Why (Jadakiss song)

"Why?" is a protest song by the rapper Jadakiss, the 1st single released from his 2nd 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. Another remix was released, titled "Why 2K7", featuring the rapper Lil' Wayne. This remix is available on DJ 007's Beast of the East, a collaboration mixtape with Fabolous and Jadakiss.

"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
"Jenny from the Block"
(2002)		 "Why?"
(2004)		 "U Make Me Wanna"
(2004)
Music video
"Why?" on YouTube

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

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 then-President George W. Bush was involved in the September 11 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

A music video was released for the song. In it, 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 shirts. 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 a picket sign reading "BUCK FUSH."

Track listing
  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
Chart (2004) Peak
position
Billboard Hot 100 11
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs 4
Hot Rap Singles 3
Rhythmic Top 40 12
Top 40 Tracks 40

Certifications
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[3] Gold 500,000^

^shipments figures based on certification alone

References
  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. "American single certifications – Jadakiss – Why". Recording Industry Association of America. November 17, 2004. Retrieved June 12, 2013. If necessary, click Advanced, then click Format, then select Single, then click SEARCH. 
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