Today marks the birthday of not one, but two elite hip-hop lyricists -- Andre 3000 and Jadakiss, the latter of whom will be celebrated here. And what better way to celebrate the occasion then to highlight one of his many timeless cuts, 2004's Kiss Of Death classic "Time's Up." Arriving at the height of an incredible era, the Scott Storch-produced track served as a welcome reminder that Jada had officially entered the mainstream with a vengeance. Insofar as lead singles go, it's hard to think of any more lyrically-heavy than this.
Marking Jada's first collaboration with Scott Storch, the Ruff Ryders rapper sacrificed none of his sharp lyricism for the radio. "Cause I'm a n***a that hate to settle, and I'm a man of the Lord but I still can't shake the devil," he raps, segueing into a nostalgic chorus from the King Of Hooks.
Moved away and still can't escape the ghetto." It's about as cold a banger as they come, a perfect example of Jadakiss' ability to retain crossover appeal while spitting bars at a high caliber. If you have yet to revisit Kiss Of Death under a modern lens, there's no time like the present. Happy birthday Jadakiss!
QUOTABLE LYRICS
That's right, homie, you can't move me
I ain't going nowhere, I'm in the hood like bootleg movies
All you shooting is the breeze, a bootleg Uzi
I'm just waiting on a Q like Suzie, don't lose me
These penitentiary chances that I take
Should be able to get the mansion by the lake
But I invest my bread into something else
Into something else that'll make something melt
