Why (Jadakiss song)

"Why"
Single by Jadakiss featuring Anthony Hamilton
from the album Kiss of Death
Released	July 13, 2004
Recorded	2004
Genre	Political hip-hop
Label	Ruff Ryders Interscope
Songwriter(s)	J. Phillips, A. Hamilton, K. Muchita, P. Moerlen
Producer(s)	Havoc
Jadakiss singles chronology
"Time's Up" (2004) "Why" (2004) "U Make Me Wanna" (2004)
Music video
"Why?" on YouTube

"Why" is a protest song by American rapper Jadakiss, released on July 13, 2004 by Def Jam Recordings as the second single released from his second solo album Kiss of Death (2004). It was produced by Havoc, features a guest appearance from Anthony Hamilton, and contains a sample of Gong's 1976 song "Mandrake" throughout.

"Why" was a crossover hit in several countries. It remains Jadakiss' highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 11. The remix was produced by Elite and has an altered chorus by Hamilton, as well as appearances from Styles P, Common and Nas.

Although not a remix nor a sequel, Jadakiss released the song "What If" that follows the same concept as "Why". All of the verses start with the song title. It included Nas (who - as mentioned above - was featured in the remix of "Why").

The song ranked #64 in About.com's Top 100 Rap Songs. ^[1]

Controversy

Jadakiss attracted some controversy and condemnation from the political commentator Bill O'Reilly, who labeled him a "smear merchant" because of the lyrics in "Why", which state Jadakiss' belief that the September 11 attacks were an inside job, or that then-President George W. Bush caused or allowed the attacks:

Why do niggas push pounds of powder?/Why did Bush knock down the towers?

"Bush" is censored in clean versions of the song. The music video shows a man holding up a picket sign reading "BUCK FUSH" - a spoonerism of "FUCK BUSH".

O'Reilly took the position that President Bush should be allowed to sue Jadakiss for slander. The track was eventually banned on some radio stations or played with the lyrics in question censored. ^[2]

Music video

In the music video, Jadakiss raps while appearing as a gangsta, a news anchor, and a homeless man, and also acting out some of the lyrics. In the third verse, Jadakiss appears wearing a white t-shirt with the word "WHY?" on it, leading a protest. Several people also wear the same t-shirt. Anthony Hamilton also appears, first singing the chorus separately, then as part of the march at the end. In the crowd, a man is shown holding up the picket sign reading "BUCK FUSH".

Track listing

1. "Why" (album version)
2. "Why" Remix feat. Kool Savas
3. "Kiss of Death" (main version)
4. "The Champ Is Here" (explicit version)
5. "Why" (video) ^{[3] [4]}

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2004) Peak position US Billboard Hot 100 [5] 11 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs ( Billboard ) [6] 4 US Hot Rap Songs ( Billboard ) [7] 3 US Rhythmic ( Billboard ) [8] 12

Year-end charts Chart (2004) Position US Billboard Hot 100 [9] 62 US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) [10] 25

Release history

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label(s)	Ref.
United States	July 12, 2004 (2004-07-12)	Rhythmic contemporary · urban contemporary radio	Ruff Ryders, Interscope	[11]

References

1. Top 100 Rap Songs. About.com.
2. "Rapper Jadakiss, In New Song Lyric, Suggests Bush Complicity In 9/11 Attacks", Counterbias
   "Why", Abstract Dynamics
   "Rapper Jadakiss blames Bush for September 11 in new song", USA Today
   "The Smearing of America Continues - Bill O’Reilly", Fox News
3. JadakissVEVO (2009-10-07). Jadakiss - Why ft. Anthony Hamilton . Retrieved 2024-08-31– via YouTube.
4. JadakissVEVO (2009-10-06). Jadakiss - Why (Uncut Version) ft. Anthony Hamilton . Retrieved 2024-08-31– via YouTube.
5. "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
6. "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
7. "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
8. "Jadakiss Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
9. "2004 The Year in Music". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. YE-23. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
10. "Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 2004". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
11. "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records . No. 1563. July 9, 2004. p. 20. Retrieved July 3, 2022.