Jadakiss Kiss Of Death CD

Personnel: Jadakiss (rap vocals); Mariah Carey, Anthony Hamilton (vocals); DJ Quik, Eminem, Kanye West, Nate Dogg, Sheek, Snoop Dogg, Styles P (rap vocals).
The most startling thing about Kiss of Death is that Jadakiss dumped a bunch of Neptunes productions and kept only "Hot Sauce to Go," one of the record's poorest tracks. This, along with a particularly ill-suited "soft and smooth track for the ladies" featuring a carted-in Mariah Carey as well as a too-familiar-sounding Scott Storch production, is thankfully the only outright blights on an otherwise satisfactory showing. These issues aside, Jadakiss makes good on his promise to become a rounded lyricist and receives some valuable help in the form of tight production work from a handful of pros -- surprisingly enough, Swizz Beatz's work on "Real Hip Hop" tops anything that producer did for Cassidy's debut, and the Red Spyda-manned title track (bizarrely tucked near the end) is Jadakiss' most vicious track yet. No matter the number of bright moments, you can't help but feel that Jadakiss has his best days ahead of him. For further proof, listeners looking to go deeper are strongly advised to seek out The Champ Is Here, a teaser mix presented by Big Mike and Green Lantern. Provided you can stomach the Will Smith version of Cassius Clay proclaiming "The champ is here!" about every 30 seconds (Jada's cackle could've been kept in check a little more, too), you should find that it's actually superior to this fine record. ~ Andy Kellman
On his second solo record, KISS OF DEATH, Jadakiss begins the wistful, reflective song "Why" with the question, "Why is Jadakiss as hard as it gets?" Unwavering confidence contrasted by soft introspection is a trademark of the ex-Lox member, and this quality distinguishes the Yonkers, New York rapper from his peers.
KISS OF DEATH balances street knowledge with humor, and serves up robust beats and guest shots by a legion of hip-hop luminaries. Jadakiss brings together both American coasts, as well as years of history, on the groovy, 1970s-tinged "Shine," with Cali's Snoop Dogg and NYC's DJ Quik packing some of their best rhymes. On the other end of the spectrum is the rock-sampling "Welcome to D-Block," featuring Jadakiss's former Lox bandmates and a relatively subdued Eminem. Of course, Jadakiss can unleash some serious rhymes on his own, especially on the hardcore title track and the melodic "Bring You Down." A dynamic sophomore effort, KISS OF DEATH cements Jadakiss's status as one of the premier forces in East Coast rap.Rolling Stone (p.106) - 3 stars out of 5 - "He's a master of the fine lyrical detail, and he knows it."
Rolling Stone (p.144) - Included in Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of 2004 - "Jada's hell-raising flow was everywhere this year."
Spin (pp.103-4) - "[I]t gets no better than 'Real Hip Hop,' where Swizz Beatz loops a Curtis Mayfield sample into a careening roller coaster as Jada and his D-Block compatriot Shreek run punch-line relay races." - Grade: A-
Entertainment Weekly (p.89) - "Jada flexes impressive muscles as he grinds his heels into a well-trodden dance floor." - Grade: B