Legendary Hip-Hop Producer Nujabes Dies, Death is Announced a Month Later
The legendary Japanese Hip-Hop producer, Nujabes, whose real name is Jun Seba, has been confirmed dead from a car accident. His death has been confirmed through his record label, Hydeout Productions and his friend/collaborator, Shing 02. The accident occurred on February 26th, on the same day Japan experienced a 7.0 earthquake almost one month ago. His family held a private burial in Shimeyaka. It is still unknown why news of his death had been kept quiet for so long.
From Shing 02’s 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
Nujabes had collaborated with many American artists as well as Japanese artists. His work was also featured as the opening song and background music for Samurai Champloo.
Nujabes was 36 years old.
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added these pithy words on I had no idea till now, damn rest in peace your music is legendaryme
added these pithy words on
Apr 01 10 at
4:53 pm
This news came as a blow to me. It seems the brightest stars either burn out or get snuffed out somehow.Commodore BigglesThere is beauty in Nujabes’ work. Beauty many aspire to and few achieve.
added these pithy words on
Apr 04 10 at
12:09 pm
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