Saturday, March 23, 2013

Nujabes - Luv(Sic) All Six Parts




(sic) = The Latin adverb sic – meaning “intentionally so written” is used for misspelled words. In this case, Love = Luv, thus Lovesick = Luv(sic)

Nujabes (1974-2010) is a japanese DJ who is massively underrated. This six piece compilation is one of the best musical productions I have ever heard - I rate it on par with Bohemian Rhapsody. Parts 4-6 were released posthumously. Turn up your speakers. You will melt. Full lyrics after the break. Remember to turn on HD. I cant find the complete lyrics anywhere, so in this post is a full compilation, including some background into the song.

Below is a repost on the history of the song from Shingo, the rapper who did the lyrics for the mix, narrated by marcus-d@tumblr.


The History of Luv(Sic) - Shing02

Shingo and I had this conversation back in July 2010 in Seattle when we recorded Parallel Universe. Now you can also be in the know about the past, present, and future of the luv(sic) series. From the horse’s mouth. Enjoy.

“OK, for all those asking about the history and future of Luv(sic) series, here’s what happened (and is going to happen).

2000 - Nujabes and I collaborate on first Luv(sic)
originally it was a beat for Pase Rock but I asked him if I could have it since I really wanted it, and he said yes. Back then i did a remix for Five Deez so it was a good exchange.

The meaning behind the title?
(sic) = The Latin adverb sic – meaning “intentionally so written” is used for misspelled words. In this case, Love = Luv, thus Lovesick = Luv(sic)

2002 - released Luv(sic) part2
written and recorded right after 911.

2005 - released Luv(sic) part3

around 2006, I told Nujabes that instead of doing another sequel, I would rather do a trilogy with a theme: 4 will be about discovery, 5 about parting, 6 about reuniting.
He liked the idea.

We start exchanging beats for a couple of years and we finally find a good beat in what would become Part4. Although I was busy finishing my Japanese album, the lyrics to Part4 were mostly written around this time.

late 2009, I met a young beatboxer Jeff Resurreccion who was battling cancer. His favorite song was Luv(sic) part3.

When he passed in January 2010, the event led me to write Luv(sic) Part5. The first half the song was written exclusively about Jeff. Nujabes sent words of condolence to Jeff’s family as well. I convinced Nujabes that one of the beats he sent me previously should be Part5, to which he initially didn’t agree because it was too dark, but eventually he agreed.

In March 2010, we find out about Nujabes passing in February. Soon after, I finished writing Part4 and recorded at the Hydeout Studio in Kamakura.

Also at the time of his passing, we discovered that Nujabes had left a beat titled “Luv(sic) grand finale” on his cellphone. The label tracked down the session files.

Due to label circumstances, Part4 did not get released until June 2011, so I released Part5 in December of 2010 with a beat by Jumpster as a free tribute and remix project.
http://e22.com/blog/2010/12/
16/luvsic-part-5/

That brings us to 2012, we just finished:
a) re-recording Luv(sic) Part5 with original production by Nujabes (and Hiroto Uyama), scratches by DJ A-1.
b) recording Part6 (aka Grand Finale) with scratches by DJ Kou, harp by Rebekah Raff.

So our mission is to finish the versions we originally planned while he was still around, and Part6 will be the last installment.

The release date for these versions is undecided, since we still have to edit, mix, etc. I will keep you guys posted.

Now you know more than anybody out there!

peace
s02”

Lyrics

Luv(sic) Part 1

Lovesick like a dog with canine sensitivity
Developing this new theory of relativity
Connecting our souls resting in captivity
Positive life sacrifice what it is to me
Our history, only a quarter of a century
Reality, sitting on the shoulders of our chemistry
See ain't no mystery, the colours that we mix will set the mind free
Let the blind see beyond harmony!
Breathe life into dead space blow away clouds of doubt
New territory we determine to be
Everything a safe haven is supposed to be
Now it might seem distant but the time is near
When our thoughts take off and split the atmosphere
Pure sound wave travel semi-infinitely
Plus I'll see you there utmost definitely

[Hook]
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently

Good gracious, every process has a genesis and ends with a revelation
God bless this opportunity for me to find a voice
For some words that have waited for way too long
Low wages, Small tips on the avenue
Never wasted, all hits for a revenue
Haven't you heard the news lately?
Seems we've been living for some time in a purgatory
But yo, I thought I knew what a love song sound like
But I felt a warmer tune in the sunlight
I could still hear it in my room past midnight
Gotta move, take a solo cruise in the moonlight
Sometimes I do forget, Oh how much we could ease the lives we lead
If we learn to let go, the reins that we hold
Return to our souls, and the spirit let flow
So you see, upon everyday faces there's a million shades to
Express definition of grace
But the method I choose my prerogative
There's so much love in me I got to give.

[Hook]
'cause the beat plus the melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently

Oh how I could write a book on how you make me feel
But how about this song that I wrote for you?
What I feel like...I wanna put my trusts in these simple words
For you to feel what I'm saying, what you feel like?
Reminisce about the little episodes that we shared together
Remember the time that you told me
In the cold night, to relax when all I knew was to hold tight
Remember the time that I spoke to the crowd in a full house and
Realizes that you was my ace?
I was the joker on the stage singing the blues
All eyes on me and had nothing to prove
But yo, I thought I knew what a diamond shine like
But I felt a sharper love in the lime lite
From the queen of hearts watching me quietly from the upper deck balcony
Sometimes I do suspect, I'm an actor in a well-scripted live divine comedy
When I look back at the frozen slice of time and try to defrost the senses lost
Now enough with the metaphors, the motivation that I wrote this letter for
For you to know that the music helps carry on
Like you say a new day will bring us tomorrow...

[Hook]
'cause my beat plus your melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently

'cause your beat plus my melody
Makes me speak of L.O.V.E eloquently so evidently


Luv(sic) Part 2

Once again, now where do I start, dear love
Dumb struck with the pure luck to find you here
Every morn' I awake from a cavernous night,
Sometimes still pondering the previous plight,
Seems life done changed long time no speak,
Nowadays I often forget the day of the week
Taking it by stride if you know what I mean,
No harm done, no offense taken by me
So let's rap, we'll catch up to par, what's the haps?
Perhaps we're even closer now after all things considered on this side of the planet,
Couldn't pick a better time even if we planned it!
To come clean and candid if I have to
Oh what I wouldn't trade for your laughter
Sweet and sour spice in my poetry pot melting,
Even better than the real thing!
It's like the God in me saw the Devil in you
I wanted to break myself in the worst way when I met you
Who would have thought, conversate by the river, celebrate birth,
Sit and delivered the lines that would prove to be the seeds of trust
Unsigned, yeah but destined to grow with sunshine
Self-assigned task piled on the desk of good works,
Knowing hardship appreciate the best of both worlds!


C'est la vie, as they say L.O.V.E evidently, see every song has a sequel
Never same, everything but the name, all fresh just like back then, how we do everyday
C'est la vie, as they say L.O.V.E eloquently, see every dream has a part two
Never same, you got to keep it tight, all fresh just like back then, now hear me out…


Once together, now where do we go, dear divine
I pray that you keep watching over us,
From the heavens where light is the nucleus
To this space filled with darkness and negative matter
Anti-gravity pull is what I would rather feel when I leave this shell eventually
Ties to the mother earth ground me mentally,
Real vibes will keep me alive spiritually
Imagination brings bliss at no cost, when I blink blink I receive at no loss
Victory comes in small packages like a leaf of an olive tree brought back by a dove
From above, then I'm gonna rhyme love,
Well you saw that one coming ever since the beginning of the end
Well anyways, I am not a perfect being, yes I am a man full of sin
It's like the Devil in me saw the God in you,
You epitomize the etymology of enthusiasm!
Look it, up there lies the clouds that form the rain
That came from the ocean that flowed from the river
I'm a believer, firm with the first words, lyrical transceiver of our ancient roots
(Science + Arts) * Faith / # of our Ethnic Race!
Let me mention what I've been thinking
How to save the children, when the ship is sinking
So I'm singing, no lip syncing to slogans,
Political hooligans with tanks, missiles and guns!
Everything is relative when it's all in the family of man,
Understand the time has finally come to realize the great power of 1,
All formulas equalize under the Sun, Amen!


The rhymes will heal 'cause I believe in music,
In times of need I won't be leaving you sick
The beat plus the melody's the recipe,
Your vibe surely brings out the best in me!
The rhymes will heal 'cause I believe in music,
In times of need I won't be leaving you sick
The beat plus the melody's the recipe,
All good souls lost may they rest in peace!
(repeat)
Hiphop worldwide we got to live in peace, like that!


Luv(sic) Part 3

It's funny how the music put times in perspective
Add a soundtrack to your life and perfect it
Whenever you are feeling blue keep walking and we can get far
Wherever you are

Like a movie that you can't predict
Like a book that you can't resist
I sing along a song that's oh so sensual
bring along a sip to make it all so sexual
verbally that is, making love to the music means vibing to the beat at night
with the whole city fast asleep, out cold
true words seem to rise to the lips, take hold
of a poet in me, most powerfully
I feel free when the world doesn't owe it to me
It's so hard to find a gig that lives up to the billing,
trying to find a reason to work, god willing
I admit, my thinking is wishful
like a star upon a child gazing up to the ceiling
how far do we have to stretch the truth
to fit the lifestyles borrowed and overdue
we can take it all back to the register
and start all over from the canister
let's break it all down into pieces of bright
moments that pass by like a meteorite
throw on your favorite reel that's good to go
on the analog player watch the people glow
sit back to the breeze let the memories flow
comedy tragedy all the highs and lows

(chorus)

Like your moves that I can't predict
Like your look that I can't resist
The ting-a-ling feeling was oh so mutual
the lingering appeal was so unusual
herbally what is, medicine to a lone soul can become poison to some
with the whole body fast asleep, out cold
true vision seem to come to the eye, take hold
of a prophet in me most visibly
I see clear when the world doesn't show it to me
It's so hard to make sense in a cycle of billing,
trying to find a reason to quit and make a killing
I admit, our dealing is painful
like a star upon a child staring down from the ceiling
how far do we have to stretch the picture
before pixelating the human texture
we can take it all back to the register
and start all over from the canister
let's save it all up for an ultimate prize
homecoming gathering with a big surprise
throw on your favorite record that's good to go
on the analog table and it's hooked to blow
sit back with ease and hear the emcee flow
hi hat kick drum all the highs and lows

(chorus)

Um, third time's the charm, hopefully
when I chime on your door you'd still let me in
after all these years
the room that you caved in my heart is exactly the same as you left it
I realize that you have moved on
new styles and cliques like them silent flicks
I'm speechless in this golden occasion
the beautiful expression on the silver creation
this time I'd like to keep in touch
I'm a likkle bit wiser, a whole lot tougher
if I suffer through another nightmare tonight,
we'll chalk it up as another chapter to write, all right?
or wrong or somewhere down the middle of the road
I wanna see you again in a scene with the backdrop a perfect ten
and the music can take us back to the spot right then
from black and white to a sepia tone
some dreams come with a tint or in monochrome
from black and white to my skin tone
some dreams have a stint on the microphone

(chorus)

okay we can take it all back to the register
and start all over from the canister
let's break it all down into pieces of bright
moments that pass by like a meteorite
throw on your favorite jacket and you're good to roll
on the analog trail and you look the role
just stroll through the trees and let your miseries go
sunshine hurricane all the highs and lows

we can take it all back to the register
and start all over from the canister
let's break it all down into pieces of bright
moments that pass by like a meteorite


Luv(sic) Part 4

Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February,
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best dance in a Juno bridal
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
boy, I wonder if you still remember

Meet me half way from mars to venus
beep beep, the chase is on between us
Retweet the sweetest piece of confection
hand made device for remote connection
ask a question,
wait for an answer and make a suggestion
a time and a place for a first impression
second and third to a fourth dimension
rise above the weights that hold us captive
to a square, swear that I, I the captain to
cruise in sci-fi, red sky burn like sapphire
a moth to a fire, but we can fly higher
till we reach an apex
we fit tight like a glove with no latex
bring it down to earth for a cooling session
laying sideways and glazed in essence
gazed each other in the eye to find galaxies of
uncharted nebulas,
heard joy over spilled milk on a quilt, of lavender
woven in the fabric of our calendar
Dress up at the end of October,
Give thanks to the fam in November
a cold but cozy December
and we're back to the origin, so let me begin

Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February,
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best sing in a June recital
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
boy, I wonder if you still remember

When you took my hand, I couldn't hide it
way too delighted,
tried to ride it cool but obliged to write it
wouldn't fight it, how my watch paused
when I put my lips on your eyelids
the lost second, deposit in a memory bank
every chance I pocketed a scent
a blank check with ya signature
font sans serif, the curvature, a lone harbinger
with toys play coy like fish in a pond,
fond words serve poems like dish
life is short like a doggone leash
or a fuse in an open circuitry
that got struck by lightening
hang a painting on the wall over the writing,
brighten up the room for a private dining
increase the peace and cease the anxiety
spread love and cc: the whole society
you got me shooting off on a tangent
like I always do when I'm on the fringe
and the tally of the letters will reach
the valley where the wings will seek
a series so classic at the top of October
Give thanks to the fam in November
a cold but cozy December
and we're back to the origin, so let me begin

Snow flakes in January
Heart warm like February,
I wouldn't ordinarily
March to the drum, play a fool like April
May the best sing in a June recital
Power of the will, Julius and Augustus
Aw you know, it's just us
In a new semester, back in September
boy, I wonder if you still remember...


Luv(sic) Part 5

'till death do us apart, and it did
come sudden like clouds, and it hid my sun,
my truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
on our lives we nourished
and the days we cherished as kids
we let them whizz on by, but when I rewind
your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
your smile is the only thing that shines
in your last breath you told me, that you had to go
'cause it pained you so,
oh I loved you so much so
was I selfish to hold on,
and cling on to your body that hosts a soul
that wanted to set free the eagle in a cage
and you became eagerly what I wanted to be
you the person to leave, I the person
to see off another best friend to land's end
I watched grown men moan, and women weep
as you quietly descended six feet deep
but the spirit ascended before our wet eyes
a gift from god, returned to sender
though I like to pretend that this never happened
I can turn around and see you laughing
but the fact is you could never practice
getting blind-sided and eating the wind shield
endless field of shards of glass
this too shall pass, but reality bites, it says not so fast
first you must climb a calvary of shattered. hopes
and then a mountain of prayers unheard
till you reach that peak where you can see the dark abyss below
then you let me know if you have what it takes for a leap of faith
I had to say, hell no, heaven yes, but not yet
please bless a forehead, cold in a bed
or alone on the road with nobody to hold
when the pouring rain is too much to bear
it's a reason to live for a seed that needs care

'till death do us apart and it did
come sudden like clouds and it hid my sun,
my truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
on our lives we nourished
and the days we cherished as kids
we let it whizz on by, but when I rewind
your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
your smile is the only thing that shines

now I hit this stage in honor of you,
how's the other side, I bet it's a splendid view
no more stress for rent, or to make ends
collide in a cocktail, shame with envy
I can hide behind lens that block the UV
looking in from the outside the bowl is murky
the toll for the bridge is rising
weatherman says storm, city hall is burning
same ol' chaos, gotta shut my cell like I'm waiting to take off
on the runway, scoping out the window
the moisture covers the sight though
telling myself it's just another day in the life of a starving artist
trying to paint a dream you woke from,
chasing the departed
we used to hang by the banks to see who can skip a stone the farthest
what I thought was a stream is now an ocean
no such thing as an extreme to show devotion
to your craft, which I didn't know the half
tried to knock down your door and caught the backdraft
and a whiplash, all in reverse
then I finally stood up and said, we reserve the right to serve anyone
and on the same note you deserve the best of the most fun
by the way I got your letter, you said you were fed up
well I second that and I reckon that you tried
so I don't place a blame that you took the fifth,
and the first flight out of town, into the mist

'till death do us apart and it did
come sudden like clouds and it hid my sun,
your truth heavier than imagined, a lid die-cast in lead
on our lives we nourished
and the days we cherished as kids
we let 'em whizz on by, but when I rewind
your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
your smile is the only thing that shines

your smile is the only thing that comes to mind
your smile is the only thing that shines

whether a tree lives to see the end of centuries
or a random hand picks it instantly
life is art, a miracle for all to believe,
I must tell you that you lived beautifully


Luv(sic) Part 6

I met a metaphorical girl in a metaphysical world
Now you got me day dreaming, sleeping in a curl
Her name on my tongue, a fresh flavor, yup
Whenever she popped up, put a swirl on my cone
I used to rap like I had some marbles in my mouth
But the stones turned precious when they all came out
On a string of deep thought that could never be bought
Body rock don't stop, be bop to hip hop
Cold as ice so I stared as it thawed to the floor,
What was left a shoestring budget on call
Then these new styles came along
Some on to the next on some other hit, their own trip
Colors faded on airbrushed centerfolds, dated
Make you feel old and jaded
The goal was to make it and we made it but
We didn't know how to keep it
Like nice kicks. that wouldn't fit
Only way was to box it up and duct tape it up
Store it underneath the bed and open it up
Once in a blue moon,
Think about a cool ending
To a story that ended too soon
Gotta bring back the feeling
I'll do anything not to be stuck on fiending
A pen can be sharper than a scalpel to a patient
To an open heart, it's a daily operation

After six come seven and eight
Access code to the pearly gates
They say heaven can wait
And you speak of fate
A finale to a play for my mate
I see the angels draw the drapes
Over the earthscape
Where the wine is the spirit of grapes
Gotta finish what we started, so I cut the tape
As our records will stay on rotate

You say a circle is a flawless shape
Every part equi-distance from the center
On the arc without a start or a finish
A line on a loop carries weight
A freight train runs unabated
Views vanish from my point vantage,
Passages come in and out
The way I recall your antics (how I remember your antics)
Still alive cause I said it
A life of its own unless we dead it
Till they see our name in credits
A labor of love you mean slavery
Surely, it's been quite savory
Crepe on the balcony, verbal alchemy
Pure magic when she touches me
I read that love is kind but it's also blind of any style
You profess, would you be my guest (you could be my guest)
Happiness is a hot potato that you can't possess for long
Just pass it on like a song
And I might look calm and collected at a glance
But I taste the void when I'm not connected
To the world kinetic, as opposed to static
Idle hands a workshop of a digital addict (a modern-day addict)
On a hot streak for inspiration is key to feed
The mind in need of stimulation
Elevator music to the space station
Penthouse of stars a-blazing

After six come seven and eight
Access code to the pearly gates
They say heaven can wait
And you speak of fate
A finale to a play for my mate
I see the angels draw the drapes
Over the earthscape
Where the wine is the spirit of grapes
Gotta finish what we started, so I cut this tape
As our records will stay on rotate

12 comments:

  1. Thank you for the post. I too have been impacted significantly by this 6 part series. Every song builds upon the last. I feel for Shing02.

    ReplyDelete
  2. part 5 and 6 are really sad... rip Nujabes :(

    ReplyDelete
  3. You didn't had that conversation with him, he posted that in his facebook account, why do you have to lie on the Internet?

    ReplyDelete
  4. I clearly stated that: "Below is a repost on the history of the song from Shingo, the rapper who did the lyrics for the mix, narrated by marcus-d@tumblr."

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is..... Just. Cool. Man! Thank you, seriously, Thank You!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My name is Antwoine and Shing02 inspired me to rap with Luv sic and Battlecry. I admire his style of rap and Nujabes genius beats

    2 and 4 is my favorite(I love it so much, man)

    1 and 3 is very poetic because of the wording choice

    I literally cried for 5 and 6, but 6 was very beautiful.

    If I do make it in the rap world, I'll be very honored to collaborate with Shingo Annen(Shing02)as he is a fine and dandy rapper.

    RIP to the prodigy dj Nujabes

    ReplyDelete
  7. The original post by marcus-d on facebook turns up an invalid link. Thank god I copy pasted it here for posterity. History is fleeting if not recorded.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for this post. I never tire of listening to this gorgeous work of art. I'm into my 60s and have heard my share of music. Don't care the genre, if it's good, it's good and Luv [sic] is fantastic.

    ReplyDelete