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
Waiting For The Clouds
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it’s infinite, Hydeout promo listen new to it
[Hook: Substantial]
Waiting for the clouds to part
Waiting to be out of the dark
If our future's bright, then the present is overcast
And we want it to be over fast, let's shine
[Verse 1: Substantial]
Got to get above the clouds without a aircraft
That is without a doubt such a rare task
Finding it hard to grin or just share laughs
So you vent when that drum hat and snare clash
No plan B, plan A is weak.
Mentally and physically drained
And you can't sleep.
Rent's a month overdue as of last week
A shadow of your future self below a vast peak
While people walk past like they can't speak
Ignored 'causewithout rich shit, you're piss poor
Quit more drowning your spirit, with liquor
And victor, isn't a realistic picture
But you still take the shot and develop it
For the hell of it, and pray when you'll wake you'll be relevant
And put your best on, you're no longer worse off
Slaving at a job you hate, for a jerk off
You just wanna be kissed by the sun
Where your daughter's always safe in the midst of having fun
Having some will more than due when you used to having none
Disregard the chatter from no-it-all’s who haven’t won, while you're
[Hook 2X: Substantial]
Waiting for the clouds to part
Waiting to be out of the dark
If our future's bright, then the present is overcast
And we want it to be over fast, let's shine
[Verse 2: Substantial]
Parents couldn't do the job they signed up fo’
Gave you life, but they should've gave you much mo’
Won't judge, but I surely won't applaud them
They lost, and somebody gotta’ raise their child for them
Now you're in and out of various households and juvy
Cross Paths of ghetto fab to the white collar and boushi
Who answer the call of duty, or is it truly for a check?
But regardless of they motives, they feel you owe them respect
You don't know how to act like you got a part in a movie
But lack direction
How do you show love, if you never had affection
Dying slow brah, like you got a bad infection
Ain't no band-aid for man-made self-hate
It heal slow, but I'm not sure of you'll wait
Education is the medication, to get yourself straight
The war within you reached a stalemate
But good gotta win in the end, or else jail waits
Broken soul cell mates, Followed by hell's gates
For Bad apples sell failure waits in the belly of the beast
And it's never gonna cease till you chose to elevate
I'm ready when you are to celebrate, till then I'll be
[Hook 2X: Substantial]
Waiting for the clouds to part
Waiting to be out of the dark
If our future's bright, then the present is overcast
And we want it to be over fast, let's shine
"Waiting for the Clouds" by Nujabes feat. Substantial is a song that captures the feelings of uncertainty, struggle, and hopelessness that one may go through in life. The song’s lyrics focus on the feeling of being stuck, helpless, and trapped by life's overwhelming challenges. Substantial’s verses, in particular, paint vivid pictures of everyday struggles, such as the inability to pay bills, feeling ignored or alone, and failing to find a job that brings satisfaction.
The chorus of the song, "Waiting for the clouds to part, waiting to be out of the dark," suggests that hope and optimism are still possible, and they are needed to combat the darkness. The song captures a person's feelings of longing and waiting for some transformative event, including regaining control over their lives, attaining personal and professional success or finding inner peace.
Overall, "Waiting for the Clouds" encourages listeners to remain persistent in their pursuit of personal fulfillment, discard negativity, and maintain hope as they navigate the challenges of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Substantial and Nujabes still doin’ this
Substantial and Nujabes are continuing to create music together
And it’s infinite, Hydeout promo listen new to it
Their creativity is limitless and new listeners should check out the Hydeout promotional material
Waiting for the clouds to part
Anticipating a change in fortune, a shift in circumstance, the end of struggles
Waiting to be out of the dark
Eager to leave behind emotional or physical hardships, to find a brighter future
If our future's bright, then the present is overcast
The current situation may be challenging, but there is hope for the future
And we want it to be over fast, let's shine
Motivation to overcome struggles quickly, to find success and happiness
Got to get above the clouds without a aircraft
Striving to achieve success without traditional means, to overcome obstacles
That is without a doubt such a rare task
Not an easy or common feat to accomplish
Finding it hard to grin or just share laughs
Struggling to find joy or positivity in everyday life
So you vent when that drum hat and snare clash
Releasing frustration or emotions through music
No plan B, plan A is weak.
Only one path to success and it may not be the strongest or most reliable option
Mentally and physically drained
Feeling exhausted and depleted in all aspects of life
And you can't sleep.
Struggling to find rest or peace of mind
Rent's a month overdue as of last week
Having financial difficulties and struggling to meet basic needs
A shadow of your future self below a vast peak
Feeling far from achieving the potential for future success
While people walk past like they can't speak
Feeling unnoticed or unacknowledged by others
Ignored 'cause without rich shit, you're piss poor
Being undervalued or ignored because of lack of wealth and status
Quit more drowning your spirit, with liquor
Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for emotional pain
And victor, isn't a realistic picture
The idea of achieving ultimate success may not be realistic or attainable
But you still take the shot and develop it
Taking chances and making the most of opportunities, even if success is uncertain
For the hell of it, and pray when you'll wake you'll be relevant
Taking risks without a clear goal or plan, hoping for success
And put your best on, you're no longer worse off
Making an effort to improve and succeed, even if it's a small step
Slaving at a job you hate, for a jerk off
Working a job that is unsatisfying and difficult because of a difficult boss
You just wanna be kissed by the sun
Desiring a better, happier life away from the struggles of the present
Where your daughter's always safe in the midst of having fun
Wanting to provide a secure and happy environment for loved ones
Having some will more than due when you used to having none
Feeling grateful for any positive change or progress, even if it seems small
Disregard the chatter from no-it-all’s who haven’t won, while you're
Ignoring negative or discouraging comments from those who lack success, while you continue to strive for your own
Parents couldn't do the job they signed up fo’
Parental figures were unable to provide the care and support they promised
Gave you life, but they should've gave you much mo’
Parents should have provided more, including emotional and financial support
Won't judge, but I surely won't applaud them
Not wanting to criticize, but also not wanting to praise parents who did not meet expectations
Now you're in and out of various households and juvy
Having a difficult childhood, moving between foster homes or juvenile detention
Cross Paths of ghetto fab to the white collar and boushi
Having experienced living among those from various socioeconomic backgrounds
Who answer the call of duty, or is it truly for a check?
Questioning whether those in positions of authority truly care about helping others, or if it's for personal gain
But regardless of they motives, they feel you owe them respect
Authority figures demand respect, regardless of their true intentions
You don't know how to act like you got a part in a movie
Feeling lost or uncertain in life, not having a clear sense of purpose or direction
But lack direction
Not having a clear path or goal
How do you show love, if you never had affection
Struggling to give or receive affection, due to past experience
Dying slow brah, like you got a bad infection
Feeling suffocated, with no hope for improvement
Ain't no band-aid for man-made self-hate
Self-hatred is not easily cured by temporary fixes
It heal slow, but I'm not sure of you'll wait
The healing process for emotional pain takes time, and there is uncertainty of whether one will see it through
Education is the medication, to get yourself straight
Education and knowledge can help to overcome emotional pain
The war within you reached a stalemate
Feeling stuck in internal conflict with no resolution
But good gotta win in the end, or else jail waits
Believing that ultimately good will triumph, despite the challenges faced along the way
Broken soul cell mates, Followed by hell's gates
Those who are emotionally damaged can often end up in dangerous or negative environments
For Bad apples sell failure waits in the belly of the beast
In negative or dangerous environments, failure is often abundant
And it's never gonna cease till you chose to elevate
Negativity and failure will continue unless action for change is taken
I'm ready when you are to celebrate, till then I'll be
Ready to celebrate success when it is achieved, but until then will continue to work towards it
Contributed by Mateo F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.