blue keep walking and we can get far
Don't give up when feeling down, perseverance can lead to success.
Wherever you are
No matter where the listener is in life.
Like a movie that you can't predict
Life events can be unpredictable, just like a movie plot.
Like a book that you can't resist
Some experiences or people may be hard to resist, like a captivating book.
I sing along a song that's oh so sensual
The artist sings along to a sensual song.
Bring along a sip to make it all so sexual
Drinking something can enhance the sensual experience of listening to music.
Verbally that is, making love to the music means vibing to the beat at night
The singer is speaking metaphorically about how the feeling of the music can be like making love at night.
With the whole city fast asleep, out cold
The city is quiet and still at night.
True words seem to rise to the lips, take hold
In stillness, the singer can speak true words and find clarity.
Of a poet in me, most powerfully
The singer feels like a powerful poet in these moments.
I feel free when the world doesn't owe it to me
The singer feels free when not expecting anything from the world.
It's so hard to find a gig that lives up to the billing
It can be difficult to find a job that meets expectations.
Trying to find a reason to work, God willing
The artist is trying to find motivation to work, possibly through faith.
I admit, my thinking is wishful
The singer acknowledges their hopeful thinking.
Like a star upon a child gazing up to the ceiling
The singer compares their wishful thinking to how a child looks at the stars with wonder.
How far do we have to stretch the truth
The artist wonders how much the truth needs to be extended for people to accept it.
To fit the lifestyles borrowed and overdue?
People often conform to societal expectations and borrowed lifestyles.
We can take it all back to the register
The artist suggests reconsidering past choices and starting anew.
And start all over from the canister
The singer proposes a fresh start.
Let's break it all down into pieces of bright
The artist suggests focusing on small, positive moments to derive happiness.
Moments that pass by like a meteorite
Positive moments can be fleeting like a meteor in the sky.
Throw on your favorite reel that's good to go
Put on a favorite song that's ready to play.
On the analog player watch the people glow
Enjoy the experience of listening to music on an analog player and watching people react.
Sit back to the breeze let the memories flow
Relax and let memories flow in the moment.
Comedy tragedy all the highs and lows
Life is full of both happy and sad experiences.
The ting-a-ling feeling was oh so mutual
A shared feeling of attraction existed.
The lingering appeal was so unusual
The attraction was strong and unique.
Herbally what is, medicine to a lone soul can become poison to some
Something that helps one person may hurt another.
With the whole body fast asleep, out cold
The body is asleep and unaware during these moments.
True vision seem to come to the eye, take hold
Insightful thoughts or ideas can come in moments of clarity.
Of a prophet in me most visibly
The singer feels like they have prophetic visions or clear ideas.
I see clear when the world doesn't show it to me
The artist can see clearly despite external confusion or chaos.
It's so hard to make sense in a cycle of billing
It's difficult to find meaning within a system where everything is defined by monetary value.
Trying to find a reason to quit and make a killing
The singer is deciding whether to quit or work to make a financial gain.
I admit, our dealing is painful
The situation or decision is emotionally difficult for the singer.
Like a star upon a child staring down from the ceiling
The situation feels surreal or otherworldly.
How far do we have to stretch the picture
How much must we alter or distort the truth to make it fit our expectations?
Before pixelating the human texture?
Before turning people or situations in life into distorted, pixelated versions of themselves.
Let's save it all up for an ultimate prize
Let's work towards a big, rewarding goal or event.
Homecoming gathering with a big surprise
The artist envisions a joyful gathering with a special surprise.
Throw on your favorite record that's good to go
Put on a favorite record that's ready to play.
On the analog table and it's hooked to blow
The artist is excited to listen to music on an analog player.
Sit back with ease and hear the emcee flow
Relax and listen to the smooth flow of music.
Hi hat kick drum all the highs and lows
All kinds of musical notes come together to make a complete song, just like life is made up of both highs and lows.
Um, third time's the charm, hopefully
The singer is trying again to reconnect with someone after two unsuccessful attempts.
When I chime on your door you'd still let me in
The singer hopes the person will still welcome them into their life after so much time has passed.
After all these years
After a long period of time has passed.
The room that you caved in my heart is exactly the same as you left it
The person has left a lasting impact on the artist's emotions and heart.
I realize that you have moved on
The other person has moved forward in life.
New styles and cliques like them silent flicks
New trends and social groups have emerged, just like new movies and TV shows come out.
I'm speechless in this golden occasion
The moment feels special and the singer is at a loss for words.
The beautiful expression on the silver creation
The art or creation that has brought the moment together is beautiful.
This time I'd like to keep in touch
The artist wants to maintain contact going forward.
I'm a little bit wiser, a whole lot tougher
The artist has gained wisdom and strength from past experiences.
If I suffer through another nightmare tonight
If the singer has another bad experience, they will learn from it.
We'll chalk it up as another chapter to write, all right?
The artist will use the experience as a chance to grow and develop, as another chapter in life's journey.
Or wrong or somewhere down the middle of the road
The outcome of an experience may not be purely good or bad.
I wanna see you again in a scene with the backdrop a perfect ten
The singer wants to see the person again in an ideal setting.
And the music can take us back to the spot right then
Music can create a nostalgic feeling and take the listener back to a previous moment.
From black and white to a sepia tone
Life experiences can change from being simple or two-toned to becoming more complex, like a sepia photograph.
Some dreams come with a tint or in monochrome
Some dreams or situations may be more simplistic or less vivid.
From black and white to my skin tone
Life experiences and the singer's perspective have evolved and become more complex.
Some dreams have a stint on the microphone
Some dreams or ambitions may involve being heard or witnessed, like a microphone.
Okay we can take it all back to the register
The artist repeats a previous line about resetting and starting anew.
Just break it all down into pieces of bright
The artist encourages finding happiness and appreciation in small things.
Throw on your favorite jacket and you're good to roll
Get ready to go and well-dressed.
On the analog trail and you look the role
The singer is listening to analog music and embodying a certain role or image.
Just stroll through the trees and let your miseries go
Take a walk in nature and let go of negativity.
Sunshine hurricane all the highs and lows
Life is full of both happy and difficult experiences.
All the highs and lows, all the highs and lows
The singer repeats the phrase to emphasize life's ups and downs.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Nujabes, Shing02
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ipungipung90
I feel somehow I'll be forever indebted with this song.
Unlike most people, I found this song after I went through my lowest point in life.
But boy, when I was listening this for the first time and then looking back at that stage of mine, I felt that a huge chunk those lingering burden just got Thanos-snapped.
Not only that, I also feels like if your heart is like a jar full of rocks, it gracely fills the empty, hollow spaces in there too.
As far as I can remember, I have never feel so resonant to every single word of a song ever but this one. Pure surreal feeling.
This song will always be my go-to song whenever I feel down to go through, survive, and even thrive.
And for that, I feel like I can never thank enough to Nujabes and all the team behind this song ever.
Rest in Beats <3
@prod.henriquesilva
In the name of the new generation R.I.P Nujabes 🤍🕊️
@sogeking935
Happy 50th birthday to Nujabes💓🙏
@StArLioN_11
Happy belated birthday champ! Thank you for what you’ve done! 💫🔥
@l.a9724
❤❤❤❤
@abo-mish3ab63
He has died
@idokisme
Yes bro, Nujabes died in 2010, but his legend will live on forever 🕊❤️@@abo-mish3ab63
@justanotherweirdo11
@@abo-mish3ab63Yeah we're aware
@Retro90sKid-x5c
To anyone listening to this art,you’re not alone. We’re all somehow connected wherever you are. You’re awesome. I hope you’re doing fine friends
@leo_3716
Thanks
I'm from the Middle East 💔
@shadk9444
tanks