The Last Kiss (album)

Last updated

The Last Kiss
The Last Kiss Cover.jpg
Studio album by
Jadakiss
ReleasedApril 7, 2009
Recorded2008–2009
Genre
Length67:29
Label
Producer
Jadakiss chronology
Kiss of Death
(2004)		The Last Kiss
(2009)		 Top 5 Dead or Alive
(2015)
Singles from The Last Kiss
  1. "By My Side"
    Released: October 7, 2008
  2. "Can't Stop Me"
    Released: February 17, 2009
  3. "Death Wish"
    Released: March 24, 2009
  4. "Who's Real"
    Released: June 16, 2009

The Last Kiss is the third studio album by American rapper Jadakiss. The album was released on April 7, 2009, on D-Block, Ruff Ryders, Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam, after numerous delays. [2] The album features guest appearances from Faith Evans, Swizz Beatz, Bobby V, Pharrell Williams, OJ da Juiceman, Sheek Louch, Mary J. Blige, Styles P, Ghostface Killah, Ne-Yo, Raekwon, Young Jeezy, D-Block, U.S.D.A., Lil Wayne, & Avery Storm. Production on the album is handled by The Alchemist, Buckwild, Swizz Beatz, Neo da Matrix, The Neptunes, Baby Grand, Eric Hudson, Needlz, Sean C & LV.

Contents

The album was the final release on Roc-A-Fella Records by an artist other than Jay-Z or Kanye West.

Its first single, "By My Side" featuring Ne-Yo was released on October 7, 2008 and peaked at number 16 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, while its second single, "Can't Stop Me" peaked at number 78 and was released on February 17, 2009. On March 10th of that year, "Letter to B.I.G" was released as a promotional single, and was also included on the soundtrack to the film Notorious . "Death Wish" was released as the third single on March 24, 2009 and features Lil Wayne. The fourth and final single, "Who's Real" was digitally released on May 5, 2009, released for airplay on June 9, 2009 and released on June 16, 2009 and features Swizz Beatz and OJ da Juiceman. The album received mixed to positive reviews from music critics.

Background

After securing a new deal with Jay-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records, Jadakiss began recording in 2008. After multiple push backs, the album was given an April 7, 2009 release date. [3]

The original album title was Kiss My Ass, however Jada decided to change the album title:

I had to change the name of my album because "Kiss My Ass" wasn’t testing well at retail; not even with the exclamations or none of that so we had to change it to The Last Kiss, Jada explained during an interview with music website, BestofBothOffices.com. [3]

As The Last Kiss might lead some to believe that it could be Jadakiss' final album, he immediately stated that he has no plans to retire anytime soon and explained the meaning behind the album's title.

Some people asked me if this was my last album, nah, it’s just the first album was Kiss tha Game Goodbye, the second album was The Kiss of Death, so this one is The Last Kiss; it’s the closing of a trilogy. This is the last time the word "Kiss" is going to be in any of my album titles. [3]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic (61/100) [4]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllHipHop (7/10) [5]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]
Entertainment Weekly B [7]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [8]
Pitchfork Media (5.2/10) [9]
RapReviews(7.5/10) [10]
Spin (4/10) [11]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [12]
Vibe Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]
XXL Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [14]

The Last Kiss received generally positive reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from critics, the album received an average score of 61, which indicates "generally favorable reviews", based on 7 reviews. [4] David Jeffries of AllMusic said, "In a genre where albums frequently miss their street date, Jadakiss' The Last Kiss is an especially late hip-hop release, having been pushed back, retitled, and retooled numerous times. This problematic arrival shows too in the final product, but the problem may not be the much maligned rapper's ability or inspiration but the constant mishandling of his material. So many prime street cuts have been given away to comps, mixtapes, and soundtracks in the five years since Kiss of Death was released that only the slick, polished numbers remain, save the misleading kickoff "Pain & Torture." [6]

Steve Jones of USA Today said, "Though Kiss isn't as gritty as his previous efforts — a sign of maturity, perhaps — he still serves up plenty of bangers for hard cases. There's no shortage of songs boasting of his accomplishments, 'hood credentials and microphone prowess. But he also takes a broader view and more varied sonic palette." [12] HipHopDX said, "Even if there are a handful of tracks that should've been shaved off, there's nothing outright bad on The Last Kiss and a lot that's good. It probably won't be a standout in his overall catalogue when its all said and done (especially compared to the disgracefully underrated Kiss of Death) but it's a solid entry nonetheless. A good album from a great rapper--give it your time." [8] Simon Vozick-Levinson of Entertainment Weekly said, "When he caters to changed times, the results are forgettable. But when he stays in his lane, there’s no one who can snarl a couplet quite like him." [7]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, selling 134,520 copies in its first week. [15] Jadakiss later responded to the sales, by explaining he was pleased with the album's overall success, and that it has since been attributed to traditional marketing. [16]

Track listing

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. [17]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Pain & Torture"
 Buckwild 3:09
2."Can't Stop Me" (featuring Ayanna Irish)
 Neo da Matrix 3:52
3."Who's Real" (featuring Swizz Beatz and OJ da Juiceman)
3:11
4."Grind Hard" (featuring Mary J. Blige)
 The Inkredibles 5:06
5."Something Else" (featuring Young Jeezy)
 Fiend 3:35
6."One More Step" (featuring Styles P)
 Sean C & LV 4:26
7."Stress Ya" (featuring Pharrell Williams)
 The Neptunes 3:39
8."What If" (featuring Nas)
  • Phillips
  • Jonathan Joyner
  • Jahmon Pauling
  • Nasir Jones
  • Styles
ChopHouze3:55
9."Things I've Been Through"
Mr. Devine3:40
10."I Tried" (featuring Avery Storm)
Baby Grand3:39
11."Rockin' with the Best" (featuring Pharrell Williams and Bobby V)
  • Phillips
  • P. Williams
The Neptunes3:20
12."Smoking Gun" (featuring Jazmine Sullivan)
 Mr. Porter 3:42
13."Cartel Gathering" (featuring Ghostface Killah and Raekwon)
  • Swiff D
  • Eddie F
2:53
14."Come & Get Me" (featuring S.I. and Sheek Louch)
 Neenyo 3:07
15."By My Side" (featuring Ne-Yo)
 Eric Hudson 3:29
16."Letter to B.I.G." (featuring Faith Evans)
 Needlz 3:59
17."Something Else" (remix) (featuring Young Jeezy, Snype Life, Bully, A.P., Boo Rossini and Blood Raw)
  • Phillips
  • R. Jones
  • Jenkins
  • Trelane Martin
  • Donnelle Little
  • Adrian Parker
  • Roderick Williams
  • Bruce Falson
Fiend5:23
18."Death Wish" (featuring Lil Wayne)
 The Alchemist 3:24
Total length:67:29

 • (co.) Co-producer

Sample credits [17]

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jadakiss</span> American rapper

Jason Terrance Phillips, better known by his stage name Jadakiss, is an American rapper from Yonkers, New York. He began his career in the 1990s as one third of the rap trio The Lox alongside Styles P and Sheek Louch. The group released their debut album, Money, Power & Respect (1998) for Bad Boy Records, while its follow up, We Are the Streets (2000) was released for Ruff Ryders Entertainment, an imprint of Interscope Records. Both albums peaked within the top five of the Billboard 200 and received critical praise; their two subsequent albums, Filthy America... It's Beautiful (2013) and Living Off Xperience (2020) were released through Jay-Z's Roc Nation saw continued positive reception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roc-A-Fella Records</span> American hip hop record label

Roc-A-Fella Records was an American hip hop record label and music management company founded by record executives and entrepreneurs Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke in 1994. Carter issued his debut album, Reasonable Doubt (1996) as the label's first release, in a joint venture with Priority Records. The label has signed and released albums for acts including Kanye West, Cam'ron, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Juelz Santana, Freeway, Jadakiss, Teairra Marí, State Property, and The Diplomats before its dissolution in 2013.

<i>The Dynasty: Roc La Familia</i> 2000 studio album by Jay-Z

The Dynasty: Roc-La-Familia is the fifth studio album by American rapper Jay-Z, featuring prominent appearances from signees of Roc-A-Fella Records. It was released on October 31, 2000, by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings. Its lead single, "I Just Wanna Love U ", produced by the Neptunes, became one of Jay-Z's most successful singles peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200, with 557,789 copies sold in its first week. The album is certified double platinum by the RIAA. The album received positive reviews from critics, and became the 20th highest-selling R&B/Hip-Hop album of the 2000–2010 decade according to Billboard.

<i>Come Home with Me</i> 2002 studio album by Camron

Come Home With Me is the third studio album by American rapper Cam'ron. Originally scheduled for a March 2002 release under the title Blow, the album was ultimately released on May 14, 2002, by Cam'ron's Diplomats Records and Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records. There are featured guest appearances from Jimmy Jones, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey, DJ Kay Slay, Daz Dillinger, Tiffany, Jay-Z, McGruff, Memphis Bleek, and Beanie Sigel. To date, it is his most commercially successful album; it peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 226,000 copies, and eventually sold one million copies in the United States, being certified Platinum by the RIAA.

<i>Grand Champ</i> 2003 studio album by DMX

Grand Champ is the fifth studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on September 16, 2003 by Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. The album was produced by multiple producers, including Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, Kanye West, and No I.D. It features guest appearances from 50 Cent, Cam'ron, Eve, Styles P, Monica, and Jadakiss, among others.

<i>Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood</i> 1998 studio album by DMX

Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood is the second studio album by American rapper DMX. The album was released on December 22, 1998, by Def Jam Recordings and Ruff Ryders Entertainment, over seven months after his debut album, It's Dark and Hell Is Hot.

<i>Free at Last</i> (Freeway album) 2007 studio album by Freeway

Free at Last is the second studio album by rapper Freeway. It was released on November 20, 2007 by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings in the United States. The album enlists guest performances from Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Marsha Ambrosious, Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, and Jadakiss.

<i>From Me to U</i> 2003 studio album by Juelz Santana

From Me to U is the debut studio album by American rapper Juelz Santana. The album was released on August 19, 2003 as planned, under Diplomat, Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam. The album was seen as the introspective introduction of the rapper to mainstream entertainment. Following appearances on various street mixtapes and the success of The Diplomats, Santana was the second member of the group to release a solo album, after de facto leader Cam'ron.

<i>The Professional 3</i> 2006 studio album by DJ Clue?

The Professional 3 is the third studio album by American record producer DJ Clue. It was released on December 19, 2006 via Roc-A-Fella Records, serving as a sequel to his 2001 The Professional 2.

<i>One Man Band Man</i> 2007 studio album by Swizz Beatz

One Man Band Man is the debut studio album by American hip hop recording artist and record producer Swizz Beatz, released on August 21, 2007, through Full Surface and Universal Motown Records. The album features guest appearances from Drag-On, Lil Wayne, R. Kelly and Jadakiss. The album's production was handled by Swizz Beatz himself, as well as producers such as The Individualz, Needlz, Nottz, Snags, Neo Da Matrix, Eric McCaine, Young World Music.

<i>The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter</i> 2007 greatest hits album by DMX

The Definition of X: The Pick of the Litter is the first greatest hits album by American rapper DMX. It was released on June 12, 2007, by Def Jam Recordings. Production was handled by Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, P. Killer Trackz, Black Key, DJ Shok, DJ Scratch, Irv Gotti, Nokio, Self, Shatek King and Tuneheadz. It features guest appearances from The Lox, Drag-On, Jay-Z, Sisqó and Swizz Beatz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roc Boys (And the Winner Is)...</span> 2007 single by Jay-Z

"Roc Boys ..." is the second single from Jay-Z's tenth studio album, American Gangster. The song is produced by Skyz Muzik, Diddy and two of his producers known as LV and Sean C from his production team, The Hitmen. It features additional vocals by Beyoncé, Kanye West and Cassie. The song samples "Make the Road by Walking" by The Menahan Street Band. On December 11, 2007, Rolling Stone named it the best song of 2007.

<i>The Professional</i> (album) 1998 studio album by DJ Clue?

The Professional is the debut studio album by American record producer DJ Clue?. It was released on December 15, 1998, via Roc-A-Fella Records.

<i>New Jack City II</i> 2009 studio album by Bow Wow

New Jack City II is the sixth studio album by American rapper Bow Wow. It was released on March 31, 2009 through LBW Entertainment and Columbia Records. This is Bow Wow's first album to be released on his new label LBW Entertainment, and his first album to be receiving a parental advisory label for Adult Language. The production on the album was handled by Jermaine Dupri, LRoc, Nitti, T-Pain and Swizz Beatz among others. The album also features guest appearances from Swizz Beatz, Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Trey Songz, T-Pain, Ron Browz, Dondria and T.I.

<i>Battle of the Sexes</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Ludacris

Battle of the Sexes is the eighth studio album by American rapper Ludacris, released March 9, 2010 on Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South. The album was recorded during 2008 to 2010 and its production was handled by several producers, including T-Minus, Bangladesh, Swizz Beatz, The Neptunes, and The Runners.

<i>Backstage: Music Inspired by the Film</i> 2000 soundtrack album by DJ Clue?

Backstage: Music Inspired by the Film is the soundtrack to the Chris Fiore's 2000 documentary film Backstage. Originally scheduled for a Fall 1999 release, it was then delayed to a January 11, 2000 release. The album was ultimately released on August 29, 2000 by Roc-A-Fella Records and Def Jam Recordings.

<i>The Tunnel</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap

The Tunnel is a collaborative album by American DJs Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap. It was released on December 7, 1999, via Def Jam Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ruff Ryders Entertainment</span> American hip hop record label

Ruff Ryders Entertainment is an American hip hop record label and management company founded by siblings and record executives Joaquin "Waah", Darin "Dee" and Chivon Dean in 1988. It operated as a subsidiary of Universal, and distributed by Interscope Records, with Def Jam Recordings serving as the distributor for DMX albums. The label went on to launch the careers of several successful artists such as DMX, Drag-On and the Deans' nephew, Swizz Beatz, among others. The Ruff Ryders namesake also referred to a loose-knit hip hop collective composed of the core signees of the label. The collective's de facto leader was the label's flagship artist, DMX. Ruff Ryders and its main studio Powerhouse Studios are headquartered at 33 South Broadway in Yonkers, New York.

<i>Top 5 Dead or Alive</i> 2015 studio album by Jadakiss

Top 5 Dead or Alive is the fourth studio album by American hip hop recording artist Jadakiss. The album was released on November 20, 2015, by D-Block Records and Def Jam Recordings. The album features guest appearances from Akon, Future, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Ne-Yo, Nas, Nipsey Hussle, Styles P, Puff Daddy, Sheek Louch, Swizz Beatz, Young Adz and Young Buck.

<i>The Lost Tapes 2</i> 2019 compilation album by Nas

The Lost Tapes 2 is a compilation album by American rapper Nas, released on July 19, 2019 by Mass Appeal Records and Def Jam Recordings. It is the sequel to the compilation album The Lost Tapes, released in 2002. The Lost Tapes 2 features unreleased tracks from Nas’ last four studio albums: Hip Hop Is Dead (2006), Untitled (2008), Life Is Good (2012) and the album scrapped in favor of Nasir (2018). It includes production from producers such as RZA, Swizz Beatz, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, No I.D., Pete Rock and The Alchemist, among others.

References

  1. ↑ Jeffries, David. "The Last Kiss - Jadakiss". Allmusic .
  2. ↑ "Official Site". Jadakiss. April 7, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  3. 1 2 3 Ivey, Nile. "Jadakiss Switches Album Title, Preps Lp For December 9th Release" (Online interview). BET.com. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
  4. 1 2 "Critic Reviews for The Last Kiss". Metacritic. February 25, 2012. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  5. ↑ Ismael AbduSalaam. "Reviews / Music : Jadakiss: "The Last Kiss" (Album Review)". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on April 11, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  6. 1 2 David Jeffries (April 7, 2009). "The Last Kiss - Jadakiss | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  7. 1 2 Vozick, Simon (April 1, 2009). "The Last Kiss". EW.com. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  8. 1 2 athorton (April 6, 2009). "Jadakiss - The Last Kiss". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Jadakiss: The Last Kiss | Album Reviews". Pitchfork. April 15, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  10. ↑ "Jadakiss :: The Last Kiss :: Def Jam". Rapreviews.com. April 8, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  11. ↑ Carley, Brennan. "Jadakiss, 'The Last Kiss' (Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam)". SPIN. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  12. 1 2 Jones, Steve (April 7, 2009). "Listen Up: 'Last Kiss' a public display of near-perfection". Usatoday30.usatoday.com. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Jadakiss: The Last Kiss : VIBE.com". Web.archive.org. April 8, 2009. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Jadakiss: The Last Kiss - XXL". Xxlmag.com. April 14, 2009. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  15. ↑ "Jadakiss Debuts At No. 3, Sells Over 134K In First Week". Xxlmag.Com. April 15, 2009. Archived from the original on April 17, 2009. Retrieved January 11, 2012.
  16. ↑ skoroma (April 29, 2009). "Jadakiss' Sales Success Attributed To Traditional Marketing". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 15, 2015.
  17. 1 2 The Last Kiss (booklet). D-Block, Ruff Ryders, Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam. 2009.
  18. ↑ "Jadakiss Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved September 18, 2013.
  19. ↑ "Jadakiss Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved September 19, 2013.
  20. ↑ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.