Jadakiss is saying what needs to be said. The Yonkers, NY icon is calling for a shift in hip-hop, encouraging artists to stop relying on past successes and trends that have already been done and embrace their own unique creativity.
During a recent appearance on Carmelo Anthony’s 7 PM in Brooklyn podcast, released on February 20, Jadakiss shared his thoughts on the current state of hip-hop, describing the genre as “diluted.” He pointed to Kendrick Lamar as a prime example of an artist who has carved his path by staying true to his craft.
“It’s all about balance. Some dudes can rap and sing. Some should just rap,” he explained. “Some should do something else. But rap is for rapping. If you start doing everything, you’re moving away from the elements and hurting the culture. We don’t need 53 more Not Like Us tracks.”
We do not need any more tracks from “Not Like Us.” None. Zilch. No more.
Get this: Jadakiss also warned against replicating someone else’s success. He acknowledged the accomplishments of other artists, like Kendrick Lamar, who has won multiple Grammys and had a Super Bowl moment, but stressed that mimicking their style is not the answer. “That got him five Grammys and a Super Bowl moment, but when you create, don’t try to make that,” Jadakiss said. “Too many people hit up the producer, trying to get the same beat. It never works.”
Outside of his thoughts on hip-hop, Jadakiss is making moves in the business world with his coffee brand. The rapper reportedly plans a physical location for his Kiss Café, which he launched in 2022 with his father and son. In an Instagram post from Dec. 2, 50 Cent shared the logo for Kiss Café and expressed his excitement about the potential collaboration in Shreveport, Louisiana, where 50 recently opened G-Unit Film & TV Studios.
In a response, Jadakiss seemed optimistic but noted that the plans were still in the works, commenting, “@50cent I’m waiting on YOU.” For now, the coffee and merchandise are available online and in select stores, though Jadakiss’ father, Bob Phillips, has hinted at a future brick-and-mortar location.