Jadakiss is a man of the people. The veteran rap star has spent the past quarter-century giving the people what they want, both as a member of legendary rap trio The LOX and as a soloist. Once proclaiming that The Champ Is Here on his classic 2007 mixtape with DJ Green Lantern, Jada’s focus on feeding the streets has made him one of the culture’s most beloved and entertaining figures.
His core audience may have been born prior to the explosion of social media, but the 47-year-old has been able to adapt to the lay of the digital landscape while retaining the values that have afforded him respect. This was exemplified with The LOX’s historic Verzuz battle against fellow New York rap luminaries Dipset at Madison Square Garden in 2021.
Groupmates Styles P and Sheek Louch both rose to the occasion, but it was Kiss who led the charge, putting forth a masterclass in the art of the live performance. Using his commanding stage presence, effortless showmanship and knack for comedic timing, The Raspy One had fans eating out the palm of his hand, turning in what many consider the greatest Verzuz performance to date.
Despite those bragging rights under his belt, Jada is by no means ducking opponents or running from smoke. Earlier this month, Kiss headlined VIBE and Def Jam’s Hip-Hop’s Next & Now SXSW showcase in Austin, Texas. Performing a medley of his biggest hits and fan favorites for the rabid crowd at Empire Control Room & Garage, the rapper held down the fort at the SAG-AFTRA-sponsored event, which also included performances from Def Jam’s stable of rising talent.
Following his spirited set, VIBE spoke with Jadakiss about taking the stage in Austin, the legacy of Def Jam, plans for a new album release in 2023, whether we’ll ever get a Verzuz rematch between The LOX and Dipset, and more.
His core audience may have been born prior to the explosion of social media, but the 47-year-old has been able to adapt to the lay of the digital landscape while retaining the values that have afforded him respect. This was exemplified with The LOX’s historic Verzuz battle against fellow New York rap luminaries Dipset at Madison Square Garden in 2021.
Groupmates Styles P and Sheek Louch both rose to the occasion, but it was Kiss who led the charge, putting forth a masterclass in the art of the live performance. Using his commanding stage presence, effortless showmanship and knack for comedic timing, The Raspy One had fans eating out the palm of his hand, turning in what many consider the greatest Verzuz performance to date.
Despite those bragging rights under his belt, Jada is by no means ducking opponents or running from smoke. Earlier this month, Kiss headlined VIBE and Def Jam’s Hip-Hop’s Next & Now SXSW showcase in Austin, Texas. Performing a medley of his biggest hits and fan favorites for the rabid crowd at Empire Control Room & Garage, the rapper held down the fort at the SAG-AFTRA-sponsored event, which also included performances from Def Jam’s stable of rising talent.
Following his spirited set, VIBE spoke with Jadakiss about taking the stage in Austin, the legacy of Def Jam, plans for a new album release in 2023, whether we’ll ever get a Verzuz rematch between The LOX and Dipset, and more.
Jadakiss Accepts Jim Jones’ Challenge For ‘Verzuz’ Rematch, Says New Album On The Way
VIBE spoke with The Raspy One about Hip-Hop 50, the legacy of Def Jam Records, and more.
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