J-Live is unparalleled as a writer in the craft of hip hop. He first got his start in the mid-90s with 'The Best Part,' a classic debut that was shelved and eventually bootlegged to the masses. Since then, he's also developed more as a DJ and producer over the course of a dozen independent projects that he's since released. A true student of the game, J-Live's attention to detail makes him the perfect candidate to dive into the stories behind songs in his catalog. In this episode, we explore:

"Ya Momma So Black" (How Much is Water?, 2015)

"Braggin' Writes (Revisited)" (12-inch single/'The Best Part', 1996/2001)

"The Upgrade" feat Oddisee + Posdnuos ('Then What Happened?', 2008)

"Like This Anna" ('All of the Above', 2002)

"Watch Sun Watch" feat. YC the Cynic ('S.P.T.A. Said Person of That Ability', 2011)

"Walk Like" ('Around the Sun', 2014)

"Anotha Hip Hop Song" ('At The Date Of This Writing', 2019)

Learn how J-Live's trademark part of his stage show was created somewhat by accident, the story behind the delay and shelving of his classic first album, what motivates him to self-produce vs. working with other producers on his albums, and the process by which he constructs so many of his intricately-conceived songs.

J-Live:

www.realjlive.com

instagram.com/seandammit

twitter.com/seandammit

instagram.com/thequestionshiphop

Email me: cantknocktheshuffle@gmail.com

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