On this date in 1975, Yonkers native Jason Phillips, better known to the Hip-Hop world as Jadakiss, was born. This year, Al Qaeda Jada celebrates another trip around the sun, just one year shy of the big 5-0.
Jadakiss carved out his legacy alongside his LOX brethren Styles P and Sheek Louch, making noise early on as part of the Bad Boy and later Ruff Ryders camps. But it was his solo debut in 2001, Kiss The Game Goodbye, that truly set him apart. Led by the infectious party anthem “Knock Yourself Out” and the street-certified classic “We Gonna Make It,” the album cemented his status as one of New York’s sharpest lyricists.
In 2021, Jada took center stage once again during The LOX’s historic VERZUZ battle against Dipset at Madison Square Garden. With a flawless, commanding performance, he reminded fans — and the world — why he’s often hailed as the unofficial King of New York.
Happy birthday to one of the most consistent and respected voices in Hip-Hop. Salute to Jadakiss from TheSource.com!