As an emcee, DJ and producer, J-Live is an early 2000s, indie Hip Hop legend. He’s known for his clever lyrics, creative concepts, and witty hooks over lush chopped samples, fortified with hard hitting drums. His music is quickly recognized as quintessential boom bap Hip Hop. With 11 records spanning nearly 3 decades he continues to apply 90s Hip Hop ethics and aesthetics in new and modern ways.

Born and raised in East Harlem, NY as Jean-Jacques Cadet, J-Live is also known as Justice Allah. He grew up on a steady diet of Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Slick Rick and KRS One. Coming of age with his own sound, predicated on originality and lyrical experimentation, you could still hear the influence of groups like Gang Starr, A Tribe Called Quest and Brand Nubian.

While a student of New York State University at Albany, his early singles “Longevity and “Can I Get It?” kept him at the top of national college radio charts through the mid 90s. After graduating, he went on to teach middle school Language Arts in Brooklyn, NY for several years until taking up music full time. His debut and sophomore albums “The Best Part” and “All of the Above” are considered by many to be two of the greatest indie Hip Hop records of all time.

The artists and producers J-Live has recorded with are a who's who of Hip Hop icons from DJ Premier, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Prince Paul, Black Star, Wu Tang Clan, Da Beatminerz, Oddisee, Homeboy Sandman, Kool Keith, Cunninlynguists, Megaran and many many more. His stage show continues to grow with his catalogue and combines his timeless classics with his latest most relevant singles. His set as an emcee, who DJs and beat juggles for himself while he rhymes, is considered one of Hip Hop's, bucket list, must see shows.