Key Of Grey

March 18th, 2010 – If you’re a fan of hip hop, you’ve no doubt by now heard the tragic news that Nujabes has passed away. It was only announced yesterday, but apparently he died in a car crash late last month. Nujabes didn’t like the limelight so very few interviews or even footage of him performing exist. In fact, his friend and collaborating partner Shing02, wasn’t aware that he had passed away until yesterday either.

The news hits me particularly hard because Nujabes has been the most singularly important person in my musical development. When I first heard his music, it completely changed my perspective. I heard things that I had never heard before, and I suddenly understood the supposedly contradictory concept that complexity that can come from simplicity. At the time I was first exposed to his music, I was composing the soundtrack to a movie over a 4 month period. When I go back and listen to the music, I can hear a distinct difference in my style once I discovered Nujabes’ music.

Nujabes had many fans; every single person I showed his music to (and I have evangelized him heavily) has loved it, even those not previously interested in down tempo hip hop. I had been looking forward to a new release from him, especially in light of the popularization of his style from many other producers of late. I had always hoped that I’d get to meet him one day. Rest in peace Jun Seba.

Eulogy by Shing02