The Streets Say: 3.5 out of 5

You Wildin’ (No Rating)

Summary: “This album isn’t bad, it just doesn’t live up to my expectations for Jadakiss. I think he may be one of the most naturally smooth and charismatic rappers of all time. His flow is never off and his rhymes are tighter than that girl in 10th grade. But to be fair, he suffers from sporadic boringness, repetitiveness and a severe inability to write choruses. I’ll always love him, but never again will I expect him to drop a Blueprint or a Stillmatic. He’s not made for it.”

Nappy Afro (4 out of 5)

Summary: “The main criticism about Jada is his ability to make an album. This is a business, so as much as we’d like to see him get a grip of Premier tracks and sit down and go at it, he has to sell music to eat, and the majority of us that want to hear that kind of album, don’t buy albums. So, you get some radio songs, the required song to the ladies, the cameos, etc. My issue with this is that some of these cameos are useless or could be greatly improved. Lyrically, he stands his ground.”

TooKnown’s WellKnowns (No Rating)

Summary: “Overall, the album was definitely well thought-out in regards to features, but production is lacking. A lot of the songs tend to go on for a bit too long because of a lack of catchy hooks or dynamic beats. Jadakiss doesn’t have the most interesting voice (sorry bro), so without some really bouncin’ music around him, you can get bored halfway through a song. I understand lyrics are important, and y’all know I definitely agree and respect that, but without good production you aren’t going to make it big anymore.”

HipHopDX (3.5 out of 5)

Summary: “Even if there are a handful of tracks that should’ve been shaved off, there’s nothing outright bad on The Last Kiss and a lot that’s good. It probably won’t be a standout in his overall catalogue when its all said and done (especially compared to the disgracefully underrated Kiss of Death) but it’s a solid entry nonetheless. A good album from a great rapper—give it your time.”

The Smoking Section (3 out of 5)

Summary: “It’s definitely not a peck. It also lacks the passion and tenacity to be considered a French one. Jada sticks to failed formulas and recipes, and churns out a cookie-cutter LP with brand name production. The abundance of guest appearances do nothing more than provide momentary distractions for what clearly is lacking in Kiss to get the job done on his own.  We don’t believe you, you need less people.”

Tags: Jadakiss, The Last Kiss