There comes a time in every artist’s career, when they reach a point where they know that where they’re at, is probably the best that they will ever be. It may not necessarily be because they don’t have the skills to excel to higher heights, its just the way that things are for them. Jadakiss is one of those artists. With lyrical and song writing skills that should have pushed him into the elite iconic status of the Hip Hop world, Jada has slugged his way through the under appreciated middle class level of raps misguided class system. So while he excels and continues to put up A+ performances, the artist who constantly put up D’s, continues to ascend higher into the class system then he can ever imagine. But instead of following the steps of the D students, Kiss has decided to be happy where he is at and put out the music that he wants. He no longer competes with the achieving under achievers, and instead competes with himself. So with his third album The Last Kiss, this Yonkers rapper puts together an album that he and the listeners can be proud of. Successful or not.
Lyrics-9
Despite being in the game for years now, Kiss has failed to lose a step in his lyrical prowess, with more experience than just raw talent, and a bigger vocabulary than the average artist. Kiss is able to stay aggressive on the microphone ripping beat after beat on this album, while still keeping the lyrics simple enough for the common listener to understand. Unlike some artist who make their lyrics too simple and sometimes out right annoying, Kiss keeps an air of skill to it, adding some cockiness to the act as he keeps the same smooth flow that has gotten him to this point in his career so far. Lyrical highlights include Pain And Torture, Death Wish, Something Else, and Come And Get Me Feat Styles P. Listen closely or you may miss a piercing punchline and if you’re not the type of listener who can read between the lines, there will still be enough to keep your finger on the rewind button.
Production-8
The Last Kiss, unlike many other albums, takes a very diverse approach towards the production of this album. While most kiss albums can expect to have street heavy beats, and a couple of slower R&B based beats to show a softer side, this album shows Kiss mixing up all of the production styles in hip hop. Production styles vary from a southern flow, such as the banger Something Else. He then switches it up with an R&B type beat when he gets together with Neyo for By My Side. The producers used on this album were very diverse as well, as they varied from Da Matrix, Don Cannon, Pharell and even The Alchemist. With a good mixture of fast paced, slow, and mellow songs the production matches the lyrics which obviously set the mood on the album. Death Wish stands out as a speaker banger, as well as Who’s Real produced by Swizz Beatz. Overall, Kiss does a great job choosing the production for the album, making for the musical experience to run seemlessly into each other.
Songs-8
Kiss has never been known as a rapper that will talk about too many diverse topics….he usually keeps it very simple for the fans and casual listeners. There’s the handful of thug tracks, there’s the struggle track, the track where he tries to put all of his friends on, the attempt at a commercial hit, two or three introspective tracks, and then of course the Styles P collabo. The Last Kiss has all of this, but still seems to offer a little bit more than usual. In this album, more than any other album of Kiss, you will be able to get a better understanding of him. Believe it or not, if you’re listening hard, you will see that Kiss opens up a lot on this album. Songs like Smoking Gun, Things I’ve been Through, and Letter To Big. Show Kiss’ innate respect and admiration for women, chronicle his growth through the industry, and display his love, respect and friendship with deceased friend, Notorious B.I.G. The topic and quality of songs would be a perfect ten if not for the failed attempt at remaking the song “Why”. The track “What If” is clearly a rip off of the previous song and fails to offer the same introspective and social fire that “Why” was able to do for kiss. Grindin Hard, Feat Mariah Carey will be nothing more then a repetitive hook and annoying lyrics to hard core hip hop fans. “Who’s Real”, although catchy and great for the speakers, is just as corny as Soldier Boy’s “Kiss me through the Phone”
Conclusion-8
Now three albums into his solo career and over ten years in the game, we all should know, just like Kiss should, that his status as an artist will probably not raise any higher than what it already is. It is highly unlikely that this album will come out this Tuesday April 7th 2009 and sell two million copies at the end of the week. It is highly unlikely that he will have the same pop status as a Jay-Z or a Little Wayne. But one thing that can be guaranteed is that he will still be a great artist and continue to put out great music. The Last Kiss is not Kiss’s best work. It is not the classic album that many Lox stans will call it, but what it is, and will be, is a look into one of the most consistent rappers in the industry. One who is under-appreciated and not as successful as he should be. Being comfortable in his own space, he is putting out music that he loves. If this is the last kiss…it’s a hell of a way to go.
