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
flowers
Nujabes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
Flowers
It may seem like there is not much depth to the lyrics of Nujabes's "Flowers" at first glance. However, the repetition of the word "flowers" actually conveys a message of appreciation and admiration for the natural beauty of the world around us. By repeating the word, Nujabes emphasizes the simple yet profound pleasure that can be found in nature, without needing to say anything more. The musical accompaniment, which features delicate piano notes and a rhythmic percussion beat, further adds to the tranquil and meditative feeling of the song. Overall, "Flowers" is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life, such as the beauty of a flower.
Line by Line Meaning
Flowers
The beauty and fragility of nature
Flowers
The appreciation and admiration of nature's beauty
Flowers
The symbolism of a gift that expresses feelings of love and appreciation
Flowers
The cycle of life and death, as flowers only bloom for a short time
Flowers
The importance of taking the time to stop and appreciate the smaller things in life
Flowers
The contrast between the delicate, gentle nature of the flowers and the harshness of the world around them
Flowers
The timeless beauty and significance of nature, which has been admired and appreciated by humans throughout history
Contributed by Isabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Steven Spiegel
This may sound stupid, but this song makes me cry tears of joy everytime. I'm not one to show my emotions, but this song hits me in the feelz everytime.
Boingus
Same
Hal Borunda
I know what ya mean pal....this song hits us all different. This track makes me feel like.....me. Hard to explain
martelo
i feel you
ganonduff
There are a few Nujabes songs that do that for me, glad to know I’m not alone. It’s like hitting a decompression switch, instant relief through these magical tunes
Tobias Köhler
It doesn't sound stupid at all. :)
Splashus Klay
This song is absolutely soul cleansing. It's Lyrics are so profound, so crisp. Like a drink of ice cold water on a humid Summer's eve.
Jon Mar
I love the part where she says flowers
DVDwr
Seriously... in what language is that ? Because it sounds like "Labas" in Lithuanian... ?
David Kirwan
Its English, its sampled from "What a Difference a Day Makes" by Dinah Washington.