Review: Jadakiss – The Last Kiss
Update: Congrats to Jada. The Last Kiss premiered at number 3 on the Billboard Top 200 selling over 130K in the first week. : Billboard Chart History: Jadakiss – Last Kiss
The first CD that I ever purchased by a “southern” rapper was The Last of a Dying Breed by Scarface. The album had some pretty good qualities, although it was not extremely well-received commercially or among critics. I would like to believe that the lack-luster showing at SoundScan had something to do with the failure of the album to address, beyond the weak title track, its claim to the sole proprietorship of a nearly extinct style. In reality, that album was a return to the style to which fans had become accustomed since he seemingly attempted to conform to some industry standards for success with the album previous.
The latest offering by Jadakiss, who founded D-block and thrust the LOX into fame, has some striking similarities to the Scarface LP that is nearly 9 years its senior, but it also has a few remarkable distinctions. The Last Kiss, which is set to be released on Tuesday, March 10th, is the 3rd solo album by Jadakiss and the first to be released under the Roc-a-fella records banner. Much like Last of a Dying Breed, The Last Kiss will disappoint those who believe that the title in some way indicates finality or that the disc is one of a kind. Also, much like the Scarface album, the disappointments after that point are few and far between.
The Last Kiss has one outstanding quality that far outshines any of its other merits or missteps: its ability to showcase the lingering hunger of an artist who has tasted but not had his fill of success. Jadakiss maintains the style and themes that created the fan base that he has but he also explores a level of self-promotion that is uncommon even in the world of rap. His dwarfed successes (in comparison to inferior artists) have allowed him the unique perspective of a man who can’t understand why he isn’t more successful and it comes through in his powerful lyrics which sing his own praises and refuse to beg for support. It is almost as if this album is to say that Kiss has given up asking for listeners to give him his due while all the while wanting their acceptance more than anything.
Lyrically, this could be considered the first album that was dominated by Jason Phillips. Previously, he has delivered two albums in which he split time between being Jada and just being Jason, but on this album he gives a refreshing blend of honesty and persona that leave you feeling as if you just heard tales of a month in the man’s life recorded on disc. He also continues to opine on politics but seems to have taken it down from incendiary to insightful (and a bit sarcastic) which is nice to see in a New York rapper. Of course, this isn’t to say that the requisite club songs and throwaway singles aren’t present because just as you start to think that way, Ne-Yo begins the hook in “By my side”. And unfortunately for hip hop purists, there is enough throwaway material to bring down the overall quality of the product. Even that, however, adds a layer to the story of how this veteran artist defines and deals with success.
The production (which historically has been mediocre) lands somewhere in the range of “better than average” but falls short of great. Pharrell returned with a contribution, as well as Just Blaze, Swizz Beatz, and Neo da Matrix. Mr.Porter (aka Kuniva of D12) replaces his boss, Eminem to track a beat as well. In addition to production heavyweights, the supporting cast on the album is solid with Nas, a few Wu-Tang members, Young Jeezy, and of course the other two members of the LOX (separately). Overall, this album could have been better but in truth, I expected it to be worse.
The Good: Jadakiss is a lyrical giant and I can’t think of another mainstream rapper who can string words together like he can. Pay attention to pretty much every song not listed below. This entire album (with a couple of exceptions) was either solid or superb.
The Bad: “Rockin’ with the best” was a watered down track-filler obligatory Neptunes song. “By my side” was actually lyrically solid, but Ne-Yo hurt the overall quality and the production was boring.
The Bottom Line: 7 out of 10
Well ILL just add THat if i Came out of hiding After THree Years I would Hope MOre THan 130k to notice. And Whats With all THe R&B Records??????
Hope THis ISnt The Last KIsss