J-Live

This New York lyricist got his start emceeing while studying at SUNY Albany in the 1990s. Early singles “Longevity” and “Braggin’ Writes” earned J-Live a spot in the Source’s Unsigned Hype column, inclusion on DJ Premier’s NY REALITY CHECK 101 compilation, and a deal with Raw Shack Records. Collaborating with prominent producers (Premier, Prince Paul, Pete Rock), J recorded his intended debut LP while working as a Brooklyn public school teacher between 1995 and 1999. Due to contract complications, THE BEST PART was relegated to bootleg circulation until J was able to release it through his own Triple Threat label in 2001. Throughout the 2000s, J-Live released a string of acclaimed albums and EPs, sealing his reputation as one of the East Coast’s most adept wordsmiths.