One of the preeminent members of Ruff Ryders "Wild Out" trio The Lox, Jadakiss is sure to leave his mark on this game with his solo debut album, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye. Jadakiss is one of the most anticipated and sought-after rappers in hip hop, blazin' tracks for the likes of Puff Daddy, Jay-Z, DMX, The Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, Eve, Mary J. Blige, Black Rob, Big Pun and DJ Clue. It's no question why these albums have reached sales of over 35 million. Jadakiss's solo debut, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye, will prove to be the rap album of the year with production and guest appearances by hip hop's finest: Nas, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Carl Thomas, Parle, Timbaland, Premier, Sizz Beatz and more...
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Notes & Personnel Info |  | Personnel includes: Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Eve, DMX, Nas, Nate Dogg, Carl Thomas, Styles, Sheek, Drag-On, Cross, Infra-Red, Fiend, Ann Nesby, Eightball, Yung Wun, Parle, E. McCaine, O.D., Rita, Mashonda. Chep, Gap. |  | Producers include: Mahog, Jay "Icepick" Jackson, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Alchemist. |  | Engineers include: Chris Theis, Michael "Wolf" Reaves, Scott Kieklak. |  | Personnel includes: Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, Eve, DMX, Nas, Nate Dogg, Carl Thomas, Styles, Sheek, Drag-On, Cross, Infra-Red, Fiend, Ann Nesby, Eightball, Yung Wun, Parle, E. McCaine, O.D., Rita, Mashonda. Chep, Gap. |  | Producers include: Mahog, Jay "Icepick" Jackson, The Neptunes, Swizz Beatz, Alchemist. |  | Engineers include: Chris Theis, Michael "Wolf" Reaves, Scott Kieklak. |  | Audio Mixers: Steve Conover; Jimmy Douglas; Rich Keller; Serban Ghenea; Timbaland. |  | Recording information: Hit Factory Criteria; Master Sound Recording; Power House Studios; Sony Studios. |  | Photographer: Christian Lantry. |  | In terms of sheer anticipation, Jadakiss' buzz was at an apex at the time of this album's release. While fellow LOX members Sheek and Styles flashed improved flows and lyrics on their group's sophomore strike, We Are the Streets, Jadakiss remained the group's undisputed frontman. And with the streets virtually foaming at the mouth, Jadakiss returned from the lab to birth his solo debut, Kiss tha Game Goodbye. There are some bangers here: the celebratory, Alchemist-produced "We Gonna Make It" (featuring Styles) bubbles; there's the DJ Premier-blessed "None of Y'all Betta," featuring Styles and Sheek; and the gully "Un-Hunh," featuring DMX. With self-explanatory titles like "Nasty Girl," featuring Carl Thomas; "I'm a Gangsta," featuring Parl?; and "Cruisin," featuring Snoop Dogg, it becomes abundantly clear that Jadakiss is trying hard to please everyone. The production is supplied by Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and a host of others. ~ Matt Conaway |  | In terms of sheer anticipation, Jadakiss' buzz was at an apex at the time of this album's release. While fellow LOX members Sheek and Styles flashed improved flows and lyrics on their group's sophomore strike, We Are the Streets, Jadakiss remained the group's undisputed frontman. And with the streets virtually foaming at the mouth, Jadakiss returned from the lab to birth his solo debut, Kiss tha Game Goodbye. As the last bars of Kiss tha Game Goodbye ring out, you can't help but be left with one lingering impression: kiss tha buzz goodbye. Sure, there are some bangers here: the celebratory, Alchemist-produced "We Gonna Make It," featuring Styles bubbles; the DJ Premier-blessed "None of Y'all Betta," featuring Styles and Sheek; and the gully "Un-Hunh," featuring DMX. Yet these harder-hitting efforts are leavened out by uncharacteristically smooth production, a lack of direction, and, gasp, Jadakiss' yearning for commercial love. With self-explanatory titles like "Nasty Girl," featuring Carl Thomas; "I'm a Gangsta," featuring Parl?; and "Cruisin," featuring Snoop Dogg, it becomes abundantly clear that Jadakiss is trying too hard to please everyone, with little success. But he is not the only one peeling wheels here, as the interchangeable production supplied by Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and a host of others offers very little assistance. After jumping ship from one former label of the moment (Bad Boy) to another (Ruff Ryders), what did Jadakiss' change of address really accomplish? After all, if he wanted to go the commercial route, who better then P. Diddy to lead him there? Somewhere in the midst of all this you can be sure the shiny-suit man is smiling. ~ Matt Conaway |  | As the most clever lyricist in Ruff Ryders infamous trio The Lox, Jadakiss quickly became the group's star. He spit high-powered rhymes that showcased his above-average skills on each song he recorded, including the ones where he held his own next to heavyweights like Jay-Z. Jada debuts his solo career with the highly anticipated KISS THE GAME GOODBYE. Featuring production by the Neptunes, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, DJ Premier, and others, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye is as good as hip-hop is going to get. As usual, 'Kiss boasts impressively throughout. But his choice of words makes for some very interesting showboating. He proves his diversity with crossover cuts like "Knock Yourself Out," and pleases his original fanbase with sure winners like "We Gon' Make It." Some may have doubted that Jadakiss could do it without the Lox, but after one listen, those naysayers will believe. |  | As the most clever lyricist in Ruff Ryders infamous trio The Lox, Jadakiss quickly became the group's star. He spit high-powered rhymes that showcased his above-average skills on each song he recorded, including the ones where he held his own next to heavyweights like Jay-Z. Jada debuts his solo career with the highly anticipated KISS THE GAME GOODBYE. Featuring production by the Neptunes, Timbaland, Swizz Beatz, DJ Premier, and others, Kiss Tha Game Goodbye is as good as hip-hop is going to get. As usual, 'Kiss boasts impressively throughout. But his choice of words makes for some very interesting showboating. He proves his diversity with crossover cuts like "Knock Yourself Out," and pleases his original fanbase with sure winners like "We Gon' Make It." Some may have doubted that Jadakiss could do it without the Lox, but after one listen, those naysayers will believe. | Musical Guests |  | Snoop Dogg |  | Nate Dogg |  | Eve |  | Carl Thomas |  | Eightball |  | DMX |  | The Lox |  | Nas |  | Drag-On |  | Styles |  | Sheek |  | Parle |  | Cross |  | Infrared |  | Fiend |  | Yung Wun |  | Ann Nesby |
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