Top tracks — play these first
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Longevity Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its engaging flow and introspective lyrics, establishing J-Live's narrative style right from the start.
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Braggin Writes — This track exemplifies J-Live’s clever wordplay and confidence, making it a standout anthem for self-assertion in the hip-hop landscape.
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School's In — With its educational theme and tight delivery, this track showcases J-Live's ability to weave social commentary into engaging storytelling.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP features strong lyricism and production but lacks the cohesive flow of a full album.
What we noticed
- The first four tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the last two tracks introduce variations in tempo and style.
- The production incorporates jazzy samples and live instrumentation, creating a rich backdrop that complements the storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short energetic listening experience
- introspective lyrics for reflection
- engaging storytelling with rhythm
- thoughtful beats for concentration
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer albums
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in J-Live's catalog that showcases his style but isn't widely recognized outside dedicated fans.
- Themes
- underground hip-hop culture· educational storytelling· self-assertion anthems
- Career context
- Released in 2003, Always Has Been was J-Live's second studio album, coming after his critically acclaimed debut, The Best Part. At this point in his career, J-Live was solidifying his reputation as a skilled lyricist and innovative producer within the underground hip-hop scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Blackalicious· Talib Kweli
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Braggin Writes
The artist challenges conventional standards of success while cleverly asserting his own worth through intricate rhyme schemes.
This moment highlights J-Live's skill in subverting typical bragging rights by focusing on authentic artistry rather than materialism.
Tracklist
- 1 Longevity Start here 4:17
- 2 Braggin Writes 3:12
- 3 Can I Get It? 4:11
- 4 Hush the Crowd 4:36
- 5 Braggin Writes (Dome Cracker remix) 3:49
- 6 School's In 4:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Labor Days
Aesop Rock
Features complex lyricism and intricate beats, exploring themes of identity and societal issues.
Things Fall Apart
The Roots
Blends live instrumentation with deep storytelling, reflecting on personal and cultural experiences.
Mm.. Food
MF DOOM
Combines clever wordplay with jazzy samples, focusing on everyday life and self-reflection.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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