Description
Jadakiss – Kiss Of Death – Double Vinyl Record
“Kiss Of Death on 2lp black vinyl! Featuring the hit singles “Why?, U Make Me Wanna, & Time’s Up”
Jadakiss – Kiss of Death, released on June 22, 2004, is the second solo studio album by Jadakiss (Jason Phillips), and it stands as one of the defining hip-hop records of the early 2000s. Coming off the success of his 2001 debut Kiss tha Game Goodbye and his established reputation as a member of The LOX, Jadakiss entered this project with high expectations — not only from fans of gritty East Coast lyricism but also from a mainstream audience that had begun to recognize him as one of the sharpest voices in rap. With Kiss of Death, he delivered a record that balanced hardcore street credibility with radio-ready singles, solidifying his place among the era’s most respected MCs.
The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 246,000 copies in its first week, and it eventually achieved RIAA Platinum certification. Its success can be attributed to Jadakiss’s reputation as a lyrical craftsman, as well as the album’s strong roster of guest features and producers. The production lineup included heavyweights like The Neptunes, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Havoc, Eminem, and Green Lantern, creating a diverse sonic palette that still retained a distinctly East Coast backbone.
One of the album’s most recognizable singles is “Why”, produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep. The track became Jadakiss’s biggest solo hit, peaking at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Built around a haunting piano loop and Jadakiss’s gravelly delivery, the song poses a series of rhetorical “why” questions — some humorous, others deeply political (“Why did Bush knock down the towers?”). The latter line sparked controversy, leading to radio censorship and widespread media debate, but it also elevated the track into the cultural conversation, proving that Jadakiss could move beyond street narratives into social commentary. The remix, featuring Anthony Hamilton, Common, Nas, and Styles P, further underlined the song’s resonance.
Another major single was “U Make Me Wanna” featuring Mariah Carey, produced by Scott Storch. This track leaned heavily toward radio and club play, pairing Jadakiss’s raspy bars with Mariah’s smooth, soaring vocals. It became a crossover success, proving his ability to operate in both hardcore and commercial spaces without losing authenticity. Then there’s “Kiss of Death”, the album’s title track featuring Styles P, which represents the other side of Jadakiss’s artistry: raw, uncompromising street rap with hard-hitting verses and an ominous beat.
The album is also rich with collaborations that reflect Jadakiss’s stature in the hip-hop community at the time. Nate Dogg lends his signature West Coast hook to “Time’s Up,” a track produced by Scott Storch that blends East and West Coast flavors. Pharrell Williams appears on “Hot Sauce to Go,” while Snoop Dogg joins in on “Welcome to D-Block (It’s a Party),” bridging New York grit with California swagger. Eminem not only produced but also appeared vocally on “Welcome to D-Block,” adding a crossover appeal. Meanwhile, LOX comrades Styles P and Sheek Louch appear throughout, reinforcing Jadakiss’s group identity even as he thrives as a solo artist.
Kiss of Death finds Jadakiss in top form. His style is characterized by his distinctive rasp, clever wordplay, and ability to balance vivid street storytelling with witty punchlines. Songs like “Real Hip Hop” and “Shoot Outs” (featuring Styles P) reinforce his underground credibility, while more introspective moments like “By Your Side” reveal his ability to show vulnerability and loyalty. The contrast between his harder street anthems and more polished singles creates a dynamic listening experience that captures the duality of his career.
Kiss of Death received strong reviews, though not universally glowing. Many praised Jadakiss’s lyricism, voice, and consistency as an MC, with outlets like XXL and AllMusic highlighting his ability to stay true to his style while achieving commercial success. Some critics felt the album was weighed down slightly by its attempt to straddle hardcore rap and mainstream appeal, but most agreed that Jadakiss cemented his reputation as one of the strongest lyricists of his generation.
Kiss of Death stands as a snapshot of early 2000s hip-hop at a pivotal moment — when rap was exploding commercially, but East Coast artists like Jadakiss were working to preserve lyrical grit and authenticity. It balanced mixtape rawness and radio polish, producing one of the most memorable singles of the decade in “Why” while still satisfying core fans with uncompromising bars. For Jadakiss, the album affirmed his position not just as a member of The LOX but as a solo heavyweight capable of commanding the charts and the streets alike.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Intro
What You So Mad At?
Shine
Bring You Down
Time’s Up
Why
U Make Me Wanna
Hot Skit
Hot Sauce To Go
Real Hip Hop
Shoot Outs
Still Feel Me
By Your Side
Gettin’ It In
Air It Out
Welcome To D-Block
Kiss Of Death
I’m Goin Back
