Hopefully Not the Last from ‘Kiss

The Spin: Jadakiss – The Last Kiss
Released April 7, 2009
The Island Def Jam Music Group 2009
[rate 4]

If you’ve followed Jadakiss’ career at all, it’s easy to see that he’s consistently put out some of the most solid work in the genre since as far back as The Lox. Although every album has its fair share of what would be deemed commercial songs (and they’re just as good as anything else you would hear on the radio), he hasn’t managed to reach the type of mega-stardom as Lil Wayne or 50 Cent or even gained the type of mainstream notariety as someone like Mims or Chingy. I think plenty would argue that Jadakiss’ lyricism would have him fare well in a battle with any of these guys and the beats that pervade his albums are definitely good, if not equal to his rapping.

“The Last Kiss” finds itself again without a huge hit, but has managed to garner plenty of praise and respectable sales. But also like most of his albums, it’s sort of a mixed bag and lacks continuity. There are a couple of Neptunes beats that stick out, there are beats that sound just five minutes too dated, and then there are southern-style club bangers in the middle of it. Content-wise, Kiss is equally sporadic.

In “Who’s Real,” we hear Swizz Beats’ familiar voice and horn arrangements. For whatever reason, Swizz Beats has certainly mastered his particular brand of simple drum patterns and synth arrangements (which he’s claimed to accomplish in fifteen minutes or less), although he does add in samples, from time to time. His lyrics definitely have not received the same amount of attention for good reason. However, Swizz Beats, in collaboration with other artists, provides a recipe for very effective rap tunes. Thankfully, Jadakiss does a good job of complimenting the track. OJ Da Juiceman provides fairly weak guest lyrics.

Anyone who’s heard a Jadakiss album knows that he’s fairly obsessed with guns. “Smoking Gun” serves as a manifestation of that, but with a sort of twist. This song is a sort of Bonnie & Clyde tale, but more socially conscious and more vengeful. Yeah, actually, it’s more like one of those highly entertaining albeit cheesy revenge flicks from the seventies. At any rate, the content of the song is really interesting and the beat’s pretty nice. I don’t want to give away more than that because it’s such a cool song. Instead, I’d encourage anyone to check it out.

“Respect My Conglomerate” is a Busta Rhymes song that is included on the Itunes version of Kiss’ album. The female vocals sound like they’re sampled, but they’re not. The hook is really cool. The beat’s fairly poppy and simplistic, but effective. Busta Rhymes delivers as always and Jada doesn’t disappoint, either. “Grind Hard” and “Something Else” serve as Jadakiss’ attempt to get in good with the south, even including a verse from Young Jeezy on the latter. “Grind Hard” features a hook by Mary J. Blige and is appropriately catchy.

If I had to describe Jadakiss’ career to someone, I’d say something like, “Jadakiss is a five-star lyricist who consistently makes four-star albums.” It’s hard to not feel like if he just had an album with two or three really big hits that he could be on the same eschelon as someone like Jay-z or Nas.
I think it’s unfortunate that this isn’t the case, but I certainly keep hoping for it, and considering that he’s one of the only good hip-hop artists still doing big things in New York, his time may be yet to come. Predictably, I give this album four out of five stars.

Ten Minutes With Donny Goines

Since early 2006, Donny Goines™ has been relentless in the pursuit of his dreams. Inspired by the movie “Fade to Black” he decided to become a serious Hip Hop artist and hasn’t looked back since. He has appeared on countless websites and blogs, magazines, television and radio shows not to mention tearing down several stages all across New York City. Although his career is just getting started, if the past couple of years are any indication, he has a very bright future ahead of him. Oligoville was fortunate enough to catch Ten Minutes With Donny Goines on his very busy schedule.  Check out his new album, Minute After Midnight, in stores now.  [iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon]

controversy: What influence would you say your role models have on you, and who would those be?

Donny: That’s a good question. I could give you typical answers like a Jay Z or Nas but these days that isn’t the case. I’m more inspired by my peers and the people around me then anything else. When I see someone on my level doing great things I become even more inspired to achieve my goals because I can see its within my reach. Also they motivate me to become a better MC and competitor.

controversy: How much consideration do you give to your image when performing or going to photo shoots, etc.?

Donny: None more then I would give myself on a normal day. That’s one of my biggest problems with artists in this business actually. I feel like many of them put on “costumes” to make appearances in public and that’s just corny to me. It’s one thing to spruce up your look or try some a little different but dudes be wearing outfits and such that they would normally NEVER wear in order to impress others. That I feel is corny.

controversy: What fashion trends and styles have influenced you and why?

Donny: I’m not really influenced by what others wear honestly. Never have been I suppose. I always have had my own sense of style and wore what I wanted to (that’s why I don’t switch wardrobes up every one or two years like my counterparts) but if anything I guess the only influence over me comes from my environment. New York and Harlem especially always has had a sense a style about them (although now I really have no idea whats going on out here)

controversy: What type of legacy do you hope to have outside of the music industry?

Donny: Greatness. Plain and simple. Anything short of that wont cut it. No one remembers people who came in second place or played it safe. I want to be remember for making great thing happen and leaving behind a legacy that will be etched ion minds of generations to come.

controversy: What type of influence do you hope to have on music of the future?

Donny: If I can change or influence anything here I would definitely press the unity factor more. I like to think that things such as my “Bars” series helped that process a bit. One more thing I would like people to see is that you can be “real” (meaning honest and sincere not that you shoot guns and are in a gang or something haha) with your audience and still win. People don’t know how to be themselves in this industry and that bothers me.

controversy: If you could express any artist’s or historic figure’s work through your music, whose would that be and what would that message be exactly?

Donny: Ghandi said, “You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Reason being is then people would take responsibly and work hard to make the world a better place. Not rely on others to do it for them. It all begins with us as individuals.

controversy: What direction do you think music is headed in and where do you see yourself fitting into that?

Donny: Honestly Im not sure. Things evolve and i am no different then anyone else. My first album was something I had to do for myself so if people got it good, if they didn’t thats fine too but my second album wont sound like the first, second wont sound like the third so on and so forth. Wherever I may end up at though musically it will be all me. That I can promise you.

controversy: If it were up to you, would you rather take advantage of the music industry’s trend to build a greater legacy outside of music, or would you rather be less popular but have a greater influence on the future of music?

Donny: Definitely the latter. If I can influence others for the greater good I would be willing to sacrifice many things. I do that now as we speak. It would be easy for me to make “pop” records and make certain move that I know would assure me a certain amount of success in this game but my goals are not the same as everyone else. I want to make history and support my family doing something I love. That’s really the only two things I want out of this. Anything else is a bonus to me.

controversy: Who was the first artist that you saw that left you awe struck?

Donny: What was it in particular that did it for you and why? Biggie. Juicy. I’ll never forget it. Cant explain why he hit me like that, it was just his presence I suppose. When I saw him for the first time I was definitely awe struck and have been a fan ever since.

controversy: What is the thing that you want listeners to understand about you and your music?

Donny: That its a learning process for me. I didn’t grow up wanting to become a rapper. This career feel into my lap so to speak about three years ago and Im learning as I go along. People don’t realize that i am a serious newcomer in every sense of the word and I have along way to go. Im going to make many mistakes along the way and Im not perfect but I am trying hard to be the best artist I can be. You have to grow with me to see what Im trying to accomplish.

controversy: If you could take the work of five artists or historical figures and combine them to make up your career, whose would they be and why?

Donny: Biggie because I think he is the best that ever did it. Ghandi because his principles resonate a lot with me. Malcom X because he had the power to change and influence others very well. Donald Trump because he has a great business mind and Bill Gates because his intelligence is powerful.

controversy: Coming from New York, it’s easy to be a small fish in a big pond or even a big fish in a really really huge pond. What was the most important thing you did to cut through that and create such a huge buzz?

Donny: I can tell you thousands of things I did but to keep it simple, I just focused on my craft and kept persistent. As long as I get better and better and I keep presenting myself in certain ways I will ALWAYS continue to thrive and build a buzz. I NEVER give up and get better and better every single time. Thats how I built my buzz up.

controversy: Looking back, what was your expectation for what you had to accomplish in marketing yourself?

Donny: I’ve pretty much met my expections for the most part. Several Magazines, major blog and websites, MTV/BET, Hot 97/Power 105, so on and so forth. As a unsigned artist I’ve done A LOT, more then some major artists I might add all with pure will and determination. The journey is still just beginning but suffice it to say that Im happy with what Ive achieved thus far.

controversy: Where do you see New York hip-hop going in the next five years and what do you think your place is in that?

Donny: I can see a serious resurgence coming about. People are getting tired of the bs music that’s out there, they want music that contains lyrical substance and dope concepts and NY has always been known for that. Theres no question about it, right now I am one of the artists at the forefront of NY coming up right now and I plan to act accordingly.

controversy: What would you say is the most important lesson you’ve learned to this point about the music industry?

Donny: Stick to your guns. Trends come and go but the artists who usually weather the storm are the ones that always maintain their respect and dignity. Those who jump ship and follow trends usually end up falling by the waist side eventually. Be yourself and you will be just fine.

controversy: How would you say New York differentiates itself style wise, and how has that influenced you?

Donny: We have a different vibe about us altogether just like every other city or town and I think that its evident in our music, clothing, etc. Now its a little different but for the most part we have our own style. Its just something in the water I suppose haha. followup- How would you say that hip-hop outside of New York has influenced you? I love music. Doesnt matter where it comes from, who made it, etc. if its good its good. Dr. Dre, Outkast, Common, etc. all are great examples of dope music and that like anything else influences me to make dope music as well.