collaborations

Jadakiss is one of the most respected rappers in the game. The Yonkers rapper has had a highly prolific career, both as a member of The Lox and as a solo artist. He recently discussed the launch of his new coffee company on Drink Champs. Jada has made his fair share of street anthems and R&B crossovers, releasing five solo albums, six mixtapes, and his albums with The Lox and Fabolous. Jadakiss’s extensive solo catalog and group albums show that he is a great collaborator and when he is on a song with a guest, they bring the best out of each other.

This is a list of the best collabs on Jadakiss songs. The list includes Jadakiss’s solo catalog, his work with The Lox, and songs on producer albums where he is the only main or one of the main vocalists. He has too many iconic features to the point where his guest verses are their own separate list. The songs, listed in chronological order, look into the chemistry between Jadakiss and other artists. The songs show how he has been able to showcase his versatility over his legendary career.

“Ryde Or Die, Bitch” (1999)

It is impossible to discuss the best Jadakiss songs and his best collaborations without mentioning The Lox. Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch have a chemistry as a group that is unmatched. Known for their irresistible street raps, the lead single from their second album, 2000’s We Are The Streets shows that they can make a hit with any kind of topic. The song features a groovy beat from Timbaland and a killer hook from Eve. The beat and the catchy chorus allow the three to spit slick lyrics about how they want a woman to hold them down in their street lifestyle. All three bring quality verses to the table, sticking to a consistent topic. Eve’s attitude on the hook perfectly fits the role of the woman The Lox are rapping about. 

“F**k You” (2000)

This ruthless song from The Lox is the perfect way to open an album called We Are The Streets. The song is also possibly the most disrespectful way to open a Verzuz battle, which is exactly how The Lox started their historic battle against The Diplomats in 2021. The song is an ultimate display of unity of The Lox as a group and how they rudely look down on their competition. Over one of Swizz Beatz’s filthiest productions, Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch spit some of their meanest and most vulgar lyrics that still remain as one of their strongest collaborations. 

“Recognize” (2000)

Also from We Are The Streets, “Recognize” is arguably the best song in The Lox’s discography as the beat from DJ Premier allows the three to showcase their unique flows and cadences, which compliment one another. Jadakiss’s raspy voice, Sheek’s thick New York accent, and Styles P’s low voice make for a song that is quintessentially The Lox. It speaks to their chemistry as a group, which has stood the test of time.

“We Gonna Make It” (2001)

This classic song from Jadakiss’s debut solo album, 2001’s Kiss tha Game Goodbye, remains one of Jadakiss’s most popular songs and collaborations. The Lox had made plenty of classics before this song, but Jadakiss and Styles P specifically mastered their chemistry with their signature back-and-forth verses. Over a beat from The Alchemist, “We Gonna Make It” is a triumphant song about reaching success from streetlife. It is one of the best songs where the chemistry between Jadakiss and Styles P is on full display.

“Why?” (2004)

Possibly, Jadakiss’s biggest single, “Why?” sees Jadakiss asking questions about the state of the world and culture. Many of these questions are rhetorical although he does answer some of them, relating to politics, pop culture, and conspiracies. Each line may begin with “why?” but Jadakiss cleverly rhymes these questions over a Havoc-produced instrumental. “Why?” is one of Jadakiss’s best collaborations as he enlists Anthony Hamilton for the song’s chorus, providing his signature soul. The chorus is incredibly catchy and makes for an undeniable hit.

“U Make Me Wanna” (2004)

A majority of Jadakiss songs consist of bar-heavy raps over hard-hitting production, which his raspy voice goes so well with. Much like “Why?” with Anthony Hamilton, Jadakiss has made his fair share of R&B collaborations, including “U Make Me Wanna” with Mariah Carey. Though this song is more subdued and radio-friendly than a typical Jadakiss song, he does not compromise his rap style. The Scott Storch-produced beat along with Mariah Carey’s soft vocals and Jadakiss’s raps are the formula for a hit song. “U Make Me Wanna” is definitely a song for the ladies, but the song works because the collaboration is so strong.

“Cartel Gathering” (2009)

Jadakiss’s third studio album, The Last Kiss has a more polished sound than his first two albums, which both had hit records on them. The production is not as tough but the rapping definitely is. On “Cartel Gathering,” Jadaiss recruits Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, who are known for their tight chemistry as a duo similar to Kiss and Styles. The song does not have the typical Wu-Tang or Lox sounds but Jadakiss, Ghostface, and Raekwon perform at a high level. The magic of the song lies in each MC’s vocal inflections; Ghost’s voice is high, Rae’s is low and breathy, and Jada’s is raspy. 

“By My Side” (2009)

Jadakiss has a spotless track record when it comes to collaborating with singers such as Usher, Anthony Hamilton, and Mariah Carey. “By My Side” is arguably the best R&B collaboration that Jadakiss has done as he links up with Ne-Yo for a smash single. Jadakiss spits over the uptempo groove of the glamorous instrumental. He raps about how “every good woman needs a thug.” Ne-Yo provides the perfect chorus about how he needs his lady by his side. 

“Something Dirty / Pic Got Us” (2018)

Jadakiss has an extensive history of collaborating with both Styles P and Swizz Beatz, working with both of them early in his career. That history is what makes “Something Dirty / Pic Got Us” from Swizz’s Poison album so special. The song has a classic, traditional feel from the early Lox days even though it came out five years ago. Jadakiss and Styles P go back and forth while Swizz handles the beats and adlibs. Kendrick Lamar holds down the hook. He unfortunately does not contribute a verse, his hook brings the song together nicely.

“Huntin Season” (2020)

Jadakiss’s signature rasp voice is made for menacing hip hop tracks and “Huntin Season” is a perfect example. The drums on the beat are knocking and Jada’s voice goes perfectly with it. “Huntin Season” is one of his best collaborations as he teams up with Pusha T, who keeps the same energy with his high-level street raps. They set themselves apart from the rest as “when [they] think of these rappers, it’s huntin season.” 

“Gov’t Cheese” (2020)

On this standout track from Jadakiss’s Ignatius album, everyone on the song understands the assignment. It is a song about pain and struggle and every feature does their part extremely well. Dej Loaf stands out with a heartfelt hook then Nino Man sets the bar with a killer verse. Boston rapper Millyz steals the show as he captures the listener’s attention with his imagery and melody. Jadakiss finishes the song with an effortlessly sincere verse. It stands out among the best Jadakiss songs and collaborations.

“America Is Canceled” (2020)

Released following the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020, this song from Statik Selektah’s album is quite powerful in its messaging. The verses from Jadakiss, Termanology, and Styles P felt very urgent in the context of America’s political landscape in 2020. Over a jazzy beat, the three cover different serious topics about the state of the country. Termanology raps about police brutality, Jadakiss discusess racism, and Styles P covers topics of gentrification and Black education. 

“King Kong Riddim” (2021)

The lead single from The Harder They Fall is a monumental collaboration between Jadakiss, Conway The Machine, JAY-Z, and BackRoad Gee. Each rapper brings a unique flow to the song’s off-kilter and minimal instrumental. BackRoad Gee’s aggressive hook sets the tone for the three rappers to spit. Jadakiss sets the bar incredibly high, effortlessly flowing over the beat’s unorthodox rhythm. Conway The Machine spits braggadocious bars before JAY-Z finishes the song with magnificent extended metaphors. “King Kong Riddim” is not only a exceptional song, but marks a historic collaboration between different generations of hip hop.

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