Test Spin: Jadakiss

The Last Kiss, the third (and not last) solo album from Yonkers MC Jadakiss, packs a powerful punch with light, glittery synths, epic horns and rock hard drums. The ominous hiss of hi-hats and rattlesnaking tambourine jingles on “Come and Get Me” create the image of armed men lurking in the alleys.
Jada teams up with Nas on “What If,” which sounds like a hybrid of Jadakiss’s 2004 hit “Why” and Wyclef’s “Industry” from 2003. Kiss asks questions like “What if Peyton was fighting dogs instead of Mike Vick?” and “What if Manhattan was hit by Hurricane Katrina? / What if a black man was the one controlling FEMA?”
Commercially aware, Jadakiss loaded The Last Kiss with catchy hooks and hummable melodies. Producer Swizz Beats’ vocals on “Who’s Real” and guest vocalist Ayanna Irish on “Can’t Stop Me” provide hooks that will glue themselves to your ears and brain with minimal effort. Likewise, the pulsating strings on album opener “Pain & Torture” make listeners feel like they’re being chased by the music.
With help from hip-hop heavyweights, both veterans — Mary J. Blige and Raekwon — and rising stars — Ne-Yo and Young Jeezy — The Last Kiss is certainly nice and juicy.