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
Sky is Tumbling
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Under deeper into uncertainty
The unknown has shown grace but yet the 3rd degree
Lessons from the truth moves close
So can you pay the fee?
From A to B cascade rain baby I hate to be
Voice of the last starfighter I am esquire
Shape of my skull beholds I am the star child
Going beyond the song timeless
Write righteousness but what's left is really priceless
Treat me how you wanna be but suddenly you hunting me
Yes the sky is falling chicken little don't you love to be
Screaming out the obvious but never saying help me
Just too much to handle in the world now we melting
Save it to the hard drive I'm counting stars until I cried
Flowers in the final view the world is ending come inside
Graceful
When we're gone the earth will write a fable
Seas will rejoice and the skies will rise faithful
Sun still sets and buildings will still crumble
Meek inherit the earth the comfort of the humble
Just setting the mood come closer I hug you
Say I love you
Right before the sky tumbles...
[Hook] x2:
Put it in the atmosphere
Raise it up until we near
Touching on the face of God
Maybe now he's gonna hear
Joy coming in the mourning most of us will shed a tear
Looking at the final act
Hoping that we hold it dear
[Verse 2]:
It's the mission of the schism
A minor key in the wisdom
Put it in the chamber and let it go to the rhythm
I move it to the ocean
And break it out of the prison
World full of wonder I wonder if I'll live it
Full to my abilities in super high fidelity
Put it to the tide of life but still its just an elegy
Screaming to the closest cloud and watch it as its coming down
Sun setting in the morning while the moon just touched the ground
Crazy
Like learning that you bout to have a baby
Two coming together forming a better maybe
Raising the glass ceiling the feeling so amazing
Like music playing while the sky is fading praying for safety
Quiet and deeper soul
Speaking through the notes and told
Deeper meaning of being dedication on one accord
Lets begin
Measure of the moment till the world ends
Space between the breaths is eternity as the earth spins
Smiling as a child, too
While listening to mother's tunes
The weight is on my shoulders but its color is a shade of blue
[Hook] x2:
Put it in the atmosphere
Raise it up until we near
Touching on the face of God
Maybe now he's gonna hear
Joy coming in the mourning most of us will shed a tear
Looking at the final act
Hoping that we hold it dear
The song "Sky is Tumbling" by Nujabes feat. Cise Star is a reflective piece that contemplates the uncertain nature of life and the inevitability of the end of the world. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring various themes such as mortality, love, and the human experience. The first verse alludes to the uncertainty of the future and the need for introspection and self-reflection. The reference to "lessons from the truth" suggests that the singer has learned from their experiences and is looking to move forward. The chorus is a call to action, urging the listener to embrace life's challenges and find joy in the face of adversity.
The second verse contemplates the significance of human existence in the larger scheme of things. The imagery of the ocean and prison alludes to the constraints that humans put on themselves and the need to break free from them. The singer acknowledges their mortality and the fleeting nature of life, but also finds comfort in the beauty of the world around them. The verse ends with a note of optimism, as the singer embraces the power of music to transcend the difficulties of life.
Overall, the song is a beautiful exploration of the human experience, reminding us to cherish the moments we have and find beauty and meaning in the face of uncertainty and adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Firmament
The sky or heavens
Under deeper into uncertainty
Going into a situation where the outcome is unclear and unpredictable
The unknown has shown grace but yet the 3rd degree
Uncertain elements of life can be kind, but they can also be harsh and difficult to deal with
Lessons from the truth moves close
Learning from honesty brings us closer to understanding ourselves and the world around us
So can you pay the fee?
Are you willing to put in the effort and sacrifice necessary to learn from the truth and grow?
From A to B cascade rain baby I hate to be
Going through life's ups and downs can be tough and draining
Voice of the last starfighter I am esquire
Asserting one's identity and individuality, as a unique and special person
Shape of my skull beholds I am the star child
Recognizing one's own potential and special abilities and talents
Sightless
Unable to see or perceive the world clearly
Going beyond the song timeless
Looking beyond the surface level and finding deeper meaning and purpose in life
Write righteousness but what's left is really priceless
Doing what is good and right in the world is valuable and important, even if it doesn't always bring outward rewards or recognition
Treat me how you wanna be but suddenly you hunting me
People may not always treat each other with kindness or respect, and this can feel harsh and difficult to navigate
Yes the sky is falling chicken little don't you love to be
Referencing the story of Chicken Little, in which the main character fears that the sky is falling and causes a panic, suggesting that people may enjoy dramatic or apocalyptic events despite their negative consequences
Screaming out the obvious but never saying help me
Expressing frustration with people who may complain about problems but never seek help or solutions
Just too much to handle in the world now we melting
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the weight of the world and its problems
Save it to the hard drive I'm counting stars until I cried
Finding solace and comfort in technology or other forms of escapism
Flowers in the final view the world is ending come inside
Recognizing the beauty and fragility of life, and seeking connection and intimacy with others in the face of life's uncertainties
Graceful
Elegant and refined
When we're gone the earth will write a fable
After we die, the stories and memories we leave behind will shape the way that others remember us
Seas will rejoice and the skies will rise faithful
Nature will continue to exist and flourish even after humanity is gone
Sun still sets and buildings will still crumble
The natural rhythms and cycles of life will continue, regardless of human concerns or constructions
Meek inherit the earth the comfort of the humble
Finding peace and solace in simple and modest ways of life
Put it in the atmosphere
Sharing and spreading energy and emotion throughout the world
Raise it up until we near
Encouraging ourselves and others to strive for greater heights and potentials in life
Touching on the face of God
Seeking connection or enlightenment with a higher power or spiritual reality
Maybe now he's gonna hear
Expressing hope or desire for the attention or response of a higher power
Joy coming in the mourning most of us will shed a tear
Finding happiness or comfort in the midst of grief or loss, even though it can be a painful or difficult process
Looking at the final act
Considering one's own mortality and the eventual end of life
Hoping that we hold it dear
Embracing the value and meaning of life, especially in the face of death and uncertainty
It's the mission of the schism
The purpose or aim of a division or conflict
A minor key in the wisdom
A small or minor aspect in a larger body of knowledge or understanding
Put it in the chamber and let it go to the rhythm
Taking one's emotions or thoughts and channeling them into a creative outlet or form of expression
I move it to the ocean
Releasing one's emotions or troubles to the vast and unknowable expanse of the natural world
And break it out of the prison
Freeing oneself from mental or emotional constraints or limitations
World full of wonder I wonder if I'll live it
Musing on the infinite possibilities and experiences that life can offer, with a sense of hope or uncertainty
Full to my abilities in super high fidelity
Feeling confident and capable in one's skills and talents, with a sense of precision or excellence
Put it to the tide of life but still its just an elegy
While we may try to navigate the ups and downs of life, ultimately our fate and legacy are uncertain and beyond our control
Screaming to the closest cloud and watch it as its coming down
Expressing oneself loudly or forcefully, with attention to the ways in which our voices or actions may impact the world around us
Sun setting in the morning while the moon just touched the ground
Referencing the idea of the cyclical and unpredictable nature of life, where seemingly impossible or contradictory events can coexist
Like learning that you bout to have a baby
Feeling overwhelmed or excited at the prospect of new life or new beginnings
Two coming together forming a better maybe
Finding hope or potential in the synergy or cooperation between different people or elements in life
Raising the glass ceiling the feeling so amazing
Breaking through societal or personal barriers and achieving a sense of pride or accomplishment
Like music playing while the sky is fading praying for safety
Finding comfort or reassurance in the midst of difficult or uncertain times
Quiet and deeper soul
A sense of inner peace or stillness, and a connection to the deeper parts of oneself
Speaking through the notes and told
Using music or other forms of creative expression to communicate one's thoughts or feelings to the world
Deeper meaning of being dedication on one accord
Finding a sense of purpose or meaning in life, and pursuing it with dedication and unity
Lets begin
Starting anew, or embarking on a new journey or adventure
Measure of the moment till the world ends
Valuing and cherishing each moment in life, recognizing that our time on earth is finite
Space between the breaths is eternity as the earth spins
Reflecting on the vastness and complexity of the universe and the infinitude of time compared to the brevity of human life
Smiling as a child, too
Finding joy and happiness in simple pleasures, like a child might do
While listening to mother's tunes
Enjoying timeless or classic art or music, especially those that remind us of our childhood or family
The weight is on my shoulders but its color is a shade of blue
Feeling the burden and responsibility of life, but recognizing that this difficulty can also bring a sense of beauty or meaning
Contributed by Thomas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.