Jadakiss, a name synonymous with raw lyricism and gritty street anthems, stands as a titan in the realm of hip-hop. Emerging from Yonkers, New York, as part of the formidable group The Lox in 1994, Jadakiss, also known as Kiss, carved a unique path, solidifying his place as a revered solo artist and mixtape legend. His recent appearance on Uproxx’s Fresh Pair, alongside hosts Just Blaze and Katty Customs, only further cements his enduring influence. The episode explored his unparalleled career, his top rap voice selections, and celebrated his legacy with custom sneakers, highlighting his 25 years of impact. From his early days with The Lox to his show-stopping Verzuz performances, Jadakiss has captivated audiences with his distinctive blend of humor, street wisdom, and undeniable charisma. His discography is a treasure trove of hard-hitting verses, showcasing his lyrical dexterity and unwavering commitment to authentic hip-hop. Here, we delve into 20 essential Jadakiss Songs that exemplify his greatness.
20. “You Make Me Wanna” Feat. Mariah Carey
While Jadakiss is celebrated for his rugged delivery and hardcore anthems, “You Make Me Wanna” reveals his versatility. In the early 2000s, collaborations between rappers and R&B vocalists were a popular formula, and Jadakiss proved his ability to craft hits for a wider audience. Teaming up with Mariah Carey, a pop icon, might seem unexpected, but the result is a smooth, commercially successful track. It demonstrates his range beyond battle raps and street narratives, proving he could create songs with crossover appeal without compromising his core identity.
19.”Jadakiss Interlude” With DJ Khaled
What speaks volumes about Jadakiss’s standing in hip-hop culture is the existence of a track like “Jadakiss Interlude” on DJ Khaled’s God Did. This isn’t a typical collaboration; it’s a testament to Jadakiss’s pure rapping ability. The track features no hook, no chorus, no elaborate concept – just unadulterated bars from Kiss. It’s a showcase of lyrical prowess, a reminder that Jadakiss’s strength lies in his rhymes themselves. Having an interlude dedicated solely to his rapping on a high-profile album underscores his legendary status and the respect he commands within the industry.
18. “Why” Feat. Anthony Hamilton
“Why” marked Jadakiss’s foray into socially conscious rap, bridging the gap between mainstream hip-hop and more introspective themes. Released during a time when conscious rap was often relegated to the fringes, “Why” resonated widely due to its conversational approach. Instead of lecturing, Jadakiss poses questions about societal issues, creating a barbershop-like atmosphere of contemplation. The collaboration with Anthony Hamilton adds a soulful depth to the track, enhancing its emotional impact. Even amidst the weighty subject matter, Jadakiss injects his signature bravado with the line, “Why is Jadakiss as hard as it gets?” reminding listeners of his core appeal.
17. “Hot Sauce To Go”
“Hot Sauce To Go” highlights Jadakiss’s adventurous taste in beats. From his album Kiss Of Death, this Neptunes-produced track deviates from his usual gritty sound, embracing a smooth, salsa-infused groove. While it might not be universally loved, it showcases his willingness to experiment. Pharrell’s falsetto hook complements the beat perfectly, and Jadakiss loosens his typical gruff persona to demonstrate his adaptability. Known for his serious demeanor, “Hot Sauce To Go” reveals a more playful side, proving he can party just as effectively as he can threaten.
16. “Put Ya Hands Up”
Originating from his debut solo album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, “Put Ya Hands Up” is a raw display of Jadakiss’s intricate wordplay. As the album’s third single, it arrived at a time when mainstream audiences were still being introduced to his complex rhyme schemes. His boastful lyrics, like “And y’all scared I can tell, And I’ma get Bucks like Milwaukee cause like Sam I Can-sell,” exemplified his innovative use of double entendres. While such techniques are now common, especially in battle rap, in 2001, Jadakiss’s lyrical dexterity felt groundbreaking, pushing the boundaries of mainstream hip-hop lyricism.
15. “By Your Side”
“By Your Side,” from his 2004 album Kiss Of Death, showcases a more emotional depth while retaining his signature ruggedness. The Baby Grand-produced beat provides a hard-hitting backdrop for Jadakiss’s narrative ode to both allies and adversaries in the streets. His flow seamlessly navigates the catchy vocal sample, demonstrating his lyrical versatility. The song explores themes of loyalty and street relationships, adding a layer of introspection to his often aggressive persona, revealing a capacity for nuanced storytelling within his hard-edged style.
14. “F*** You” With The Lox
Featured on The Lox’s 1999 Ruff Ryders debut, We Are The Streets, “F*** You” kicks off with a blistering verse from Jadakiss, setting the tone for the group’s assertive second act. His opening lines, “Yo, everybody’s a snake / That’s why I try to keep the grass cut / So I can see ’em when they coming / Then I heat they ass up,” immediately establish their street-wise mentality and readiness for confrontation. This track served as a powerful statement of intent, solidifying The Lox’s position as a force to be reckoned with and highlighting Jadakiss’s role as a leading voice within the group.
13. “Knock Yourself Out”
Jadakiss’s debut solo single, “Knock Yourself Out,” produced by The Neptunes, was his formal introduction to a wider audience beyond his work with The Lox. It was his opportunity to prove his solo star power, showcasing that he was more than just a feature artist. He passed this test emphatically, delivering a catchy and memorable track. The music video, featuring the now-infamous paper towel bandana, became a talking point for years, adding to the song’s lasting impact and demonstrating his ability to create a distinctive visual presence.
12. “Rite Where U Stand” With Gang Starr
“Rite Where U Stand,” from Gang Starr’s 2003 album The Ownerz, paired Jadakiss with one of his foundational influences, Guru of Gang Starr. This collaboration validated his place among hip-hop’s elite, proving he could hold his own alongside pioneers. The track also saw Jadakiss addressing his industry frustrations stemming from a restrictive record deal with Interscope. By using his music to voice these concerns, he paved the way for future artists to be more transparent about their struggles with record labels and industry practices.
11. “New York” With Ja Rule and Fat Joe
Released during Ja Rule’s feud with 50 Cent, “New York” brought together three of New York City’s most respected voices: Ja Rule, Jadakiss, and Fat Joe. Despite the ongoing beef overshadowing Ja Rule’s career at the time, “New York” stands as a testament to the power of collaboration. Jadakiss’s verse, featuring the iconic line, “I’m in the hood like them little motorcycles,” is a standout moment, showcasing his ability to deliver quotable lines that resonate deeply with listeners and capture the essence of street life in New York.
10. “John Blaze” With Fat Joe, Big Pun & Raekwon
“John Blaze” is a quintessential posse cut where Jadakiss arguably steals the show, despite the formidable lineup of Fat Joe, Big Pun, Raekwon, and Nas. On this track from Fat Joe’s 1998 album Don Cartagena, each rapper delivers distinct verses. Fat Joe embodies his DITC roots, Big Pun showcases his multisyllabic mastery, Raekwon brings his signature cool, and Nas is characteristically brilliant. However, Jadakiss’s verse is packed with memorable lines and quotables, demonstrating his ability to shine even amongst hip-hop heavyweights, cementing his reputation for delivering impactful guest verses.
9. “Made You Look Remix”
Jadakiss’s verse on the remix of Nas’s “Made You Look” is legendary. Many consider it a career highlight, bringing him closer to his self-proclaimed “top five, dead or alive” status. His lyrical performance on this remix is often cited as one of the greatest guest verses in hip-hop history, showcasing his unparalleled ability to elevate a track and outshine even established icons like Nas on their own song.
8. “Blackout” With DMX, Jay-Z & The Lox
“Blackout” is an explosive track that brought together DMX, Jay-Z, and The Lox during a pivotal moment in hip-hop. Released in late 1998, following DMX’s groundbreaking debut, It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot, the track amplified the anticipation for his sophomore album. Jadakiss ignites the song with the opening line, “n****s throw us on the album, try to boost they sales,” setting a fiery tone. The track contributed to DMX’s historic achievement of releasing two #1 albums in the same year, solidifying “Blackout” as a monumental collaboration and a testament to Jadakiss’s impact even in ensemble settings.
7. “It’s All About The Benjamins” Feat. Puff Daddy & Lil Kim
Beyond delivering a scorching verse on Puff Daddy and the Family’s 1997 hit, “It’s All About The Benjamins,” Jadakiss’s involvement runs deeper. He ghostwrote Puff Daddy’s verse, initially unsure if Diddy could pull it off. This revelation adds another layer to the song’s legacy, highlighting Jadakiss’s songwriting prowess and his behind-the-scenes contributions to a major hit. The track became a defining anthem of the late 90s, and Jadakiss’s dual role as performer and writer underscores his multifaceted talent.
6. “Money, Power & Respect” Feat. DMX & Lil Kim
The title track from The Lox’s debut album, Money, Power & Respect, offers a surprisingly philosophical take on life’s essentials, at least within The Lox’s street-oriented framework. Jadakiss’s anchor verse encapsulates his enduring appeal: “Nothin’ but the hotness whenever we drop this / Monotonous for y’all to keep hatin’ ’cause y’all never gon’ stop us.” This track embodies The Lox’s ethos and Jadakiss’s role as the group’s anchor, resonating with listeners who appreciate their raw authenticity and unwavering confidence.
5. “Gov’t Cheese” Feat. Millyz, Nino Man & DeJ Loaf
“Gov’t Cheese,” from Jadakiss’s 2020 album Ignatius, presents a more mature and reflective Jadakiss. He reminisces about his early struggles with poignant lines like, “Sneakers too tight, you had to wear ’em without soles / Sleepin’ with a sweatsuit on ’cause the house cold.” However, the song isn’t just about hardship; it’s about growth and wisdom gained over time. His line, “Had to open my mind for me to free it,” encapsulates this evolution, showcasing his ability to blend street narratives with insightful reflections on life and personal development.
4. “24 Hrs To Live” With Mase, The Lox, Black Rob & DMX
“24 Hrs To Live,” from Mase’s underrated 1997 album Harlem World, is a posse cut that highlights diverse perspectives on a single concept. Asking what each artist would do with 24 hours to live, the track features six distinct verses, ranging from relatable (Jadakiss, Styles P) to wildly unhinged (DMX). Jadakiss’s verse is characteristically fresh and aspirational, embodying the confident and stylish persona he’s known for, even in a hypothetical scenario of limited time.
3. “Time’s Up” Feat. Nate Dogg
The lead single from Kiss Of Death, “Time’s Up,” is a straightforward barrage of bars over a thunderous Scott Storch beat. Rejecting complex concepts, Jadakiss delivers punchline after punchline, showcasing his lyrical firepower. The track is renowned for quotable lines like, “F*ck riding the beat, n**** / I parallel park on the track,” demonstrating his confidence and mastery over rhythm and rhyme. Nate Dogg’s smooth vocals provide a perfect counterpoint to Jadakiss’s aggressive delivery, making “Time’s Up” a quintessential Jadakiss anthem.
2. “Who Shot Ya Freestyle”
Jadakiss’s performance over The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya” instrumental during The Lox’s Verzuz battle against The Diplomats was a defining moment. Already dominating the battle, this freestyle served as the ultimate victory lap. The crowd’s reaction was overwhelming, leading to an official release of the freestyle on DSPs. This moment underscored Jadakiss’s improvisational skills and his ability to command a stage, solidifying his status as a live performance powerhouse.
1. “We Gonna Make It” Feat. Styles P
“We Gonna Make It” is a definitive classic, opening with the iconic line, “F*ck. The. Frail sh*t.” The Alchemist’s production, sampling “My Music” by Samuel Jonathan Johnson, provides a perfect backdrop for Jadakiss and Styles P’s dynamic back-and-forth flow. Despite a controversial history of the beat being passed on by other artists, Jadakiss’s version is the most recognized and celebrated. The track exemplifies the unmatched chemistry between Jadakiss and Styles P, solidifying “We Gonna Make It” as not only a career highlight but also a benchmark for duo performances in hip-hop history.
In conclusion, these 20 Jadakiss songs represent just a fraction of his extensive and impactful catalog. From solo hits to scene-stealing guest verses and collaborative classics with The Lox, Jadakiss has consistently delivered high-quality, lyrically rich music for over two decades. His contributions to hip-hop are undeniable, and his legacy as a true lyrical icon is firmly cemented. Explore these tracks and delve deeper into the discography of Jadakiss to truly appreciate the depth and breadth of his artistry.
