The group felt that their hardcore rap sound was obscured by Bad Boy's highly commercial, radio-friendly pop sound. In 1998 the group released their first LP, Money, Power, Respect, which earned platinum sales and cemented their reputation as an underground powerhouse.ĭespite their success with Bad Boy, the group was dissatisfied with the way they were marketed by the label, as well as by the financial structure of their recording deal. Combs quickly signed the group, which also included Sean Jacobs (Sheek) and was now known as 'The Lox,' and began to market them as Bad Boy's hardcore alternative. Blige, who promptly brought their demo tape to Bad Boy Records executive Sean 'Puffy' Combs. Word of the group's talent spread through Yonkers quickly, and eventually reached the ear of R&B superstar and fellow Yonkers resident Mary J.

DMX introduced him to David Styles ('Styles P'), with whom he formed the Warlocks. 'I had millions of rhymes that just tore people's heads off.' His success in these battles gave him the confidence to take his rapidly improving skills seriously and begin to pursue a career as a rapper.īy 1994 Jadakiss's reputation as a lyrical phenomenon spread to future rap superstar DMX, who was an established talent on the Yonkers hip-hop scene. 'If anybody was winning a battle it was me,' he recalled on his website.

From the street corners of Yonkers to his middle school cafeteria, Jadakiss would enter rhyme battles with anybody who dared to challenge him. At the age of 12 he began to perfect the distinctive delivery and clever lyricism that has since propelled him to all-star status within the hip-hop industry. Through his consistent presence on mainstream radio, underground mix tapes, and commercial albums, Jadakiss has built a reputation as one of hip-hop's most talented MCs.īorn Jason Phillips, Jadakiss spent his early years honing his craft in his native Yonkers, New York. Judging from the respect he has received from critics and fans alike, he may be not be far off the mark. In several songs, Jadakiss has boldly stated that he is in the 'top five dead or alive' among rappers.

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