By the age of twelve, Jadakiss was a freestyle rapper, engaging in competitions. He and some of his friends were given the opportunity to compete in the "Jack the Rapper Competition" in Florida, where Jadakiss was noticed for his battle rap ability. He met Dee and Wah of the Ruff Ryders (then a management company), and began hanging out and battling outside of the Ruff Ryders' studio where artists like DMX made their first hits.
Jadakiss founded the rap group the Warlox in 1994 with friends Jamaal, Sheek Louch, and Styles P. They later signed to Bad Boy Entertainment, where it was suggested that they change their name simply to "The LOX", which came to stand for Living Off eXperience. They made their first appearance on The Main Source's 1994 LP "Fuck What You Think" on the track "Set it Off".
The group, especially Jadakiss, developed a close relationship with The Notorious B.I.G., during which time Jadakiss was taken under Biggie's wing. The LOX's first multi-platinum hit was the tribute to Biggie called "We'll Always Love Big Poppa" (the B-side to Puff Daddy's "I'll Be Missing You") in 1997. In 1998, the LOX released Money, Power, Respect. Following this album, they left Bad Boy Records.
Jada's debut solo album, Kiss the Game Goodbye, was released in August 2001 under the Ruff Ryders/Interscope label. The album featured popular guests and producers such as Snoop Dogg and Swizz Beatz, but was written off as repetitive and uninspired. Jadakiss has acknowledged the criticism as, generally speaking, valid, saying the record was done less out of inspiration and more out of contract obligations to Bad Boy. The album produced the single "Put Ya Hands Up" with the chorus "Put ya hands up/nah, f**k that/ Put ya hands down" reflecting Jada's distance from the album.
Jadakiss' second album, Kiss of Death, was released in June 2004. Prior to the release, his fans were polled, and most claimed the rapper wasn't personal enough in his lyrical stylings.[citation needed] As a result, Jadakiss released the song, "Why?", which bared his innermost thoughts,[citation needed] and it became one of the biggest hits of that year, spawning a remix featuring Styles P, Common, Nas, and Anthony Hamilton. It remains as his biggest hit, peaking at #11 on the Hot 100. Another single from the record, "You Make Me Wanna" featured Mariah Carey and was a much more commercially driven love song. Kiss of Death did not reflect the popularity of its lead single, but it was better-received than his first effort, eventually achieving platinum-selling status.
Recently, in late 2007, Jadakiss signed to Jay-Z's Roc-a-Fella Records, a move Jay had been trying to arrange for a long period of time. He reportedly will have an as-yet-untitled album on Roc-a-Fella in 2008, executive produced by both Jay-Z and the Ruff Ryders CEOs/management team of Dee and Wah. The move comes on the heels of increased D-Block/Roc-a-Fella collaborations; in 2006, Kiss and former rival Beanie Sigel collaborated on DJ Khaled's album Listen..., and in 2007, on Freeway's album Free At Last, while Styles P has appeared on a radio freestyle with Freeway and Sigel. He has also appeared briefly in Jay-Z's latest video for his American Gangster second single, Roc Boys, in which he appears throwing up the famous Roc-a-Fella sign, "the Diamond."
On May 26th 2008, The New York Post reported in its Page Six section that Jadakiss has signed on to play a gang leader in Russell Costanzo's provocative movie-directing debut, "The Tested"
Checkmate
Jadakiss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain't even feel comfortable in your own skin
I rap my ass off, I'm fighting the champ with a glass jaw
At the Garden or Nassau
See me, couple hood niggas behind stars
I heard you put a couple good niggas behind bars (Preme)
I might never sell that much
But you can bet your last two quarters I'll never tell that much
Picture 'Kiss not come out swingin'
That's like going to see 50 at a show and he don't come out singin'
Yeah you got a felony but you ain't a predicate
Never the King of New York, you live in Connecticut
You don't be in the hoods, you be in the woods
Fuckin' with me its where you really gonna be for good
I hold a four-five myself
Hop out the Range on one-four-five myself
This is a true fact
Since when has it become cool to get shot and not shoot back
Trackmasters shelved you, Bravehearts helped you
Then everybody felt you, now I gotta melt you
And don't try to pull rank on 'Kiss
Cause the niggas I'mma send to do it ain't gon' miss
Be laid up stiff, I spit straight up piff
I did real songs with Big, no made up shits
And I don't have a problem with clout
You ain't get shot again yet
So what's your second album about? (Nothing)
Your raps are preschool
You made a lot money, now be cool
Before I swell up your lips like seafood
Now I get a mic check?
You don't stand a chance at the dance with me dogs
You steps ain't right yet
The Block is just fine, home the D's straight
Most likely your new CD is a weed plate
A bunch of love songs
One hundred percent pure garbage
Just something to break up buds on
You should just sell clothes and sneakers
Cause out of your whole camp, your flows the weakest
I'm in the town where the young boys is clappin'
You running around town with the Lieutenant and Captain
It'd take a life time to see 'Kiss
You had to get shot nine times to be rich
Rat ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
Pig ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
Snake ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
Matter fact, you ain't no animal
I'mma show these motherfuckers how to handle you
D-Block
In Jadakiss's song "Checkmate," he asserts his dominance in the rap game while also calling out his competitors, primarily 50 Cent. The lyrics are full of bravado and sharp jabs at his opponents' credibility and abilities. Jadakiss declares that he will handle things like a "grown man" and won't let his opponent win. He notes the discomfort his opponent has in their own skin, implying a lack of confidence.
Jadakiss also highlights his skills on the mic, saying that he raps better than his opponent who has a "glass jaw," meaning that he is weak and can be easily defeated. He even takes digs at 50 Cent's recent success, questioning the quality of his second album, and suggesting that his music is "garbage" and only good as a weed plate. Jadakiss asserts his superiority by referencing his collaborations with the legendary rapper, Biggie Smalls, suggesting that his success is not just a fluke.
Overall, the lyrics of "Checkmate" are an example of Jadakiss's sharp wit and lyrical prowess. He uses his words to assert his dominance in the rap game while also taking down his opponents one by one.
Line by Line Meaning
We gon' handle this like grown men, you won't win
We will approach this situation as mature adults, and you will not come out as the victor.
You ain't even feel comfortable in your own skin
You lack confidence and are insecure about yourself.
I rap my ass off, I'm fighting the champ with a glass jaw
I am putting forth my best effort in this rap battle, even though you are a highly regarded opponent who has a major weakness.
At the Garden or Nassau
Regardless of the location, I am ready to battle you.
See me, couple hood niggas behind stars
I have support from some respected individuals in the streets.
I heard you put a couple good niggas behind bars (Preme)
Rumors are circulating that you were responsible for incarcerating some honorable people.
I might never sell that much
I may never achieve significant commercial success.
But you can bet your last two quarters I'll never tell that much
I will never reveal too much information about my personal or professional life.
Picture 'Kiss not come out swingin'
Imagine me not coming at you aggressively in this rap battle.
That's like going to see 50 at a show and he don't come out singin'
It would be disappointing to attend a 50 Cent concert and not hear him perform his hits.
Yeah you got a felony but you ain't a predicate
You have a criminal record, but you are not respected in the streets.
Never the King of New York, you live in Connecticut
You don't have enough influence or popularity to be considered the King of New York, and you reside in a less significant area.
You don't be in the hoods, you be in the woods
You do not frequently visit urban neighborhoods, but rather spend time in more suburban or rural areas.
Fuckin' with me its where you really gonna be for good
If you continue to engage me in this beef, you might face serious consequences.
I hold a four-five myself
I carry a .45 caliber weapon for protection.
Hop out the Range on one-four-five myself
I will quickly exit my Range Rover with my .45 if necessary.
This is a true fact
What I'm saying is completely accurate.
Since when has it become cool to get shot and not shoot back
It is not admirable or acceptable to be a victim of gun violence without retaliating.
Trackmasters shelved you, Bravehearts helped you
Trackmasters, the production duo, did not promote or support you, but Nas's rap group, Bravehearts, assisted you in your career.
Then everybody felt you, now I gotta melt you
Once you gained popularity, everyone started to appreciate you, but now I have to destroy that reputation.
And don't try to pull rank on 'Kiss
Do not attempt to assert your authority or influence over me.
Cause the niggas I'mma send to do it ain't gon' miss
The individuals I will send to handle you will not fail in their task.
Be laid up stiff, I spit straight up piff
You will be seriously injured or dead, and I only release high-quality music.
I did real songs with Big, no made up shits
I collaborated with the legendary rapper Biggie Smalls on authentic tracks with substance.
And I don't have a problem with clout
I'm not concerned about being popular, because I know my talent speaks for itself.
You ain't get shot again yet
You have not experienced another incident of gun violence.
So what's your second album about? (Nothing)
Your second album lacks substance or significance.
Your raps are preschool
Your rhymes are simplistic and juvenile.
You made a lot money, now be cool
You achieved success, so now you should relax and avoid trouble.
Before I swell up your lips like seafood
If you continue to talk recklessly, I will physically harm you.
Now I get a mic check?
You want to test my microphone before the rap battle begins?
You don't stand a chance at the dance with me dogs
You cannot compete with me effectively in this rap battle.
You steps ain't right yet
Your flow and delivery are not developed or polished enough yet.
The Block is just fine, home the D's straight
The neighborhood is safe and the police are not a concern.
Most likely your new CD is a weed plate
Your latest album will only be used to hold and grind marijuana.
A bunch of love songs
Your album primarily consists of romantic ballads.
One hundred percent pure garbage
The quality of your music is terrible.
Just something to break up buds on
Your album is only useful for preparing marijuana for consumption.
You should just sell clothes and sneakers
Instead of pursuing music, you should focus on selling clothing and footwear.
Cause out of your whole camp, your flows the weakest
Of all the artists associated with you, your rapping ability is the least impressive.
I'm in the town where the young boys is clappin'
I am in a city where gun violence and criminal activity are prevalent among young people.
You running around town with the Lieutenant and Captain
You are traveling with police officers to try and stay safe.
It'd take a life time to see 'Kiss
It would take a long time to fully understand and appreciate my skills and impact as an artist.
You had to get shot nine times to be rich
You only gained wealth and fame after surviving a gunshot wound.
Rat ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
You are a deceitful and treacherous person, truly embodying the characteristics of an animal.
Pig ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
You are a greedy and corrupt individual, truly embodying the characteristics of an animal.
Snake ass nigga you's an animal, you's a motherfucking animal
You are a dishonest and vile person, truly embodying the characteristics of an animal.
Matter fact, you ain't no animal
You do not display any respectable or admirable attributes of an animal.
I'mma show these motherfuckers how to handle you
I will demonstrate to others how to effectively deal with you and your behavior.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jason Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Spanishdog17
+FreakingTweety I dunno man, these lyrics really sting.
"Most likely your new CD is a weed plate
Bunch of love songs, 100% pure garbage
Just somethin' to break up buds on"
Pretty hard to come back from that.
No disrespect to 50, but didn't he go bankrupt? Made an album recently and no one gave a hoot about it.
@thevengeful2426
"You ain't get shot again yet, so what's your second album about?"
LMFAOOOOOOOOO
@oldschool90-s
Too much truth in one verse
@TurkeyBacon22
+OVERCOME72 quality over quantity.
@ghostkilla346
my nigga.
@ButtCheekBoy.
+You Dead You had to get shot 9 times to be rich.... murdered em. Love comin back to dis tracks.
@Jrobinson2009
+You Dead "I did real songs with BIG no made up shits"
@TitanEX1
“You ain’t get shot again so what’s your second album about” most underrated diss line in all of rap.
@brandnew9834
Most likely a weed plate
@Maradala
Nothing
@keyboardgangsta6890
😂😂😂