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"
Pain & Torture
Jadakiss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So this is what it all boils down to, huh? Huh?
This is what it's come to, huh? Huh?
Playoffs (ha ha ha ha)
Yo booms, fuck that
We back baby
I ain't asked you to fear it
And it's the evils that's gonna make you have to compare it
You know me, I swing back through and see who got hit after I air it
But it ain't about shit, niggas mumble about my outfits
But I'm humble, I keep my mouth shut
Lacin' them well, it was destined for Jason to sell
I can make you a reservation to hell
Then blow you out the water, I'm out of your order
Me verse any rapper is slaughter
Something like a poet and an author
The only difference is that I mix slick talk with pain and torture
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
Yo, I'ma take the responsibility for bringing it back
They rappin' with hostility, meanin' they whack
But then again, I feel 'em
Knowin' that they up against a nigga just like myself that'll kill 'em
Gotta spend a buck at the dealer for suede ceilings
Lotta bodies drop because of betrayed feelins'
What other rappers you know made it and stay dealin'
Smart niggas just fell back and they saved millions
These are pedestrian bars for the civilians
Shoes is Italian, handgun Brazilian
Open it up and see what Kiss brought ya
Slick talk, pain, and torture
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
Uh, yo, I flip words around
Sorta like birds and pounds
Rub shoulders in the industry with nerds and clowns
Give it to whoever deserve the rounds
Hollow tips, move organs and nerves around
Get money, fuck riffin'
I'm definitely cut different, I twist honey's, puff piffin
Get my insight from an OG, with a good job and all that buddy love sniffin'
Shit talker, playboy, British walker
Rather be home like "God please get 'em off us"
After the sun shine, it gets darker
Slick talk, pain, and torture (yeah)
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
One false move will cost ya
These lames will cross ya
Don't let the game extort ya
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
In the opening lyrics, Jadakiss sets the tone for the rest of the song by speaking about how he doesn't ask listeners to fear his music; instead, it is mandatory to think about it after hearing it. He then speaks about the evils that come with rap music and the way in which it forces listeners to compare artists. He acknowledges that he is a force to be reckoned with, and that any rapper who goes up against him will be slaughtered. He describes himself as a mix between a poet and an author, using his slick talk combined with pain and torture to create his unique sound.
Throughout the rest of the song, Jadakiss continues to explore the theme of power and dominance in the rap game. He takes responsibility for bringing back real rap, and speaks about the importance of not letting the game extort you. He contrasts the importance of being a smart businessman with the dangers of being a pedestrian rapper, and speaks to the hard work and dedication required to make it in the rap industry.
Overall, Jadakiss's lyrics in "Pain & Torture" speak to his dominance in the rap game and his dedication to his craft. He uses his unique blend of slick talk and pain/torture to create a sound that is both raw and powerful.
Line by Line Meaning
Yea niggas
Jadakiss starts the song by addressing his listeners.
So this is what it all boils down to, huh? Huh?
Jadakiss questions how he has ended up in this position with the things he's experienced over the years.
This is what it's come to, huh? Huh?
Jadakiss further laments about his situation, pondering how he's ended up here.
Playoffs (ha ha ha ha)
Jadakiss laughs sarcastically, acknowledging the irony of how far he's come from where he started.
Yo booms, fuck that
Jadakiss dismisses his past hardships, telling his friend Booms that he's moved on and has bigger things to worry about.
We back baby
Jadakiss asserts that he has returned to claim his place in the game.
I ain't asked you to fear it
Jadakiss acknowledges that people may be intimidated by him, but he's not asking for it.
Mandatory you think about it after you hear it
Jadakiss wants his listeners to contemplate on the messages he delivers through his music.
And it's the evils that's gonna make you have to compare it
Jadakiss brings to attention the harsh realities of the world which forces people to compare and compete with each other.
You know me, I swing back through and see who got hit after I air it
Jadakiss describes the impact and influence of his music on others and how he revisits their reactions to his tracks.
But it ain't about shit, niggas mumble about my outfits
Jadakiss talks about people trivializing his music and focusing on unimportant things like his sense of fashion.
But I'm humble, I keep my mouth shut
Jadakiss remains modest and doesn't react to criticisms, preferring to stay quiet.
Lacin' them well, it was destined for J's in the cell
Jadakiss reminisces about his rise to fame and the struggles he overcame to get where he is now.
I can make you a reservation to hell
Jadakiss warns anyone who tries to cross him that he has the power to ruin their lives.
Then blow you out the water, I'm out of your order
Jadakiss asserts his dominance and power over others, claiming he's beyond their control.
Me verse any rapper is slaughter
Jadakiss boasts about his lyrical skills, claiming that anyone he goes up against is no match for him.
Something like a poet and an author
Jadakiss likens himself to a creative writer, weaving stories and messages through his music.
The only difference is that I mix slick talk with pain and torture
Jadakiss highlights the unique style he employs in his music, blending his smooth delivery with dark, gritty lyrics that tackle tough topics.
[Chorus: x2]
The chorus of the song repeats four times, emphasizing the message of the song.
One false move will cost ya
Jadakiss warns that making one mistake can have serious consequences.
These lames will cross ya
Jadakiss advises listeners to beware of fake and disloyal friends who will turn on them.
Don't let the game extort ya
Jadakiss cautions against the traps and snares of the music industry and encourages listeners to avoid being taken advantage of.
Try to learn from what the game has taught ya
Jadakiss advises listeners to pay attention to the lessons they learn from their experiences and the experiences of others.
I'm the author of slick talk, pain, and torture
Jadakiss proclaims his dominance as an artist in his unique style of music.
Yo, I'ma take the responsibility for bringing it back
Jadakiss takes responsibility for reviving hip-hop and bringing it back to its true essence.
They rappin' with hostility, meanin' they whack
Jadakiss takes aim at other rappers who use aggressive and hostile lyrics with no substance.
But then again, I feel 'em
Jadakiss recognizes and understands the perspectives and motivations of other artists, even if he disagrees with their methods.
Knowin' that they up against a nigga just like myself that'll kill 'em
Jadakiss asserts his dominance over other rappers, claiming he's not afraid to take them down.
Gotta spend a buck at the dealer for suede ceilings
Jadakiss flexes his wealth, bragging about the expensive upgrades to his car.
Lotta bodies drop because of betrayed feelins'
Jadakiss acknowledges the destructive consequences of disloyalty and betrayal.
What other rappers you know made it and stay dealin'
Jadakiss highlights his staying power in the music industry, outlasting other rappers who have come and gone.
Smart niggas just fell back and they saved millions
Jadakiss admires the savvy business moves made by other successful rappers, who have made their fortunes while remaining low-key.
These are pedestrian bars for the civilians
Jadakiss dismisses other artists who use simple and basic lyrics, claiming he operates at a higher level.
Shoes is Italian, handgun Brazilian
Jadakiss flaunts his expensive taste in shoes and weapons.
Open it up and see what Kiss brought ya
Jadakiss invites listeners to open their minds and see the unique insights he brings to his music.
Slick talk, pain, and torture
Jadakiss again emphasizes his unique style and message, blending smooth delivery with dark, gritty lyrics.
Uh, yo, I flip words around
Jadakiss boasts about his ability to manipulate language and use it to his advantage in his lyrics.
Sorta like birds and pounds
Jadakiss likens his wordplay to the illicit drug trade, where products are bought and sold with increasing value.
Rub shoulders in the industry with nerds and clowns
Jadakiss acknowledges the various personalities and characters in the music industry, some of whom he finds amusing or unimpressive.
Give it to whoever deserve the rounds
Jadakiss believes in giving respect where it's due in the rap game.
Hollow tips, move organs and nerves around
Jadakiss uses violent imagery to describe the impact of his music on listeners.
Get money, fuck riffin'
Jadakiss prioritizes making money over engaging in petty beefs with other rappers.
I'm definitely cut different, I twist honey's, puff piffin
Jadakiss describes his unique lifestyle, which includes smoking marijuana and being surrounded by attractive women.
Get my insight from an old G, with a good job and all that buddy love sniffin'
Jadakiss credits his wisdom and perspectives to an older, experienced mentor who has provided him with guidance and advice.
Shit talker, playboy, British walker
Jadakiss describes his personality as a mix of confidence, charm, and swagger.
Rather be home like 'God please get 'em off us'
Jadakiss expresses his desire to avoid drama and conflict, preferring to stay away from potentially dangerous situations.
After the sun shine, it gets darker
Jadakiss reminds listeners that even in the midst of success, there can still be challenges and obstacles to overcome.
Slick talk, pain, and torture
Jadakiss concludes the song by repeating his trademark style and message, emphasizing his unique voice in the rap game.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ray Russell, Anthony Best, Jason Phillips
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind