News started rolling in this week about the death of influential Japanese hip hop producer Jun Seba, aka Nujabes. He died on February 26 after a car accident, but the announcement of his death didn't make the news until yesterday: Underground Japanese Beatmaker DJ Nujabes Confirmed Dead.
In addition to Japanese artists like Uyama Hiroto, Shing02 and Minmi, Nujabes collaborated with underground American hip-hop acts CYNE, Apani B, Five Deez, Substantial, CL Smooth, Terry Callier, as well as British rapper Funky DL and R&B singer Dwele. He also owned record stores in Tokyo's Shibuya district, including the well-known Guiness Records and T Records.
Animation fans know Nujabes as one of the most prolific contributors to the background music and soundtracks of the popular anime series Samurai Champloo, which often blended the action and samurai genres with anachronistic elements from hip hop. More here: A Great Musician Dies in Japan.