The gritty wordsmith from Yonkers, New York, Jadakiss has carved out a legendary career in the rap game. As one-third of The Lox and an exceptional solo artist, Jadakiss has cemented his status as a hip-hop legend, transcending generational boundaries and solidifying his place as one of the most formidable rappers to ever grace the genre.
Born Jason Phillips in 1975, Jadakiss’s journey into rap began in his early adolescence. At just twelve years old he started honing his craft, participating in freestyle rap competitions and displaying a natural knack for rhyming. Alongside his childhood friends Styles P and Sheek Louch, Jadakiss formed The Lox, a group that would become synonymous with raw, unapologetic street rap. Their early demos and mixtapes quickly caught the attention of industry heavyweights, leading to a record deal with Bad Boy Records, where they collaborated with hip-hop luminaries like Biggie and Mase.
The breakout moment for The Lox came with their scene-stealing verses on the It’s All About The Benjamins remix, showcasing Jadakiss’s razor-sharp delivery and uncompromising rhymes. The group’s debut album, Money, Power & Respect, established their place in the rap scene, setting the stage for Jadakiss’s solo endeavors as his distinctive voice, razor sharp lyricism, and emphatic charisma began to rise him to eminence.
Transitioning to a solo career, Jadakiss continued to captivate audiences with his solo albums, each further evolving his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. His 2001 debut album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, was initially met with some criticism from the hip-hop scene, as some found the songs to be repetitive due to the long tracklist. Nonetheless, his collaborations with producers like The Alchemist, Swizz Beats, and DJ Premier were undeniable.
It was his next album, Kiss of Death, that officially confirmed Jadakiss to be a force to be reckoned with in the rap pantheon. Released in 2004, the album was met with quite a different level of critical acclaim and commercial success than his debut. According to an oldhead at my barber shop, just about everyone listening to NY rap at the time had to accept that he’s “one of them ones.”
Beyond his solo work, Jadakiss’s collaborations with other rap legends and emerging artists alike have established him as one of the coldest possible features an artist can get on their track. His guest appearances on tracks by artists ranging from Lil Wayne to Benny the Buther have earned him unquestionable respect as one of hip-hop’s premier lyricists, as he’s never had a hard time keeping up with and even outpacing the best rappers in the world. Additionally, his role as a mentor and collaborator for younger artists has helped to shape the next generation of talent in the genre.
One of Jadakiss’s most defining characteristics is his versatility as a collaborator. Beyond trading bars with other rap icons, when teaming up with R&B and pop sensations, he seamlessly blends genres and captivates new listeners with his unmistakable style. Tracks like “We Belong Together” with Mariah Carey exemplify his ability to craft hit crossover songs while staying true to his roots.
Jadakiss’s impact extends beyond the studio and stage. His competitive spirit and dedication to his craft have made him a force to be reckoned with in rap battles, whether facing off against other New York rappers or leading The Lox to victory against Dipset in a Verzuz battle.
His inability to miss a bar in a freestyle starts to make more sense when you remember that he started freestyling competitively when he was just twelve. At this young age, he flew out to Florida for the “Jack the Rapper Competition” where he began to make a name for himself as a rising star in battle rap.
In 2021, Jadakiss, alongside The Lox, delivered a historic performance against Dipset in the Verzuz battle, marking a pinnacle moment for the platform. Jadakiss’s unparalleled showmanship earned him the title of hip-hop MVP. His iconic “Who Shot Ya” freestyle electrified the Madison Square Garden audience and reinforced his claims as a rap legend. The event, reminiscent of New York’s early 2000s energy, saw The Lox outshine Dipset, and it wasn’t close.
Jada’s energy and delivery was that of a man who wanted to remind the world that he’s “one of them ones.” Top 5 Dead or Alive served as a declaration and a testament to his unwavering confidence and dedication to greatness in hip-hop, but six years later, the Verzuz battle asserted this thesis with a far stronger impact. There’s a reason Eminem calls him one of the most influential rappers alive.
As Jadakiss celebrates over two decades in the rap game, his legacy only continues to grow. His influence can be felt in the work of artists across the globe, and his status as a hip-hop icon remains undisputed. Jadakiss shows no signs of slowing down, solidifying his place as one of the greatest to ever touch the mic in hip-hop history.
