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 Pt4
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw, you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Meet me half way from Mars to Venus
Beep beep, the chase is on between us
Retweet the sweetest piece of confection
Handmade device for remote connection
Ask a question
Wait for an answer and make a suggestion
A time and a place for a first impression
Second and third to a fourth dimension
Rise above the weights that hold us captive
To a square, swear that I, I the captain to
Cruise in sci-fi, red sky burn like sapphire
A moth to a fire, but we can fly higher
Till we reach an apex
We fit tight like a glove with the latex
Bring it down to earth for a cooling session
Laying sideways and glazed in essence
Gazed each other in the eye to find galaxies of uncharted nebulas
Heard joy over spilled milk on a quilt, of lavender
Woven in the fabric of our calendar
Dress up at the end of October
Give thanks to the fam in November
A cold but cozy December
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw, you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
When you took my hand, I couldn't hide it
Way too delighted
Tried to ride it cool but obliged to write it
Wouldn't fight it, how my watch paused
When I put my lips on your eyelids
The lost second, deposit in a memory bank
Every chance I pocketed a cent
A blank check with ya signature
Font sans serif, the curvature, a lone harbinger
With toys play coy like fish in a pond
Fond words serve poems like dish
Life is short like a doggone leash
Or a fuse in an open circuitry
That got struck by lightning
Hang a painting on the wall over the writing
Brighten up the room for a private dining
Increase the peace and cease the anxiety
Spread love and cc: the whole society
You got me shooting off on a tangent
Like I always do when I'm on the fringe
And the tally of the letters will reach
The valley where the wings will seek
A series so classic at the top of October
Give thanks to the fam in November
A cold but cozy December
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw, you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
The lyrics of Nujabes's song "Luv Pt4" explore the journey of a relationship, using various metaphors and imagery to convey the emotions and experiences of two people in love. The song begins with the mention of snowflakes in January, symbolizing a fresh start or beginning. The heart is described as warm like February, suggesting the growing affection between the two individuals. The lyrics then mention not acting in a usual or ordinary way, using the months of March and April to represent taking risks and being playful.
The lyrics continue to describe the relationship as progressing through different stages. May represents the best moments, where the couple dances like a newlywed couple at the Juno awards. The power of the will is evoked through the names Julius and Augustus, suggesting the couple's determination to make their relationship work. The lyrics imply that it is just the two of them against the world, emphasizing their unity.
The song then moves on to a new semester in September, wondering if the other person still remembers the love they shared. The lyrics use space-related imagery to illustrate a distance between the two, asking the other person to meet halfway between Mars and Venus. The chase is on, and the lyrics mention waiting for answers and making suggestions for a meeting time and place.
The lyrics further explore the depth of their connection, using metaphors like rising above weights and flying higher. The relationship is described as fitting perfectly, like a glove with latex, indicating their compatibility. The lyrics then mention bringing the relationship back to earth for a cooling session, implying that they need to ground themselves and find balance amidst their intense love.
The song concludes by mentioning the passing months, indicating the cyclical nature of relationships. October is presented as a time for dressing up, November for giving thanks to family, and December as a cold but cozy time. Finally, the lyrics state that the journey has come full circle, and the singer starts the story again.
Line by Line Meaning
Snow flakes in January
The beginning of something new and delicate, like the first snowfall of the year.
Heart warm like February
Feeling a deep sense of love and warmth, similar to the emotions experienced in the month of love, February.
I wouldn't ordinarily
Usually, I wouldn't do this or behave in this way.
March to the drum, play a fool like April
Going against the usual expectations, willing to be spontaneous and playful like the month of April.
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Wishing for the best and happiest moments, just like a beautiful dance at a wedding in June (the month associated with love and weddings).
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Acknowledging the strength of one's determination and willpower, comparing it to the notable figures Julius Caesar and Augustus, who were known for their strong leadership.
Aw, you know, it's just us
Expressing the exclusive and intimate bond between two people, emphasizing the unique connection they share.
In a new semester, back in September
Reflecting on a new chapter or phase in life, similar to the start of a new semester in September.
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
Curiously contemplating if the other person still remembers and cherishes the memories they have shared together.
Meet me halfway from Mars to Venus
Symbolizing the distance and effort required to bridge the gap between two individuals, metaphorically comparing it to the distance between planets.
Beep beep, the chase is on between us
Signifying the playful and exciting pursuit and attraction between two people, as if engaged in a chase or game.
Retweet the sweetest piece of confection
Sharing and spreading the most delightful and appealing experiences, similar to retweeting on social media.
Handmade device for remote connection
Creating a means to stay connected even when physically apart, like a handmade device for communication.
Ask a question
Expressing the desire to seek knowledge or understanding about something.
Wait for an answer and make a suggestion
Patiently anticipating a response while offering a potential solution or proposal.
A time and a place for a first impression
Acknowledging the importance of making a good first impression at the appropriate moment and setting.
Second and third to a fourth dimension
Expanding beyond the conventional boundaries, exploring new and deeper levels of connection and understanding.
Rise above the weights that hold us captive
Overcoming the burdens and limitations that restrict growth and freedom.
To a square, swear that I, I the captain to
Promising that, together as equals, they can navigate through challenges and difficulties.
Cruise in sci-fi, red sky burn like sapphire
Imagining a futuristic voyage, with a vibrant and intense sky burning like a sapphire gemstone.
A moth to a fire, but we can fly higher
Attracted to something alluring and dangerous, but capable of reaching even greater heights together.
Till we reach an apex
Continuing to progress and grow until they reach the highest point of their journey or relationship.
We fit tight like a glove with the latex
Perfectly fitting together, like a glove made of latex that adheres closely to the skin.
Bring it down to earth for a cooling session
Returning to reality or a calmer state to find relief, similar to a relaxing session for cooling down.
Laying sideways and glazed in essence
Resting together in a comfortable and serene manner, fully immersed in the essence of their connection.
Gazed each other in the eye to find galaxies of uncharted nebulas
Looking deeply into each other's eyes and discovering vast and unexplored realms of love and connection.
Heard joy over spilled milk on a quilt, of lavender
Finding happiness and beauty in unexpected or seemingly small moments, reminiscent of spilling milk on a lavender-colored quilt.
Woven in the fabric of our calendar
Embedded within the timeline of their lives and relationship, becoming an integral part of their shared experiences.
Dress up at the end of October
Preparing and adorning themselves for a special occasion or celebration that occurs towards the end of October.
Give thanks to the fam in November
Expressing gratitude and appreciation towards their loved ones during the month of Thanksgiving, November.
A cold but cozy December
Referring to the chilly weather of December, but also the warm and cozy atmosphere that comes with the holiday season.
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
Returning to the starting point of their connection and relationship, indicating a desire to restart or continue their journey together.
When you took my hand, I couldn't hide it
Feeling an overwhelming sense of happiness and excitement when the other person reached out and held their hand.
Way too delighted
Experiencing immense joy and contentment, surpassing any expectations or previous levels of delight.
Tried to ride it cool but obliged to write it
Attempting to act composed and unaffected, but ultimately feeling compelled to express their emotions through words.
Wouldn't fight it, how my watch paused
Choosing not to resist or deny their feelings, realizing that time seemed to stop or slow down in that moment.
When I put my lips on your eyelids
Sharing an intimate and affectionate gesture, kissing the other person's eyelids, symbolizing tenderness and closeness.
The lost second, deposit in a memory bank
Treasuring and storing the fleeting moments and memories, like a valuable deposit in the bank of their shared experiences.
Every chance I pocketed a cent
Valuing and cherishing each opportunity and moment they shared, accumulating them like precious cents or coins.
A blank check with ya signature
Offering unconditional trust and support, like a blank check signed by the other person.
Font sans serif, the curvature, a lone harbinger
Symbolizing their unique and distinct presence, like a distinct font without serifs, reflecting individuality and the role of a lone messenger.
With toys play coy like fish in a pond
Engaging in playful and flirtatious behavior, akin to fish frolicking and teasing in a pond.
Fond words serve poems like dish
Expressing affection and love through heartfelt words, likening them to the beauty and pleasure derived from an exquisite dish.
Life is short like a doggone leash
Reminding that life is brief and fleeting, comparable to a dog's leash that restricts their freedom of movement.
Or a fuse in an open circuitry
Comparing life to the fragile connection of a fuse in an electrical circuit, emphasizing its vulnerability and potential for disruption.
That got struck by lightning
Being unexpectedly and dramatically affected, similar to when a lightning bolt hits and disrupts a circuit.
Hang a painting on the wall over the writing
Adding beauty and art to their lives, figuratively placing a painting on the wall to overshadow any negative experiences or emotions.
Brighten up the room for a private dining
Creating a joyful and vibrant atmosphere for their intimate moments together, symbolizing a private dining experience.
Increase the peace and cease the anxiety
Striving for tranquility and harmony, while alleviating any feelings of worry or unease.
Spread love and cc: the whole society
Advocating for love and connection to extend beyond their own relationship, aiming to positively impact and involve the entirety of society.
You got me shooting off on a tangent
Being captivated and inspired by the other person's presence, causing one's thoughts and actions to diverge from the original path.
Like I always do when I'm on the fringe
Displaying a tendency to think and act outside of the norm, especially when feeling on the outskirts or periphery of something.
And the tally of the letters will reach
Referring to a written correspondence or communication, suggesting that the total number of exchanged letters will accumulate over time.
The valley where the wings will seek
Representing a metaphorical journey or exploration, where one's metaphorical wings will strive to find a deeper and more fulfilling connection.
A series so classic at the top of October
Highlighting a collection of memories and experiences that are timeless and remarkable, occurring at the pinnacle of October.
Give thanks to the fam in November
Expressing gratitude to their loved ones, particularly during November when Thanksgiving is celebrated.
A cold but cozy December
Describing the contrasting blend of cold weather, associated with December, and the warm and cozy atmosphere often experienced during the holiday season.
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
Returning to the starting point of their story or relationship, ready to embark on a new chapter filled with fresh beginnings and possibilities.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Nujabes, Shing02
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@intannurjanah2015
Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
[Verse 1: shing02]
Meet me half way from mars to venus
Beep beep, the chase is on between us
Retweet the sweetest piece of confection
Hand made device for remote connection
Ask a question
Wait for an answer and make a suggestion
A time and a place for a first impression
Second and third to a fourth dimension
Rise above the weights that hold us captive
To a square, swear that I, I the captain to
Cruise in sci-fi, red sky burn like sapphire
A moth to a fire, but we can fly higher
Till we reach an apex
We fit tight like a glove with the latex
Bring it down to earth for a cooling session
Laying sideways and glazed in essence
Gazed each other in the eye to find galaxies of
Uncharted nebulas
Heard joy over spilled milk on a quilt, of lavender
Woven in the fabric of our calendar
Dress up at the end of October
Give thanks to the fam in November
A cold but cozy December
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
[Hook]
Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
[Verse 2: shing02]
When you took my hand, I couldn't hide it
Way too delighted
Tried to ride it cool but obliged to write it
Wouldn't fight it, how my watch paused
When I put my lips on your eyelids
The lost second, deposit in a memory bank
Every chance I pocketed a cent
A blank check with ya signature
Font sans serif, the curvature, a lone harbinger
With toys play coy like fish in a pond
Fond words serve poems like dish
Life is short like a doggone leash
Or a fuse in an open circuitry
That got struck by lightning
Hang a painting on the wall over the writing
Brighten up the room for a private dining
Increase the peace and cease the anxiety
Spread love and cc: the whole society
You got me shooting off on a tangent
Like I always do when I'm on the fringe
And the tally of the letters will reach
The valley where the wings will seek
A series so classic at the top of October
Give thanks to the fam in November
A cold but cozy December
And we're back to the origin, so let me begin
[Hook]
Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
Boy, I wonder if you still remember
@AndresSanhueza-yy3ti
Maybe there's a reference to Earth&Wind and Fire "September"?
on the lyrics:
"In a new semester, back in September. Boy, I wonder if you still remember"
Seems oddly familiar to the well-known 80 hit:
"Do you remember, dancin in September"
just sayin =)
@fowourworld
Mark my words , ima make a movie one day and ima use a nujabes in the soundtrack 444% sure about it
@jugihusk9700
ok, i'll wait foy you :)
@servant0017
Good luck 😌 🎧
@alefsilvavieira8442
I'll wait here. Don't forget this comment here Bro, good luck
@leobakhache7125
go get it there bro I believe
@regpett3730
we will watch your career with great interest, may the force be with you
@chickalow6
Happy new years nujabes.. your music lives on forever, we still holding you in ever loving memory.
@ksr1581
This will always be my favorite out of all the Luv Sic Hexalogy. It changed my life.
@g3th_
Same, man.
@ShinjiIkariFTW
nujabes is magic !