Kiss of Death (by Jadakiss, Rap)

For those of us old enough to remember hula hoops and love beads, the phrase "traditional gangsta rap" might seem like an oxymoron. But Jadakiss offers just that on KISS OF DEATH. Jadakiss, born Jason Phillips, has been a member of Lox (formerly the Warlocks) and Ruff Ryders, and remains a member of both groups. This is his first solo album since Kiss the Game Goodbye in 2001.

Filled with sex and drug references as well as most of the words that make parents cringe, KISS OF DEATH also has a lot going for it: clever writing, terrific production, spectacular background vocals, and star-studded cameos by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, DJ Quick, Pharrell, and even Mariah Carey. Add many musical nods to classic soul tunes and astute socio-political commentary, and you have a CD that is not so easy to dismiss as simply obscene or inappropriate. Jadakiss delivers a powerful collection of old-school East Coast rap, with enough familiar soul music hooks to appeal to older music lovers.

As usual, there's a clean version that is hard to find; this one isn't as clumsily edited as most. Still, it's so obvious which words are edited that it seems a little pointless. For those who can stomach a full-tilt obscenity fest, there's a lot of real substance here.