R.I.P. Seba Jun - Nujabes

February 19, 1974 – February 26, 2010

Alas... The death of Jun Seba aroused the need in me to share how much love I have for this DJ's music. 
The night before I found out about his car accident, I had been at a local lounge, SOM, with some friends.  Shortly after sitting down with a gin and tonic in hand, Nujabes' soothing instrumentals and jazzed up hip-hop beats fill the air.  His style is so unique and distinct that I can always recognize his music within five seconds into the song.  With much enthusiasm, I pointed out to my friends that this DJ was playing Nujabes!!!  I was slightly hoping for a response like: "OMG!!! COOL!"  But instead, everyone nonchalantly took a sip from their drinks and continued to chat.  Nonetheless, I am always delighted when a DJ plays Nujabes' music at a lounge. In fact, I was first introduced to Nujabes at one of my most frequented bar in Seattle, Fort St. George.  Come to think, SOM was only the 3rd lounge I've encountered with Nujabes music.  I didn't know it then, but the DJ at SOM was making a tribute to Nujabes...

Like my friends, most do not know of this underground hip-hop, Japanese music producer and DJ (unless you are either a avid anime fan and have watched "Samurai Champloo" OR you are a underground-different-type-of-hip-hop-music lover).  Hopefully his music will be spread even further now... since a death of an artist usually revives their music and (sadly, only now) garners more attention to the deserved artist.  Unfortunately, the truth is, his death motivated me to purchase all of his albums.  Yes, I have been an avid fan, yet showed no financial support throughout the years.  I had an epiphany though - I'm going to start purchasing albums of artists' whose music I believe and love!

Many nights, stressed out to the T, I play Nujabes to sooth my soul.  Rest in Beats Jun Seba and Nujabes.  Much love and prayer goes out to his family.  So, without further ado, a collection of my favorites from Nujabes with the first being dedicated to Jun Seba.

Reflection Eternal - Dedicated to Jun Seba
Luv Sic Part 2 - The #1 song I play most on my ipod from Nujabes
Luv Sic Part 3 ft. Shin02
Aruarian Dance - first song I heard of his at Fort St. George
Lady Brown ft. Cise Starr & Akin - now for more of the upbeat songs
Oridinary Joe ft. Terry Callier
A Tribute Video for Nujabes found on youtube

*Note: Nujabes composed the music/beats but not the lyrics in songs that feature an artist.