Jadakiss is loving life right now. His new album Kiss of Death debuted at # 1. With his single “Why?” still going strong on radio and video. After putting in work for years the Yonkers native is finally where he belongs. What more could a man ask for? Maybe some movie deals? Who knows, the sky’s the limit for Jason Phillips. When MahoganyGirl finally caught up with Jada at the Hip Hop Action Summit he was registering people to vote. We shared a few laughs and talk about his plans for the future.

MG: You’ve been a busy man lately. How does it feel to have the hottest album out right now?
Jadakiss: It feels good. It’s good to see that all the hard work I’ve put in the last couple of years has paid off.

MG: You’ve said in the past that it always felt like something was missing – do you feel now like all the chips are in place?
JK: Not all of ‘em but still a lot. It’s about making progress, this album is doing better than the last and the next one, I need it to do better than this. In the meantime I’m just gonna work this album till I can’t work it.

MG: Did you think the single “Why” would get the reaction it did? Did you expect it to have all the hype and controversy that surrounds it?
JK: Yeah I did, because the questions I’m asking on there, its like I hit it on the nose. A lot of stuff people wanted to ask but just didn’t. I was scared in the beginning because it wasn’t getting the reaction that I wanted, you know from CNN…

MG: O’Reilly has left Ludacris alone and now he’s all over you.
JK: That’s cool, it’s good for the record sales.

MG: Were you afraid at all that you would have backlash similar to what the Dixie Chicks experienced?
JK: Nah, because it’s coming from the hood. I make my songs for the people. I do know some people aren’t gonna like it, but the people that I want to like it, like it so that’s the most important part for me.

MG: BET plays the uncensored version of the video but MTV plays the censored version.
JK: It doesn’t surprise me. I could expect that, but as long as it’s being played. As long as they get it on.

MG: Are you voting in this election?
JK: Yes, this will be my first time voting.

MG: What made you realize the importance of voting?
JK: Russell Simmons got me to vote. You could charge this one to Russell.

MG: So are you voting for Kerry this election?
JK: Yeah so far, but that could change, everything’s subject to change.

MG: Do you plan to get more involved in politics?
JK: A little bit, but not really. I wouldn’t mind speaking to some age groups, go to a few High Schools and share my experience with them. But I don’t want to get too political you know?

MG: So you’re not planning on running for senator or anything?
JK: Nahh, nah….

MG: Do you plan to make more songs of a political nature, songs that reach middle America, songs with a message?
JK: Yeah and no, all my songs I’m going to try and slip a little something in but I’m not going to do all my music like the song “Why”. I don’t plan to switch all my music up. I want to show my fans that I’m mature and that I’m a grown man and I recognize what’s going on in the world.

MG: So you’re not trying to become the next KRS 1?
JK: Nahhh

MG: You’ve done some acting before. You did an episode of Eve and also appeared in the movies Honey and Ride or Die. Do we see any more acting in your future?
JK: Yeah, yeah I’m definitely gonna try and get into some acting, after this album goes right and if all goes well. That’s when you get the best parts and the big payday. I can’t just jump into an actor’s role without my album doing well. I’m not going to concentrate on acting without that position [my music] being solidified.

MG: If you weren’t a performer what would you see yourself doing?
JK: I would definitely be in some type of self-employed business. I’d probably own a company. Maybe work with my father

MG: What does your dad do?
JK: He works with coffee.

MG: He owns a Starbucks or something?
JK: No, he owns a coffee business…. he deals with the beans and all that. He travels to Brazil and works with companies like Maxwell House and Folgers.

MG: Oh that’s cool and different.

MG: You have said that you don’t plan on doing this much longer. You eventually want to go behind the scenes do you plan to concentrate more on D Block?
JK: I don’t want to overstay my welcome, I want to go out on top. You know like Jordan. I don’t want to have come back and look all sloppy. When I leave I want to know that I don’t have to come back. I want to leave while I’m on top and then move on to something else.

MG: You know I have to ask this, is there a special lady in your life at this time?
JK: Yeah, my mother.

MG: Awwww, your mom. You have a good relationship with your mom?
JK: No doubt, I’m an only child.

MG: Do you have any children?
JK: Yeah 2 kids, 1 boy and 1 girl. They are 7 yrs and 8 months

MG: What’s up next for the Lox?
JK: We have a new album coming out called Live Suffer Celebrate. Look for it early next year.

MG: You’re so busy, what do you like to do in your spare time?
JK: I like to play a little basketball, I like to shop, shoot some pool. Also go to the movies. The last movie I saw was Fahrenheit 9/11 so I’ve some catching up to do.

MG: How do you feel about Mase coming back?
JK: You know to each his own. If Mase wanna come back he can come back.

MG: Do you care to speak on your relationship with P Diddy and Bad Boy?
JK: Oh yeah, I am cool with them. We just got some good news that we’re going to renegotiate the publishing, he’s about to let me get my publishing back so I love P Diddy right now.

MG: Have you seen him in A Raisin in the Sun?
JK: Nah, but I sent my Family

MG: Anything else you would like to share?
JK: Just watch out for our catalogue this year. First of all start it off by getting my album Kiss of Death, then the Lox album Live Suffer Celebrate. Sheeks is coming after that with Only in America then we’re gonna keep coming every 6 months after that.

MG: Keep up the good work Jada. I know you think you don’t get love from the West Coast but I just want to let you know that you do.
JK: I appreciate it, I’m seeing the change with this album. This whole movement they’re showing some love. So it’s all about making a little bit of progress at a time.

MG: You’re performing at the House of Blues on August 9th.
JK: Yeah, make sure you come check me out. I need as much love as I can get up in there.

MG: Thanks for taking the time out Jada.
JK: Thank you.

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