Why (Jadakiss song)
| Company type | Single |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | July 13, 2004 |
| Founder | Jadakiss |
| Products | Protest song |
| Parent | Def Jam Recordings |
Why is a protest song by American hip-hop artist Jadakiss, released on July 13, 2004, through Def Jam Recordings as the second single from his sophomore solo album Kiss of Death (2004). The track was produced by Havoc and features guest vocals from Anthony Hamilton, incorporating a sample from Gong's 1976 composition "Mandrake."
Achieving international crossover appeal, "Why" stands as Jadakiss' most successful entry on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching a peak position of number 11. The remix, crafted by producer Elite, includes a modified chorus performed by Hamilton and guest verses from Styles P, Common, and Nas.
In a similar stylistic vein, Jadakiss later released "What If," which also employs the song title as the starting point for each verse and features Nas, who appeared on the "Why" remix.
The track earned the number 64 spot on About.com's list of Top 100 Rap Songs.
Controversy
Jadakiss encountered backlash when political commentator Bill O'Reilly labeled him a "smear merchant" due to lyrics implying that the September 11 attacks were orchestrated internally with involvement from then-President George W. Bush:
The term "Bush" is omitted in censored versions of the song. Within the music video, a character holds a placard displaying "BUCK FUSH," a spoonerism for "FUCK BUSH."
O'Reilly contended that President Bush might have legal grounds for defamation claims. Consequently, several radio stations either banned or edited the track to remove contentious lines.
Music video
In the visual representation, Jadakiss assumes multiple roles including a gangster, a news reporter, and a homeless individual, visually interpreting the song's narrative. During the third verse, he dons a white shirt emblazoned with "WHY?" while leading a demonstration accompanied by others wearing identical attire. Anthony Hamilton appears performing the chorus and participating in the protest march. One demonstrator carries a sign stating "BUCK FUSH."
Track listing
- "Why" (album version)
- "Why" Remix featuring Kool Savas
- "Kiss of Death" (main version)
- "The Champ Is Here" (explicit version)
- "Why" (video)
Weekly charts
Template:SinglechartTemplate:SinglechartTemplate:SinglechartTemplate:Singlechart| Chart (2004) | Highest position |
|---|
Year-end charts
| Chart (2004) | Ranking |
|---|---|
| US Billboard Hot 100 | 62 |
| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) | 25 |
Release history
| Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | July 12, 2004 | Rhythmic contemporary · urban contemporary radio | Ruff Ryders, Interscope |
References
- Articles with short description
- 2004 singles
- Anthony Hamilton (musician) songs
- Jadakiss songs
- Music videos directed by Sanaa Hamri
- Song recordings produced by Havoc (musician)
- Songs written by Havoc (musician)
- Songs written by Jadakiss
- Ruff Ryders Entertainment singles
- 2004 songs
- Political rap songs
- Songs written by Anthony Hamilton (musician)
- Songs involved in controversies
- Songs about George W. Bush
- Music about the September 11 attacks