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
Parlé; 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