Why (Jadakiss song)

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"Why?"
Single by Jadakiss
from the album Kiss of Death
ReleasedJuly 13, 2004
Recorded2004
GenrePolitical hip hop
Label
Songwriter(s)J. Phillips, A. Hamilton, K. Muchita, P. Moerlen
Producer(s)Havoc
Jadakiss singles chronology
"Time's Up"
(2004) 		"Why?"
(2004) 		"U Make Me Wanna"
(2004)
Music video
"Why?" on YouTube

"Why?" is a protest song by American rapper Jadakiss, and the second single released from his second solo album Kiss of Death. It was produced by Havoc. It was a crossover hit in several countries. The song ranked #64 in About.com's Top 100 Rap Songs.[1] The remix produced by Elite with a new chorus was later released featuring Anthony Hamilton, Styles P, Common and Nas.

Although not a remix nor a sequel, Jadakiss released the song "What If" that almost follows the same concept as "Why". All of the verses start with the latter title. It included Nas (who - as mentioned above - was featured in the remix of "Why").

Controversy[edit]

Jadakiss attracted some controversy and condemnation from the political commentator Bill O'Reilly, who labeled him a "smear merchant" because of the lyrics in the song, which state Jadakiss' belief that the September 11 attacks were an inside job, or that then-President George W. Bush caused or allowed the attacks:

Why do niggas push pounds of powder?/Why did Bush knock down the towers?

"Bush" is censored in clean versions of the song. The music video shows a man holding up a picket sign reading "BUCK FUSH" - a spoonerism of "FUCK BUSH".

O'Reilly took the position that President Bush should be allowed to sue Jadakiss for slander. The track was eventually banned on some radio stations or played with the lyrics in question censored.[2]

Music Video[edit]

In the music video, Jadakiss raps while appearing as a gangsta, a news anchor, and a homeless man, and also acting out some of the lyrics. In the third verse, Jada appears wearing a white t-shirt with the word 'why' on it, leading a protest. Several people also wear the same shirt. Anthony Hamilton also appears, first singing the chorus separately, then as part of the march at the end. In the crowd, a man is shown holding up the picket sign reading "BUCK FUSH."

Track listing[edit]

  1. "Why" (album version)
  2. "Why" Remix feat. Kool Savas
  3. "Kiss of Death" (main version)
  4. "The Champ Is Here" (explicit version)
  5. "Why" (video)

Charts[edit]

Release history[edit]

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States July 12, 2004 (2004-07-12) Rhythmic contemporary · urban contemporary radio Ruff Ryders, Interscope [9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Top 100 Rap Songs. About.com.
  2. ^ "Rapper Jadakiss, In New Song Lyric, Suggests Bush Complicity In 9/11 Attacks", Counterbias
    "Why", Abstract Dynamics
    "Rapper Jadakiss blames Bush for September 11 in new song", USA Today
    "The Smearing of America Continues - Bill O’Reilly", Fox News
  3. ^ "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  4. ^ "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  5. ^ "Jadakiss Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  6. ^ "Jadakiss Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  7. ^ "2004 The Year in Music". Billboard. Vol. 116, no. 52. December 25, 2004. p. YE-23. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  8. ^ "Year-End Charts – Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – 2004". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2022.
  9. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. No. 1563. July 9, 2004. p. 20. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
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