Jadakiss: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 06:18, 26 December 2006

Latest revision as of 07:17, 3 July 2025

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{{Short description|American rapper (born 1975)}}

{{Unreferenced|date=December 2006}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2022}}

{{Infobox musical artist

|Name name = Jadakiss

|Img image = Jadakiss promoTight Crop.jpg

| caption = Jadakiss in 2024

|Img_size =

| birth_name = Jason Terrance Phillips

|Background = solo_singer

| alias = Montega Jada , Kiss Eastwood<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.certifiedmixtapez.com/Main/Details?refId=5a0d72a5|title=Stream and Download Mixtapes - Montega Jada & Perico Pinero - Kings Of Coke|website=Certifiedmixtapez.com|access-date=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

|Birth_name = Jason Jerome phillips

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|5|27}}

|Alias =

|Origin birth_place = [[Yonkers]], [[New York (state)|New York]], U.S.

| genre = [[East Coast hip-hop]]

|Born = {{birth date and age|1975|5|27}}

| occupation = {{flatlist|

|Genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]

* Rapper

|Years_active = 1994&ndash;Present

* songwriter

|Label = [[D-Block Records]]<br /> [[Ruff Ryders]]

}}

/|Associated_acts = [[Sheek Louch]]<br />[[Styles P]]<br />[[D-Block]]<br />[[Ruff Ryders]]

| discography = [[Jadakiss discography]]

| years_active = 1992–present

| label = {{flatlist|

* SoRaspy

* [[Roc Nation]]

* [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]

* D-Block

* [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]]

* [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment|Ruff Ryders]]

* [[Interscope Records|Interscope]]

* [[Bad Boy Records|Bad Boy]]

}}

| current_member_of = {{flatlist|

* [[The Lox]]

* [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment|Ruff Ryders]]

}}

| website = {{url|www.jadakiss.com}}

{{Infobox

| child=yes

| header = Logo

| headerstyle = background:#b0c4de

| data1 =

}}

| module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes

| signature = Jadakiss sig.svg

}}

}}

'''Jason Terrance Phillips'''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2007/4/25/15-questions-with-jadakiss-last-friday/|title=15 Questions with Jadakiss|work= [[The Harvard Crimson]]|via= thecrimson.com|access-date=May 30, 2018}}</ref> (born May 27, 1975),<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p379194|pure_url=yes}}|title=Jadakiss > Biography|last=Smith|first=Kerry L.|year=2004|publisher=allmusic|access-date=October 20, 2008}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Jadakiss''' ({{IPAc-en|'|dZ|ei|d|@|k|I|s}}, {{respell|JAY|duh|kiss}}), is an American rapper who began his career in the 1990s and formed the hip hop trio [[the Lox]] alongside [[Styles P]] and [[Sheek Louch]] in 1994. The group signed with [[Sean Combs|Puff Daddy]]'s [[Bad Boy Records]], an imprint of [[Arista Records]] to release their debut studio album, ''[[Money, Power & Respect]]'' (1998); their second album, ''[[We Are the Streets]]'' (2000) was released by [[Ruff Ryders Entertainment]], an imprint of [[Interscope Records]]. Both peaked within the top five of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and yielded critical praise; their two subsequent albums, ''[[Filthy America... It's Beautiful]]'' (2016) and ''[[Living Off Xperience]]'' (2020) were both released by [[Jay-Z]]'s [[Roc Nation]] and met with continued praise.

'''Jason Jerome Phillips''' (born [[May 27]], [[1975]] in [[Yonkers, New York]]), better known by his [[stage name|rap name]] '''Jadakiss''', is an Nigerian-American [[rapping|rapper]]. He is part of the crew known as [[D-Block]] (consisting of Jadakiss, [[Styles P]], [[Sheek Louch]] & [[J-Hood]]) and was a part of ''The LOX'' (with the same MCs, except for J-Hood).

After the Lox's second album, the trio each began pursuing solo careers, and Jadakiss signed with Ruff Ryders as a solo act to release his first two solo albums, ''[[Kiss tha Game Goodbye|Kiss Tha Game Goodbye]]'' (2001) and ''[[Kiss of Death (Jadakiss album)|Kiss of Death]]'' (2004). Both met with positive critical reception, the latter debuted atop the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] and spawned his highest-charting single, "[[Why (Jadakiss song)|Why?]]" (featuring [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]]). He then signed with [[Def Jam Recordings]] to release his third and fourth albums ''[[The Last Kiss (album)|The Last Kiss]]'' (2009) and ''[[Top 5 Dead or Alive]]'' (2015), which peaked at numbers three and four on the chart, respectively. He has since released the collaborative album ''[[Friday on Elm Street]]'' (2017) with hometown rapper [[Fabolous]], and his fifth solo album, ''[[Ignatius (album)|Ignatius]]'' (2020) both to critical acclaim.

==Interest in rap==

Jadakiss became a [[freestyle rap|freestyler]], engaging in competitions by the time he was twelve. He and some of his early friends were given the opportunity to compete in the [[Jack the Rapper Competition]] in [[Florida]], where Jadakiss was noticed for his battle rap ability. He met Dee and Wah of the [[Ruff Ryders]], then a management company, and began hanging out and battling outside of the [[Ruff Ryders]]' studio where artists like [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]] made their first hits.

== Early careerlife ==

Jason Terrance Phillips was born on May 27, 1975, in [[Yonkers, New York|Yonkers]], [[New York (state)|New York]], and had an interest in hip hop from an early age. At age 12, he began hustling after his parents asked him to earn his own money. He began [[freestyle rap]]ping for money after watching other people do it on the street corner. While freestyling, he eventually met longtime friends [[Sheek Louch]] and [[Styles P]]. The three would eventually go on to form the hip-hop trio [[The Lox]].

Kiss formed the rap group the Warlox in 1994 with friends [[Sheek Louch]] and [[Styles P.]] The trio signed to [[Bad Boy Entertainment]] later on, where it was suggested they change their name simply to the [[D-Block (hip hop)|LOX]], which came to stand for Living Off eXperience. They made their first appearance on The Main Source's 1994 LP "[[Fuck What You Think]]" on the track "Set it Off". During Jadakiss' early rap career, he was often mistaken for Bradley Andrew Hoy due to their simularities in appearance.

==Career==

The group, especially Jadakiss, developed a close relationship with The Notorious B.I.G., during which time Jadakiss was taken under B.I.G.'s wing. Thus, after Biggie's shooting death, the group released their first multi-platinum hit in the tribute "We'll Always Love Big Poppa" (the B-side to [[Puff Daddy]]'s "I'll Be Missing You") in 1997. In 1998, the LOX released ''Money, Power, Respect''. Following this album, they left [[Bad Boy Records]].

Phillips quickly developed a small underground fanbase and at the age of 12, entered himself into a freestyle competition in Florida where he attracted the attention of the owners of [[Ruff Ryders]]. Along with Styles and Louch, he formed a group known as The Warlox, and the trio began rapping together. They eventually met [[Mary J. Blige]], who, impressed with their lyrics, handed their demo to [[Sean Combs|Puff Daddy]], who signed the group to his label [[Bad Boy Entertainment|Bad Boy]].<ref name="hiphopscriptures.com">{{cite web |url= http://www.hiphopscriptures.com/jadakiss/ |title= Jadakiss Biography|website=Hip Hop Scriptures|access-date=May 30, 2018}}</ref> Phillips initially used the name J. Ski; "Jadakiss" originated as a mispronunciation or [[spoonerism]] of his name.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/19-intriguing-rapper-stage-names-and-the-backstories-behind-them|title=From Lil Uzi Vert to JPEGMAFIA: Check out the origins of 19 unique rap names|first=Jon|last=Powell|website=REVOLT}}</ref>

===1994–2000: The Lox===

==Recent News==

Upon signing with Bad Boy, Puff Daddy shortened the group's name from The Warloxs to simply The Lox. They made their first appearance on [[Main Source]]'s 1994 LP ''[[Fuck What You Think]]'' on the track "Set it Off".<ref name="hiphopscriptures.com"/> They immediately began writing and performing on hit songs with fellow Bad Boy artists, including Puff Daddy's "It's All About the Benjamins" and "I Got the Power", [[Mase|Mase's]] "24 Hrs. to Live", [[Mariah Carey|Mariah Carey's]] "Honey", [[Mary J. Blige|Mary J. Blige's]] "Can't Get You Off My Mind" and [[The Notorious B.I.G.|The Notorious B.I.G.'s]] "Last Day". The group developed a close relationship with B.I.G., during which time Jadakiss especially was taken under his wing. The Lox's first hit song was a tribute to The Notorious B.I.G. in the wake of his 1997 death, titled "We'll Always Love Big Poppa". The song was chosen as the [[B-side]] to [[Sean Combs|Puff Daddy's]] smash hit B.I.G. tribute song "[[I'll Be Missing You]]", and received widespread commercial success, achieving [[RIAA certification|multi-platinum]] status from the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). The success and reception of the song opened the door for them to write more of their own songs, and in 1998, the Lox released their debut studio album, ''[[Money, Power & Respect]]''. The album was both a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 3 on the [[Billboard 200]]<ref name="billboard.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-lox/chart-history/tlp/|title=The Lox Chart History (Billboard 200)| work= billboard.com|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> and number 1 on the US [[Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums]]<ref name="billboard.com1">{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-lox/chart-history/blp/| title= The Lox Chart History (R&B Hip-Hop Albums)|work= billboard.com |access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> chart, and went on to achieve platinum status. Though the record was successful, The Lox grew unhappy with [[Bad Boy Records|Bad Boy]] and Puff Daddy's glossy, radio friendly production, feeling it conflicted with their grimier street aesthetic. Following the release of their debut album, the group left the label to sign with [[Ruff Ryders]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theo2.co.uk/events/detail/the-loxd-block-jadakiss-style-p-sheek-louch-trinity-tour|title=The Lox/D-Block Jadakiss, Styles P & Sheek Louch Trinity Tour |website= theo2.co.uk|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> They released their second album, [[We Are the Streets|We Are The Streets]], in 2000, through Ruff Ryders. The album was once again a success, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard 200 and number 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart.<ref name="billboard.com"/><ref name="billboard.com1"/> It featured production from [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[Timbaland]], and spawned one single, "[[Ryde or Die, Bitch]]", featuring fellow Ruff Ryders artist [[Eve (rapper)|Eve]].

He may sign to [[Cash Money Records]], according to [[Lil Wayne]] as stated by Sohh.com <ref> [http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/10470] </ref>

===2001–2007: Solo career===

==Albums==

[[File:Jadakiss 2009.jpg|thumb|upright=0.7|left|Jadakiss in 2009]]

Jada's debut solo album, ''Kiss the Game Goodbye'', was released in August of 2001 under the Ruff Ryders/[[Interscope Records|Interscope]] label. The album featured popular guests and producers such as [[Snoop Dogg]] and [[Swizz Beatz]], but was written off as repetitive and uninspired. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as, generally speaking, valid, saying the record was done less out of inspiration and more out of contract obligations to Bad Boy. The album produced the single "Put Ya Hands Up" with the chorus "Put ya hands up/nah, f**k it/ Put ya hands down" reflecting Jada's distance from the album.

Jadakiss began embarking on a solo career in 2001 and his debut album, ''[[Kiss tha Game Goodbye|Kiss Tha Game Goodbye]]'', was released in August 2001 on the Ruff Ryders/[[Interscope Records|Interscope]] label. The album featured popular guests and producers such as [[DJ Premier]], [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]], [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]], Eve, [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Nas]] and [[Swizz Beatz]] and was commercially successful, going on to be certified [[RIAA Certification|gold]] by the RIAA and selling over 200,000 copies during its first week of release. Despite commercial success, the album received negative reception from critics who criticised the album for being repetitive and uninspired. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as valid, saying the record was done less out of inspiration but rather out of contractual obligations to Bad Boy.<ref name="hiphopscriptures.com"/> The album produced three singles, "[[We Gonna Make It]]" featuring [[Styles P]], "[[Knock Yourself Out (Jadakiss song)|Knock Yourself Out]]" and "Put Ya Hands Up". Jadakiss followed this album with ''[[Kiss of Death (Jadakiss album)|Kiss of Death]]'', released in June 2004. It features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, [[Eminem]], The Lox, [[Kanye West]], [[Pharrell Williams]], [[Nate Dogg]], [[DJ Quik]] and more. His song [[Why (Jadakiss song)|"Why?"]], featuring [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]] and produced by [[Havoc (rapper)|Havoc]] of [[Mobb Deep]], became one of the year's biggest hits, spawning a remix featuring Styles P, [[Common (rapper)|Common]] and [[Nas]]. "Why?" remains Jadakiss' biggest hit, peaking at #11 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]. The song also garnered controversy for a line in which Jadakiss claims that he believes [[George W. Bush]] planned the [[9/11 terrorist attacks]]. Another single from the record, "[[U Make Me Wanna (Jadakiss song)|U Make Me Wanna]]", featuring [[Mariah Carey]] peaked at number 21 on the [[Billboard Hot 100]]. The album was both a commercial and critical success, receiving better reviews than his previous album and debuted at number 1 on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums charts. In late 2007, Jadakiss signed to Jay-Z's [[Roc-A-Fella Records]], a move Jay had been trying to arrange for a long time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5891/title.jay-z-news-bits-jadakiss-40-40-american-gangster|title=Jay-Z News Bits (Jadakiss, 40/40 & American Gangster)| website= hiphopdx.com|date=October 29, 2007 |access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5969/title.jadakiss-signs-with-roc-a-fella-records | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071117131456/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5969/title.jadakiss-signs-with-roc-a-fella-records| archive-date= November 17, 2007| date= November 15, 2007 |title=Jadakiss Signs With Roc-A-Fella Records |first= Jake |last= Paine | website= hiphopdx.com|access-date= April 27, 2020}}</ref> The move came on the heels of increased D-Block/Roc-a-Fella collaborations; in 2006, Jadakiss and former rival [[Beanie Sigel]] collaborated on [[DJ Khaled]]'s album ''[[Listennn... the Album]]'', and in 2007, on [[Freeway (rapper)|Freeway]]'s album ''[[Free at Last (Freeway album)|Free At Last]]''. Styles P appeared on a radio freestyle with Freeway and [[Beanie Sigel|Sigel]], and also appeared briefly in the video for Jay-Z's ''[[American Gangster (album)|American Gangster]]'' single "[[Roc Boys]]", in which he throws up the famous Roc-A-Fella sign, "the Diamond".

In 2004, Jadakiss and [[Fat Joe]] were featured on a song by [[Ja Rule]] titled "[[New York (Ja Rule song)|New York]]". In this song, Ja Rule accuses [[50 Cent]] of being a snitch, and also takes shots at [[G-Unit]]. In turn, 50 Cent released a song titled "[[Piggy Bank (song)|Piggy Bank]]" in which he disses Fat Joe and Jadakiss among others for performing on the song. This caused Jadakiss to release numerous 50 Cent diss tracks, including "[[Checkmate (Jadakiss song)|Checkmate]]", "Problem Child", "Shots Fired" and "I'm Sorry Ms. Jackson". 50 Cent along with his G-Unit crew responded with songs such as "I Run New York", "[[Window Shopper]]", and "Death Wish" by [[Lloyd Banks]]. Jadakiss challenged 50 Cent to an onstage battle in Madison Square Garden for 1 million dollars, but 50 Cent declined. The feud was later resolved, with Jadakiss and G-Unit performing together at 50 Cent's ThisIs50 Festival on October 3, 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url =http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622984/20091004/50_cent.jhtml| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20091007022653/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1622984/20091004/50_cent.jhtml| url-status =dead| archive-date =October 7, 2009| title = 50 Cent Unites NYC Hip-Hop At ThisIs50 Festival|publisher=Mtv.com|access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref>

His second album, ''Kiss of Death'', was released in June of 2004. Before the release, Kiss asked advice of his fans in the form a poll; most claimed the rapper wasn't personal enough in his lyrical stylings, and he released a single with the purpose of bearing his inner thoughts. The song, "Why?", became one of the biggest hits of that year, spawning a remix featuring [[Styles P]], [[Common (rapper)|Common]], [[Nas]], and [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]]. Another single from the record, "You Make Me Wanna" featured Mariah Carey and was a much more commercially driven love song.

In 2004, [[Bill O'Reilly (commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]] called Jadakiss a "smear merchant" due to lyrics in his hit song [[Why (Jadakiss song)|"Why?"]], in which Jadakiss lyrically implied [[George W. Bush]] coordinated the [[September 11 attacks]], with the line "Why do [[nigga]]s push pounds of [[cocaine|powder]]? Why did [[9/11 conspiracy theories|Bush knock down the towers]]?"<ref name=AP-2004>{{cite news| url= https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-07-16-jadakiss-bush_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA | work=[[USA Today]] | title=Rapper Jadakiss blames Bush for Sept. 11 in new song | date=July 18, 2004 | access-date=May 5, 2010|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Jadakiss said the line was a metaphor for Bush administration not doing enough to stop the attacks.<ref name=AP-2004/> In the music video for "Why?", a man holds up a picket sign reading "Buck Fush" (a [[spoonerism]] of "[[Fuck]] [[George W. Bush|Bush]]"). O'Reilly took the position that the President should be allowed to sue Jadakiss for [[slander]]. The track was eventually banned on some radio stations or played with the lyrics in question censored.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.counterbias.com/news007.html| date= May 22, 2004 | title= Rapper Jadakiss, in New Song Lyric, Suggests Bush Complicity in 9/11 Attacks| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060514235803/http://www.counterbias.com/news007.html| archive-date= May 14, 2006| website= counterbias.com| access-date= April 27, 2020}}</ref><ref name=AP-2004/><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,125675,00.html | work=Fox News | title=The Smearing of America Continues | first=Bill | last=O'Reilly | date=July 14, 2004}}</ref>

''Kiss of Death'' did not reflect the popularity of its lead single, but it was better-received than his first effort, it went plantinum and sold more then his first. His next album, titled ''[[Jadakiss - Kiss My Ass (The Mixtape)]]'', is rumored to be coming out later this year.

In 2005, Jadakiss released the [[50 Cent]] diss track "Checkmate" under Ruff Ryders and Interscope as a promotional single on March 9, 2005. Despite releasing a single in 2005, Jadakiss focused on appearing on other artists' records. He contributed on records for [[Mariah Carey]], [[Styles P]], [[David Banner]] and also featured on [[Cuban Link]]'s album ''[[Chain Reaction (Cuban Link album)|Chain Reaction]]'', appearing on the track "Talk About It".<ref>{{cite web|title=''Talk About It''|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-h22cGPsWl8|work=YouTube| date=18 January 2022 |access-date=October 26, 2023}}</ref>

==Collabs and Guest Spots==

=== 2009–2015: ''The Last Kiss'' and ''Top 5 Dead or Alive'' ===

Bone Crusher "never scared (remix)"<br>

[[File:Jadakiss 2011.jpg|thumb|Jadakiss performing in 2011]]

Ghostface Killah "run"<br>

In 2009, Jadakiss released his much-delayed and anticipated third studio album, ''[[The Last Kiss (album)|The Last Kiss]]''. The first single, "[[By My Side (Jadakiss song)|By My Side]]" featuring [[Ne-Yo]] was released in October 2008. Two more singles, "Can't Stop Me" and "Death Wish" featuring Lil Wayne, were released in 2009. One more single, "Who's Real", featuring [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[OJ Da Juiceman]] released later that year. In 2010, Jadakiss left Roc-A-Fella records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hhvibe.wordpress.com/2009/11/26/jadakiss-leaves-roc-a-fella-records-reunites-with-ruff-ryders/|title=Jadakiss leaves Roc-A-Fella Records, reunites with Ruff Ryders|date=November 26, 2009|access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref> In 2011, he was featured on two DJ Khaled tracks, one of them titled "It Ain't Over Til It's Over", featuring [[Mary J. Blige]] and [[Fabolous]], and the remix of "[[Welcome to My Hood]]", also featuring [[Ludacris]], [[Busta Rhymes]], [[Twista]], [[Mavado (singer)|Mavado]], [[Birdman (rapper)|Birdman]], [[Ace Hood]], [[Fat Joe]], [[The Game (rapper)|Game]], [[Bun B]] and [[Waka Flocka Flame]]. On April 26, 2012, Jadakiss released his mixtape ''Consignment'', hosted by [[DJ Drama]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datpiff.com/Jadakiss-Consignment-mixtape.340926.html |title=Jadakiss - Consignment Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @ |publisher=Datpiff.com |date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-date=February 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215090406/https://www.datpiff.com/Jadakiss-Consignment-mixtape.340926.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Gangstarr "right where u stand"<br>

Ja Rule "New York"<br>

Nas "Made You look (2002 remix)<br>

Lil Jon & The Eastside Boys "Grand Finale" & "Knocking Head's Off"<br>

On June 4, 2013, Jadakiss released the first single from his by then upcoming fourth studio album, ''[[Top 5 Dead or Alive]]'' titled "Big Boy Dialogue", featuring vocals from [[The-Dream]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rapdose.com/2013/05/30/jadakiss-big-boy-dialogue-feat-the-dream |title=Jadakiss – Big Boy Dialogue (Feat. The Dream) |publisher=Rap Dose |date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> The album was scheduled to be released during September or October 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/2013/06/jadakiss-says-the-lox-might-get-an-offer-from-mmg/|title=Jadakiss Says, 'The Lox Might Get An Offer From MMG' |work=XXLMag.com|date=June 6, 2013 }}</ref> but after much delay, the album was finally released on November 20, 2015.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web|last1=Cohen|first1=Ian|title=Jadakiss: Top 5 Dead or Alive|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/21281-top-5-dead-or-alive/ |publisher=Pitchfork}}</ref> It features guest appearances from [[Akon]], [[Future (rapper)|Future]], [[Jeezy]], Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, [[Nas]], [[Nipsey Hussle]], Styles P, Puff Daddy, Sheek Louch, Swizz Beatz, [[Wiz Khalifa]] and [[Young Buck]], and was supported by 2 singles, "Jason" featuring Swizz Beatz, and Ain't Nothin' New featuring Ne-Yo and Nipsey Hussle. The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200, and received positive reviews from critics.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2015_12F_top5.html|work= RapReviews.com |date= December 15, 2015 |title= Jadakiss' 'Top 5 Dead or Alive' |access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref><ref name="HipHopDX">{{cite web|last=Glaysher |first=Scott |url= http://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.2579/title.jadakiss-top-5-dead-or-alive |title=Jadakiss - Top 5 Dead or Alive |work= HipHopDX.com |date=November 20, 2015 |access-date= April 3, 2018}}</ref>

==Controversy==

===Bill O'Reilly===

Jadakiss attracted some controversy and condemnation from well-known commentator [[Bill O'Reilly (commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]]. O'Reilly labeled him a "smear merchant" due to the song "Why?", specifically lyrics stating Jada's belief that [[George W. Bush]] coordinated the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]]. O'Reilly took the position that the President should be allowed to sue Jadakiss for slander. The track was eventually banned on some radio stations or played, with the lyrics in question censored. <ref>[http://www.counterbias.com/news007.html] [http://prisonplanet.tv/articles/july2004/120704rapsong.htm] [http://abstractdynamics.org/2004/06/why.php] [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2004-07-16-jadakiss-bush_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA] [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,125675,00.html] </ref>

===2016–present: The Lox reunion, ''Friday on Elm Street'', ''Ignatius'' and "Mr. ''Verzuz''"===

In 2005, the song was remixed with [[Immortal Technique]] and [[DJ Green Lantern]]'s "[[Bin Laden (song)|Bin Laden]]".

[[File:Jadakiss in 2014.jpg|thumb|Jadakiss at the Sound Academy in 2014]]

In 2016, The Lox released their first album in 16 years, title "Filthy America…It's Beautiful". The album featured guest appearances from [[Fetty Wap]], [[Mobb Deep]] and [[Gucci Mane]], and peaked at number 42 on the Billboard 200.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/filthy-america-its-beautiful/1440924425 |title=Filthy America ... It's Beautiful by The Lox on Apple Music |publisher=[[iTunes]] |date=December 16, 2016 |access-date= April 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| first= Adelle| last= Platon |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7597110/the-lox-filthy-america-its-beautiful-album-interview |title=The Lox Talk Forthcoming Album 'Filty America ... It's Beautiful' |publisher=Billboard |date=December 3, 2016 |access-date=April 3, 2018}}</ref>

On February 29, 2016, [[Fabolous]] posted a picture on [[Instagram]] with Jadakiss with the caption, "Freddy vs. Jason coming soon", hinting at the release of a joint project with Jadakiss, titled ''Freddy vs. Jason''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fabolous-and-jadakiss-announce-freddy-vs-jason-news.20416.html|title=Fabolous & Jadakiss Announce "Freddy Vs. Jason"|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=April 2, 2016|website=HotNewHipHop|last=Smith|first=Trevor}}</ref> On April 2, 2016, Fabolous and Jadakiss released a freestyle of Future's "[[Wicked (Future song)|Wicked]]" from ''[[Purple Reign]]'' that was scheduled appear on ''Freddy vs. Jason'', but did not make the final cut of the album. They also revealed that it would not be a mixtape, but instead a full album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/fabolous-and-jadakiss-wicked-freestyle-new-song.1969218.html|title=Fabolous & Jadakiss - Wicked (Freestyle) |date=April 2, 2016|access-date=April 2, 2016| website= HotNewHipHop.com |last= Goddard|first=Kevin}}</ref> On October 31, 2017, the album's first and only single, "Stand Up" featuring [[Future (rapper)|Future]] was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8021978/fabolous-jadakiss-new-song-stand-up-future|title=Fabolous & Jadakiss Link Up With Future on 'Stand Up'|publisher=Billboard|last=Penrose|first=Nerisha|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017}}</ref> On November 21, 2017, it was announced that the album title was changed to ''[[Friday on Elm Street]]''. The album was released on November 24, 2017, and features guest appearances from Future, Jeezy, Styles P, [[French Montana]] and [[Yo Gotti]].

===Recent News===

Jadakiss was recently arrested on gun charges after being pulled over and a gun was found under the seat. This will be his second arrest for weapons charges.

On March 6, 2020, Jadakiss's fifth studio album [[Ignatius (album)|Ignatius]] was released. On June 29 of the same year, Jadakiss defeated Fabolous in a battle on [[Timbaland]] and [[Swizz Beatz]]' [[Verzuz]] held virtually because of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The following year, Jadakiss returned for another Verzuz battle, this time alongside the Lox against [[The Diplomats|The Diplomats (DipSet)]] live with an audience at the [[Hulu Theater]] at [[Madison Square Garden]]. The Lox were widely regarded as winning decisively, with decisive moments including Jadakiss calling out the Diplomats for using full songs including their own vocals instead of [[TV track|TV tracks]] and then performing his freestyle over The Notorious B.I.G.'s "[[Who Shot Ya?]]", originally released on his 2010 mixtape ''The Champ Is Here, Pt. 3'', and answering [[Cam'ron]]'s remark before performing "[[Welcome to New York City]]" that the Lox did not have a New York record that could not beat it with his verse on "[[New York (Ja Rule song)|New York]]" (Jadakiss also performed the verse when Fat Joe – who was in the audience for the Lox-Diplomats Verzuz – and Ja Rule faced each other in the subsequent Verzuz at the same venue).

===Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z===

In the early 2000s, Jadakiss was drawn into a beef with [[Roc-a-Fella Records]] artist [[Beanie Sigel]] when he made comments about artists from Sigel's hometown of [[Philadelphia]]. "Beans", as many refer to him, took exception to this and the two began trading disses, even getting the rest of the LOX and [[Jay-Z]] involved.

Following their victory, streams of Lox music increased by 215%, including Jadakiss' "Who Shot Ya?" freestyle (both studio and live versions) being added to the iTunes Store and Apple Music 11 years after its initial release.<ref>{{cite web |title=Who Shot Ya (Freestyle) - Single |author=Jadakiss |website=Apple Music |publisher=Def Jam Recordings |date=27 August 2021|access-date=17 August 2022 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/who-shot-ya-freestyle-single/1583113966}}</ref> Jadakiss was also dubbed "Mr. ''Verzuz''" after becoming the first artist to win two battles and was able to restructure his Def Jam contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6E2TF8uHOc |author=The Breakfast Club |title=The LOX On Showmanship, Brotherhood, Dipset Verzuz + More |website=YouTube |publisher=WWPR-FM (Power 105.1) |date=11 August 2021 |access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Gee |first1=Andre |title=The Price Went Up: How The Lox Pulled Off Their Iconic "Verzuz" Victory |url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-lox-dipset-verzuz-anniversary-jadakiss-interview/ |website=Complex |date=3 August 2022|access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref> Just over a year after the battle while they were performing at [[LL Cool J]]'s Rock The Bells festival at [[Forest Hills Stadium]] in Queens, Jadakiss presented Styles P and Sheek Louch with Lox championship rings and unveiled his.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cummings-Grady |first1=Mackenzie |title=Jadakiss Gifts Styles P & Sheek Louch Championship Rings Ahead Of Benny The Butcher Mixtape |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72397/title.jadakiss-gifts-styles-sheek-with-championship-rings-planning-mixtape-with-benny-the-butcher# |website=HipHopDX |date=8 August 2022|access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref>

Eventually, Jay-Z apologized to Jada and backed out of the beef; [[Russell Simmons]] created an enforced truce between the two artists, which was broken when Sigel started contesting that he won the beef. Kiss dissed back, and the beef was back on until the 2002 Powerhouse Concert, In Philadelphia, where they battled each other (note: they were not on stage at the same time, they each did a verse during there set) still with no clear winner. Shortly before Beans went to jail, he and Kiss made up definitively, performing together at a show; after his release from jail, the two did a remix of a Sheek Louch song and appeared on a track on [[DJ Khaled]]'s album.

[[File:Jadakiss performs at the 2024 WNBA Finals Game 2 Halftime Show. Ellie The Elephant looks on.jpg|thumb|Jadakiss performs at the 2024 WNBA Finals Halftime Show. ]]

==Business ventures==

'''FYI:''' The rumor that Jadakiss uses ghostwriters, started when Beans spit this line in one of his diss tracks during the beef. ''"I can tell why Styles say he's the ghost of this sh-t/ I can tell in ya style he write most of your sh-t."'' Although the line sparked the rumor, it was a false notion.

Along with longtime friend and business associate, Jay Jackson and Jadakiss launched an online multimedia creative collective called SoRaspy<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.soraspy.com/about-us/|title=About Us|work=SoRaspy}}</ref> that also serves as an umbrella company for his business endeavors which include an online publication, record label, apparel, and a YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thesource.com/2015/07/07/jadakiss-rebrands-his-soraspy-movement/|title=Jadakiss Rebrands His SoRaspy Movement|author=|work=The Source|date=July 7, 2015 }}</ref>

Reinvesting in their community, in the summer of 2014, Jadakiss and [[Styles P]] opened a juice bar in Yonkers, New York, called Juices For Life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://yonkers.dailyvoice.com/events/rappers-jadakiss-styles-p-open-juice-bar-their-hometown-yonkers|title=Yonkers|work=Yonkers Daily Voice|date=June 17, 2014 }}</ref> Together, they have gone on to open two more branches in [[The Bronx]] and one in [[Brooklyn]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.peta.org/living/food/juices-for-life-styles-p-jadakiss-angela-yee/|title=Watch: Styles P and Jadakiss Talk Vegan Health|date=October 27, 2017 |access-date=April 4, 2018}}</ref>

===Ras Kass===

When [[Ras Kass]] was recording his album ''Van Gogh'', he enlisted the help of infamous hip-hop producer [[The Alchemist (producer)|The Alchemist]]. Ras Kass recorded the song "Home Sweet Home," produced by The Alchemist. However, when Jadakiss began recording ''Kiss Tha Game Goodbye'', the Alchemist sold Jadakiss the same beat that Ras Kass had already used to record his single, "Home Sweet Home." Priority Records, Ras Kass' then record label, failed to act on this conflict and Jadakiss was able to release the ''Kiss Tha Game Goodbye'' album. Ras Kass was bitter about being double-crossed by the Alchemist, and released a few diss tracks, but the conflict ended quickly.

In October 2022, Jadakiss launched a family-owned coffee company called Kiss Café with his father and son.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ebony.com/jadakiss-launches-a-family-owned-coffee-brand-with-his-father-and-son/|title=Jadakiss Launches a Family-Owned Coffee Brand With His Father and Son|first=Rashad|last=Grove|website=Ebony.com|access-date=May 27, 2024}}</ref>

===P. Diddy===

When they left [[Bad Boy Records]], the group's and each of its members' publication was still owned by label head [[P. Diddy]]. The group fought with him over royalties, debt issues and other things until 2005 when they briefly put their differences aside to perform with Jay-Z at his [[I Declare War]] concert. Afterward, they went on New York radio station [[Hot 97]] to ask for their publication, which was given to them by Diddy.

===G-Unit=Personal life==

===Legal issues===

In 2004, Jadakiss was featured on a song by rapper [[Ja Rule]] called "New York", along with fellow New York rapper [[Fat Joe]]. Shortly after, [[50 Cent]] - an enemy of Ja Rule - began to diss both of them. Jada retaliated, and the beef has expanded to include all of [[D-Block]] and [[G-Unit]]. 50 Cent mocked Jadakiss in the music video for his song "Piggy Bank", suggesting that Jadakiss resembles a [[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle]]. Soon after, Jadakiss released the song "Checkmate", a song using the same beat that 50 Cent used on the song "I'm An Animal", which was originally from Mobb Deep affiliated artist Big Noyd's "Air It Out". 50 Cent then replied with the song "I Run New York" featuring [[Tony Yayo]]. After this, Jadakiss and fellow L.O.X. member Styles P released the song "I'm Sorry Ms. Jackson", (using [[Outkast|Outkast's]] original "Ms. Jackson" beat) which is a play on 50 Cent's birth name, Curtis Jackson. Jadakiss has also made mention of 50 Cent in subsequent songs, and it was rumored that fellow [[G-Unit]] member, [[Lloyd Banks]], was to release the diss song "Death Wish" on his second album "[[Rotten Apple]]". The song never surfaced. After a year or so since the feud between 50 Cent and Jadakiss began, it is still continuing. Jadakiss's Beef with 50 Cent is also mentioned on the diss song "MC Burial" (Don't Body Ya'self) by veteran rapper [[Nas]].

On July 5, 2004, Jadakiss was arrested in [[North Carolina]] on marijuana and illicit gun possession charges.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jadakiss Busted For Celebrating Fourth Of July With A Bang| first= Shaheem| last= Reid|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489247/jadakiss-busted.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624022404/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489247/jadakiss-busted.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 24, 2012|publisher=Mtv.com|date=July 7, 2004|access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref><ref name="24hourhiphop">{{cite web|title=Jadakiss Arrested In New York|url=http://24hourhiphop.com/hip+hop+News/Jadakiss+Arrested+In+New+York/1071/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201063922/http://24hourhiphop.com/hip+hop+News/Jadakiss+Arrested+In+New+York/1071/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2008|publisher=24hourhiphop.com|access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> Several months later, he reached a plea agreement on misdemeanor charges and was ordered to pay a $900 fine.<ref name="24hourhiphop"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Jadakiss Can Avoid Gun And Drug Charges If He Behaves| first= Gil| last= Kaufman |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1499015/jadakiss-on-threemonth-probation.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909074324/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1499015/jadakiss-on-threemonth-probation.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 9, 2012|publisher=Mtv.com|date=March 25, 2005|access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref>

On October 7, 2006, Jadakiss was once again arrested in his hometown of Yonkers, New York on gun and drug possession charges.<ref name="24hourhiphop"/><ref name="MTV-Arrested">{{cite web|title=Jadakiss Arrested On Gun, Drug-Possession Charges|author=Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Jem Aswad|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1542616/jadakiss-arrested-on-gun-drugpossession-charges.jhtml|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130129132536/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1542616/jadakiss-arrested-on-gun-drugpossession-charges.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 29, 2013|date=October 7, 2007 |work= MTV.com |access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> A Yonkers Police Department spokesperson said Jadakiss was one of four men sitting in a 2006 Toyota Camry that was parked near the intersection of Nepperhan Avenue and Elm Street in Yonkers at around 5 a.m. Saturday. Officers said the vehicle's driver was behaving oddly and said they noticed a strong odor of marijuana while approaching the car. Inside the vehicle, police found a .38 caliber revolver that had been reported stolen. According to The Associated Press, the weapon was loaded.<ref name="24hourhiphop"/><ref name="MTV-Arrested"/> All occupants were charged with possession of a stolen firearm; Jadakiss was also charged with possession of marijuana (a small amount was found on his person).<ref name="24hourhiphop"/><ref name="MTV-Arrested"/> The driver, Darnell Frazier, was charged with driving under the influence. The other two men in the vehicle are listed as Benjamin Lockhart and Kristian Smith. All were remanded to Westchester County Jail and were held until at least Tuesday of the following week, when they were due in court.<ref name="MTV-Arrested"/>

==Technique==

Jadakiss has been known most for his gritty subject matter, such as selling drugs and robbing, much like that of the [[Notorious B.I.G.]] He also is known for his ongoing tendency to draw similarities between the color of his vehicles and random objects, such as dandruff ("Made You Look" remix), pink lemonade ("Sexy"), pecans ("Why"), hot sauce ("Hot Sauce To Go"), [[Pepsi Blue]] ("Time's Up"), eggnog ("Carry Your Casket"), milk ("Calmate (Calm Down)") and [[Heineken]] beer bottles ("Bring You Down"). He gained acclaim early on with his propensity for punchlines with a two-bar setup line and delivery line structure, and usually involves a three-syllable rhyme scheme wherein only three syllables of a line will rhyme with three syllables of the next one (usually the end syllables):

===House raid===

:Yo, If I miss your head and your neck, I'll hurt your chest

Police arrested two men on multiple felony charges after they raided Jadakiss' Yonkers, New York apartment and found heroin (5 grams) and marijuana (6.5 pounds).<ref>{{cite web|last=Gittens |first=Hasani |url=http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Cops-Find-Weed-Heroin-at-Jadakiss-House-54800457.html |title=Cops Find Weed, Heroin at Jadakiss' House |date=August 25, 2009 |publisher=NBC New York |access-date=December 13, 2012}}</ref> Jadakiss was neither present during the investigation, nor wanted by the law enforcement agencies. The incident took place on the morning of August 24, 2009, and started when an investigation revealed the presence of marijuana inside the vehicle driven by two men. Both men were reportedly in police custody and had been criminally charged.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/latest-headlines/2009/08/jadakiss%E2%80%99s-home-raided-weed-heroin-found|title=Jadakiss's Home Raided, Weed & Heroin Found|work=XXL Mag}}</ref>

:And if you from the streets, betrayal is worse than death

:And I'm known for gettin money, not known for wildin'

:But I'm real, I could rock both phones in the island

Jadakiss has a distinctive, raspy voice that he exhibits with a trademark cough-laugh "Ahaah!" sound at the beginning of his verses.

==Discography==

{{Main|Jadakiss discography}}

===Solo===

'''Studio albums'''

*2001: ''[[Kiss Thatha Game Goodbye]]'' Certified [[Gold]] 820,000 copies sold(2001)

*2004: ''[[Kiss of Death (Jadakiss album)|Kiss Ofof Death]]'' Certified [[Platinum]] 1,040,000 sold(2004)

*2007: ''[[KissThe MyLast Ass]]Kiss (yetalbum)|The toLast beKiss]]'' released(2009)

* ''[[Top 5 Dead or Alive]]'' (2015)

* ''[[Ignatius (album)|Ignatius]]'' (2020)

===The Lox===

*1998: ''[[Money, Power & Respect]] Certified Platinum (1,500,000 copies sold

*2000: ''[[We Are The Streets]] Certified Platinum (nearly 1 million copies sold)

===Remixes===

*"[[Bin Laden (song)|Bin Laden]]" with [[Immortal Technique]] and [[DJ Green Lantern]]

'''Collaboration albums'''

* ''[[Friday on Elm Street]]'' <small>(with [[Fabolous]])</small> (2017)

==See also==

* [[The Lox]]

*[[List of hip hop musicians]]

* [[D-Block (hipRuff hop)Ryders]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

<References/>

==External links==

{{cc}}

*[http://www.jadakiss.com/ Jadakiss Official Site]

*[ {{official website|http://www.lyricsdirjadakiss.com/jadakiss-lyrics.html Jadakiss Lyrics]}}

*{{allmusic}}

* [http://www.soraspy.com Jadakiss' SoRaspy]

{{Jadakiss}}

{{The Lox}}

{{Authority control}}

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