He shows story-telling ability as he stresses the importance of loyalty over a catchy old school sample on “By Your Side” and tells hood tales on “Still Feel Me” and “Air It Out.” He even shows love for the ladies on the Mariah Carey-blessed “U Make Me Wanna ” while Kiss The Game Goodbye’s Jadakiss just wanted to know if he was “fuckin’ or what,” ‘Kiss brings a bit of sincerity this time around: Tracks like this show ‘Kiss’ artistic and personal growth. Why is a brotha up north, better than Jordan that ain’t get that break?” It’s goin’ down, why they sellin’ niggas CDs, for under a dimeĪnd if it’s all love daddy, why you come wit’ ya 9? Turn around and only give you 8 months for a burner “Why they gon’ give you life for a murder Kiss quiets naysayers who question his lyrical diversity with sophomore album Kiss of Death’s second single, “Why.” With uncharacteristically light xylophones employed by Havoc (of Mobb Deep) and deep, soulful vocals by Anthony Hamilton, ‘Kiss spits about everything on his mind, from industry scandals to Kobe Bryant: His “commercial” tracks were too commercial, and his street tracks stuck to the gangster-isms he was known for.

Critics weren’t as friendly, claiming that Jadakiss was trying too hard to satisfy all of his listeners. Kiss The Game Goodbye satisfied ‘Kiss fans, with tracks like “Knock Yourself Out” and “Show Discipline” making it one of the streets’ most listened to albums of 2001. That one LP received mixed reactions though. With his raspy-voiced flow, unparalleled diction and penchant for always finding the right punchline, he’s even proclaimed himself as “top five dead or alive, and that’s just off one LP.” He’s paid dues with Yonkers-bred trio The LOX since 1998, and he’s made memorable cameos with everyone from well-respected MCs such as Nas and Gang Starr to pop artists like Jennifer Lopez. With the recent (supposed) departure of Jay-Z, Jadakiss is one of the most apparent heirs to the King of N.Y.

Jadakiss kiss of death