A Chance to Escape

Rumors that Japanese hip-hop and modern soul producer Nujabes had died are now sadly confirmed by his record label Hydeout Productions and his colleague and friend Shing02. Nujabes, whose real name is Jun Seba, is dead after a car accident in late February. According to Shing02:

“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.”

I’m unclear on why this is only being confirmed today, when Nujabes’ death was on February 26th, and his funeral has already passed.

As a producer, Nujabes’ career was all about collaboration.  He worked with several underground hip-hop artists from Japan, the US, and other parts of the world, including Shing02, CYNE, Five Deez, and Uyama Hiroto.

Nujabes was 36 years old.