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Tribute to Nujabes
RnB/Hip Hop | Monday 4th March 2013 | Ronnie
Why does death take the best of us? Many say death is necessary in order to bring out the best of us; that it forces us to work hard so we can leave a mark in the world. But why then do the greats often die young and leave what beautiful work they sought to create unfinished? From historical greats like J.F.K to artists with unprecedented vision like Tupac, the Notorious B.I.G, and Eazy E, the world has taught us that no one is immortal and that every second that we are alive is precious.
It has just been over three years since the death of another great musician, Nujabes (nu-ja-bess). Nujabes was a pioneer DJ and producer in bringing hip hop to Japan. In a time when hip hop was looked down upon by the upper class and hip hop was still almost all underground, Nujabes was one of the few artists to tenaciously fight for hip hop culture abroad. Today. hip hop is not only a genre that transcends all social classes, but it is also a lifestyle. Nujabes used a blend of jazz and light hearted instrumentals to mold powerful beats and rhythms. Almost all of his songs, ranging from 'Aruarian Dance' to his most popular work 'Feather (ft Cise Starr)' leave their listeners deep in thought with a bittersweet humbling air. Perhaps this is because Nujabes in person was actually a very quiet, kind, and peaceful man. Nujabes died in Japan during the 2010 Earthquake after a car crash on 26th February. Before his death, he and Japanese rapper Shing02 began a collaborative series called Luv(sic). The Luv(sic) series was started in 2002 with the release of 'Luv(sic) Part 1' and later in the year, 'Luv(sic) Part 2'. After their releases, they decided to make it a series. Unfortunately, their series was cut short by Nujabes sudden death 8 years later. Nujabes funeral was held in a quiet closed procession, just like he would have wanted, with only family members allowed in. Fortunately, Nujabes had tracks left over for Shing02 to take.
Exactly three years later on 26th February 2013, the final piece, 'Luv(sic) Part 6' was completed and finally released. In tribute and respect, Shing02 finished their collaboration with the same beats Nujabes left for him. Luv(sic) is a 6 part series with each part representing a certain stage of life. Shing02 revealed that part 4 represents discovery, part 5 represents parting, and part 6 represents Reuniting. 'Luv(sic) Part 6' must like all of Nujabes work, has a bittersweet overall feeling. It saddens you but it also makes you appreciate the time that we have left on this Earth. Perhaps that is why Luv(sic) is so powerful; that despite death taking Nujabes from us, his dream was still finished. Rest in Peace, Nujabes.
Ronnie Sanderson
