J-Live is an MC, DJ, and producer from New York, who recently moved to ATL to be with his family. He spits strong lyrics over heavy samples & in the traditional sense, is synonynous with the very definition of hip-hop. J-Live stepped onto the scene around 1995 with his single "Longevity;" creating a quick buzz, which he followed up with the head-nodding, "Braggin Writes." The 2 tracks would later appear on a 12" and earn J-Live a spot in the "Unsigned Hype" section in The Source magazine. That buzz landed J-Live a record deal with Raw Shack Records for what was to be his debut album, "The Best Part." Due to a grip of label issues, the album was shelved & shifted around until it was heavily bootlegged in 2000/2001. Despite that, J-Live still went ahead & officially released "The Best Part" on his own "Triple Threat Records." The album had production from Prince Paul, Pete Rock, DJ Premier, 88 Keys & more! The Best Part was recently re-issued on 2CD with the instrumentals, you can cop it here. Let's get into this first cut, which is the Dome Cracker Remix to "Braggin Writes," and make sure to appreciate the lyrics and the flow on this one, real crazy...
J-Live is one of the few artists (aside from maybe 88 Keys), who I've seen able to DJ & MC at the same time lol. Add production & he is without a doubt, a Triple Threat, as his label suggests. During the production of "The Best Part" and the struggles of getting the album to the people, J-Live was a middle school English teacher in Brooklyn. I think that is a piece of his background that has remained in people's minds throughout his career, because it's clear in his rhymes & gave us expectations of a greater message & J-Live has consistently delivered. He left teaching around '02 to get more involved in pursuing his music career full-time & released his follow-up album, "All Of The Above," in 2002. The album had heavy production from DJ Spinna and was followed up by 2 EPs in '03 on his "Triple Threat Records" label. The first of which, "Always Has Been," was 6 tracks that had been unreleased on his official albums. The second, "Always Will Be," was 8 brand new songs & it showed the fans that he was definitely in it full-time. This next joint is called "The Day I Fell Off," and its a real introspective track from J-Live; it was featured on Fat Beats Compilation 3, check it out...
In '05, J-Live released his 3rd LP, "The Hear After," on Penalty Records & followed that up with another EP in '07, "Reveal The Secret." These releases kept his name relevant in the game & helped him to tour & he was even releasing mixtapes and doing a grip of features, as well. I don't wanna bombard you with info, so I'm gonna keep it moving to my favorite album of '08, "Then What Happened?" J-Live really took it back to beats & rhymes, and really made a solid, all-around hip-hop album. You can throw the album on and from start to finish, you will enjoy the music. Not only did I vote for "Then What Happened" to be #1 album, but I also voted, "The Upgrade," the bangin' single featuring Oddisee & Posdnuos, as the #1 single of '08. I know the album was overlooked by the media & didn't get a lot of love radio-wise, but the days of dope hip-hop getting that kind of attention seem to be in the past anyway. Check out this last joint, "The Upgrade," and tell me if it doesn't take you back to some feel good music! Then, check out the dope interview that J-Live & I knocked out for y'all....J-Live Ft. Oddisee & Posdnuos - The Upgrade (Prod. By Oddisee)
1. Peace Peace, J-Live, I've been looking forward to this interview for a while, how's life and the move from NY to ATL treating you?
Peace. Atl is treating me well. I miss NY but I'm up there every chance I get so its all good.
2. Okay, so let's get right into it ... You've been a consistent artist in the hip-hop scene for quite some years, so I'm eager to have you weigh in on whether you feel that current artists, labels and other factors within the industry are representing properly for all that has been laid down before it?
Yes I do. I know its not the usual answer you might get but I keep my ear to the ground. I hear so much good music I can't really focus on the wackness enough to complain anymore. I mean don't get me wrong, there's plenty of BS to complain about. But people loose sight of the half full glass. Just because its not thrown in your face doesn't make it any less valid or dope.
3. What have been some of your greatest experiences in music & are you happy with the goals you've reached thus far?
The fact that this music has allowed me to travel the world a few times over is what I'm most grateful for. That's where my greatest experiences have come from. Too many to name. I appreciate what I've been able to achieve thus far. It could be better but it could have been a lot worse. I have shed the false sense of entitlement and put that energy into efforts to reach higher goals. My fans are the shit. I know that the people who listen to my music have been touched by it. I know I have influenced a lot of artists in a positive way. That means a lot to me.
4. Do you feel your teaching background has benefited your music career over the years, in your writing style as well as your approach to making music? I know 9th Wonder currently has a class on rap history - do you think thats something you'd be interested in doing one way day, as well?
Definitley would love to teach a college level class. I haven't been with the NYCBOE since 02. But the fact that I did has stuck to my rep throughout my career. Its important that I do what I can to teach through music without beating people in the head. As a song writer my degree in English and my experience teaching kids has had a profound effect.
5. Taking that a step further, its evident in your lyrics that you are conscious not to use gun lyrics or reference bling & other trends that are so prevalent in current hip-hop. Do you feel the days of artists and fans really focusing on lyrics and content is in the past & how much of that falls on the artists or the labels?
Regarding me not mentioning guns and jewelry in my music, I don't wear jewelry like that. If I have to use a gun I'd see it as more tragic than something I'd want to advocate. Artists and fans still drop a lot of thought provoking music whether it includes guns and jewelry or not. I think the days of worrying about what labels want are close to over. But thats just me. At the end of the day, an artist is responsible for what comes out their mouth. A major label is no excuse.
6. "Then What Happened" was voted as the #1 album of '08 on my website, as was the single, "The Upgrade," featuring Oddisee & Posdnous. I couldn't speak any greater about how that album represents true hip-hop, so in your own words, explain what can people expect and what went into the making of that album, and how you feel it was received?
I felt like my last album The Hear After fell short in certain ways. I'm proud of it on many levels but I was in a different place personally, artistically and production wise. I wanted redemption with this record. Subject wise, it was a very tender time in my life. So at times this record gets real personal. But for the most part, like most of my records, its a reflection of where I am as a man, as a student, as a teacher, as a son and a father, as a rap elder and yet still a hungry youngin. I wanted the beats to speak for themselves before I put the pen to them. I like beats with character that tell a story of their own...
7. What has the near future got in store for J-Live? Are you in the studio working on anything? Could we possibly see a book by you one day & if so, what would be the theme of that book?
You could very well see a book in my future. I'll keep the theme under my hat for the time being. Biters you know. As of now I a working on a new album, getting back into production a little heavier, and DJing a lot more. Expect to see more mix CDs and beat reels in the future.
8. Religion is definitely a personal choice & a personal topic, but I'm interested to hear your views on The Nation of Gods and Earths, which you are a member of - do you feel there is adequate room for religion in hip-hop?
Hip hop makes room for anything in your life that you feel like building on. There is lways room for people to speak on their religion and beliefs if thats where their mind takes their pen. As a 5%er, my culture is not grounded in beliefs and thus we don't consider it a religion. We have a foundation of lessons but we study life from a foundation of knowledge and wisdom in an everlasting quest for unerstanding. I see my culture as more of a philosophy than a theology.
9. I've heard people say that "hip-hop is a blueprint for how to live life." Do you agree or disagree with that statement (as you translate it) and why do you feel that way?
Heck no its not a blueprint to how to live life. Its a genre of music and an artistic movement. Its a lifestyle, not a culture. Its a lifestyle that can apply and adapt to accentuate any culture. And that's a beautiful thing. I don't know who called it a blueprint for how to live life but I'd need them to elaborate before I could build any further.
10. I'm sure this is a common question you get asked, but The Best Part had solid production & is a widely respected album, which was originally shelved due to some label issues. What can you tell us about the shelving of that album? The album was later bootlegged and rumors surfaced that you were behind it lol, did those rumors ever get officially ... "squashed"? *Laughs*
The label and the distributer split right before the record was supposed to drop. So we had to go at it all over again. There were a lot of bootlegs. One of em was mine lol. Live 99!
11. "Then What Happened" was released on BBE, which is a label that supports strictly classic artists. How did you link up with them?
I linked up with BBE through Jazzy Jeff. I knew Pete through him and Spinna. Cool peoples. Its good to be working with people that already have a mode of operation and don't need you to establish their brand.
12. You handle all your own booking and promotion, as well as other stuff, I'm sure. Is that overwhelming at times? Whats the best way for people to get at you to try to get J-Live in their hometown?
It can be a lil' overwhelming at times. I can't say I don't have help but it takes a lot of focus and energy. The toughest thing is balancing time between art, biz and family. The best way to get at me is through www.j-livemusic.com or myspace... or facebook... or twitter. Its EASY!
13. You've done numerous tracks over the years, if you had to pick 1, what would your most meaningful track be and why?
I love all my babies. That's a tough one. The answer will be different every time. But for now I'll say "The Understanding" off of "Then What Happened?" Its really heartfelt and personal.
14. As a father, a successful artist, former teacher and more, what do you think is the most important thing we can leave behind after we're gone?
The babies are the best part. Thats where my legacy lies. I have a beautiful body of work musically, I have taught a lot of people a great many things via music and my brief stint with the board of ed. But my children are my pride and joy and my closest students.
15. I feel like I could go on & on with the questions, but I'm sure I've taken up enough of your time already, so I just want to say thank you again for building with me on this. I feel like you are positive force in and out of the hip-hop scene, so in closing any last words to the readers, shout-outs or just some general advice to give to upcoming artists?
Peace to the Gods and Earths, you, and all the people out there who have supported J-Live over the years. Check me out online and at a venue near you. Artists, don't be afraid to be yourself and use your imagination. There's money in it lol
PEACE!
1. Peace Peace, J-Live, I've been looking forward to this interview for a while, how's life and the move from NY to ATL treating you?Peace. Atl is treating me well. I miss NY but I'm up there every chance I get so its all good.
2. Okay, so let's get right into it ... You've been a consistent artist in the hip-hop scene for quite some years, so I'm eager to have you weigh in on whether you feel that current artists, labels and other factors within the industry are representing properly for all that has been laid down before it?
Yes I do. I know its not the usual answer you might get but I keep my ear to the ground. I hear so much good music I can't really focus on the wackness enough to complain anymore. I mean don't get me wrong, there's plenty of BS to complain about. But people loose sight of the half full glass. Just because its not thrown in your face doesn't make it any less valid or dope.
3. What have been some of your greatest experiences in music & are you happy with the goals you've reached thus far?
The fact that this music has allowed me to travel the world a few times over is what I'm most grateful for. That's where my greatest experiences have come from. Too many to name. I appreciate what I've been able to achieve thus far. It could be better but it could have been a lot worse. I have shed the false sense of entitlement and put that energy into efforts to reach higher goals. My fans are the shit. I know that the people who listen to my music have been touched by it. I know I have influenced a lot of artists in a positive way. That means a lot to me.
4. Do you feel your teaching background has benefited your music career over the years, in your writing style as well as your approach to making music? I know 9th Wonder currently has a class on rap history - do you think thats something you'd be interested in doing one way day, as well?Definitley would love to teach a college level class. I haven't been with the NYCBOE since 02. But the fact that I did has stuck to my rep throughout my career. Its important that I do what I can to teach through music without beating people in the head. As a song writer my degree in English and my experience teaching kids has had a profound effect.
5. Taking that a step further, its evident in your lyrics that you are conscious not to use gun lyrics or reference bling & other trends that are so prevalent in current hip-hop. Do you feel the days of artists and fans really focusing on lyrics and content is in the past & how much of that falls on the artists or the labels?
Regarding me not mentioning guns and jewelry in my music, I don't wear jewelry like that. If I have to use a gun I'd see it as more tragic than something I'd want to advocate. Artists and fans still drop a lot of thought provoking music whether it includes guns and jewelry or not. I think the days of worrying about what labels want are close to over. But thats just me. At the end of the day, an artist is responsible for what comes out their mouth. A major label is no excuse.
6. "Then What Happened" was voted as the #1 album of '08 on my website, as was the single, "The Upgrade," featuring Oddisee & Posdnous. I couldn't speak any greater about how that album represents true hip-hop, so in your own words, explain what can people expect and what went into the making of that album, and how you feel it was received?I felt like my last album The Hear After fell short in certain ways. I'm proud of it on many levels but I was in a different place personally, artistically and production wise. I wanted redemption with this record. Subject wise, it was a very tender time in my life. So at times this record gets real personal. But for the most part, like most of my records, its a reflection of where I am as a man, as a student, as a teacher, as a son and a father, as a rap elder and yet still a hungry youngin. I wanted the beats to speak for themselves before I put the pen to them. I like beats with character that tell a story of their own...
7. What has the near future got in store for J-Live? Are you in the studio working on anything? Could we possibly see a book by you one day & if so, what would be the theme of that book?
You could very well see a book in my future. I'll keep the theme under my hat for the time being. Biters you know. As of now I a working on a new album, getting back into production a little heavier, and DJing a lot more. Expect to see more mix CDs and beat reels in the future.
8. Religion is definitely a personal choice & a personal topic, but I'm interested to hear your views on The Nation of Gods and Earths, which you are a member of - do you feel there is adequate room for religion in hip-hop?Hip hop makes room for anything in your life that you feel like building on. There is lways room for people to speak on their religion and beliefs if thats where their mind takes their pen. As a 5%er, my culture is not grounded in beliefs and thus we don't consider it a religion. We have a foundation of lessons but we study life from a foundation of knowledge and wisdom in an everlasting quest for unerstanding. I see my culture as more of a philosophy than a theology.
9. I've heard people say that "hip-hop is a blueprint for how to live life." Do you agree or disagree with that statement (as you translate it) and why do you feel that way?
Heck no its not a blueprint to how to live life. Its a genre of music and an artistic movement. Its a lifestyle, not a culture. Its a lifestyle that can apply and adapt to accentuate any culture. And that's a beautiful thing. I don't know who called it a blueprint for how to live life but I'd need them to elaborate before I could build any further.
10. I'm sure this is a common question you get asked, but The Best Part had solid production & is a widely respected album, which was originally shelved due to some label issues. What can you tell us about the shelving of that album? The album was later bootlegged and rumors surfaced that you were behind it lol, did those rumors ever get officially ... "squashed"? *Laughs*The label and the distributer split right before the record was supposed to drop. So we had to go at it all over again. There were a lot of bootlegs. One of em was mine lol. Live 99!
11. "Then What Happened" was released on BBE, which is a label that supports strictly classic artists. How did you link up with them?
I linked up with BBE through Jazzy Jeff. I knew Pete through him and Spinna. Cool peoples. Its good to be working with people that already have a mode of operation and don't need you to establish their brand.
12. You handle all your own booking and promotion, as well as other stuff, I'm sure. Is that overwhelming at times? Whats the best way for people to get at you to try to get J-Live in their hometown?
It can be a lil' overwhelming at times. I can't say I don't have help but it takes a lot of focus and energy. The toughest thing is balancing time between art, biz and family. The best way to get at me is through www.j-livemusic.com or myspace... or facebook... or twitter. Its EASY!
13. You've done numerous tracks over the years, if you had to pick 1, what would your most meaningful track be and why?
I love all my babies. That's a tough one. The answer will be different every time. But for now I'll say "The Understanding" off of "Then What Happened?" Its really heartfelt and personal.
14. As a father, a successful artist, former teacher and more, what do you think is the most important thing we can leave behind after we're gone?
The babies are the best part. Thats where my legacy lies. I have a beautiful body of work musically, I have taught a lot of people a great many things via music and my brief stint with the board of ed. But my children are my pride and joy and my closest students.
15. I feel like I could go on & on with the questions, but I'm sure I've taken up enough of your time already, so I just want to say thank you again for building with me on this. I feel like you are positive force in and out of the hip-hop scene, so in closing any last words to the readers, shout-outs or just some general advice to give to upcoming artists?Peace to the Gods and Earths, you, and all the people out there who have supported J-Live over the years. Check me out online and at a venue near you. Artists, don't be afraid to be yourself and use your imagination. There's money in it lol
PEACE!
7 comments:
highly underrated & 1 of my favorites. thanks for the interview
awesome selection
when they open the books, he needs to be mentioned as 1 of the best.
with the instrumentals? gotta grab that pause
excellent read
never heard the dome cracker rmx. fuego
j-live is a talented artist and deserves this spotlight.
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