As many of you probably know or don't know, acclaimed DJ, artist, and producer Nujabes has passed away. He died in a car accident when leaving the Metropolitan Expressway in Tokyo's Minato Ward late Febuary.. He was 36 years old.
My first knowledge of him was the Samurai Champloo opening, "Battlecry" which he collaborated with Shing02. He also worked with MINMI on "Shiki no Uta (Song of the Seasons)" which was the Samurai Champloo ending. Battlecry and Shiki no Uta was like nothing I had ever heard. It was in one word, amazing. Battlecry pure earnest hip hop that spoke to me and Shiki no Uta a piece that sent my spirit to another place.
After a couple years, I friend requested him on Myspace, sending along with the request a message how I loved Battlecry and how he was my favorite rapper. I was ignorant at the time, and he did not accept the friend request. I soon downloaded Hydeout Productions First Collection, Hydeout Productions Second Collection, Metaphorical Music, Modal Soul, Ain't No Mystery, F.I.L.O., and Modal Soul Classics. I delved deeper and deeper into his music and learned more and more about him. I sent another friend request apologizing for my ignorance and said how his music spoke to me. After a couple days...he accepted that friend request, making me very happy.
Nujabes is widely known for collaborating with artists like Shing02, Clammbon, L-Universe, Substantial, Uyama Hiroto, Pase Rock, FORCE OF NATURE, Fat Jon, Cise Starr, and many many more. He produced music varying from Hip Hop, Jazz, and Jazz Rap. I found out about his passing Wednesday, April 7th and when I did, I cried. I couldn't believe it, my favorite producer passed away. I decided to honor him by listening to nothing but his music for a week, and I loved every minute of it. I'm listening to Modal Soul Classics, a compilation album, right now.
He touched the world with his music, and he will be sorely missed. He inspired my to write poetry, make songs, and was just a general inspiration for me. In a later post, I will post links to some of his amazing music.
Nujabes, Jun Seba, you will always hold a place in my heart. Rest In Peace. Rest In Beats.
