Jadakiss, the hip hop legend and co-founder of the Kiss Café, recently revealed how his unmistakable, gravelly laugh became an iconic part of his music. In a recent interview on the “I AM ATHLETE” podcast, Jadakiss discussed how his engineer at the time, Dragan ‘Chach’ Cacinovic, recognized the potential of his laughter and turned it into an ad lib that would become a signature part of his music.
Jadakiss, along with Styles P and Sheek Louch, caught the attention of Diddy in the mid-1990s and joined Bad Boy Records as The LOX in 1996. After the release of their sophomore LP, We Are the Streets, in 2000, the rappers looked to establish themselves as solo artists. Jadakiss’ debut Kiss tha Game Goodbye arrived the following year.
In the interview, Jadakiss explained how he used his voice to split up whatever he was recording to ensure he went into it with fresh vocal cords. His engineer recognized the unexpected musical potential of the tactic and kept it in the recording. Jadakiss never intended for his laughter to become a permanent feature of his music, but once it was included, it quickly became a fan favorite.
Jadakiss’ quintessential New York hip hop delivery and his iconic laugh have made him a legend in the genre. His laugh is now instantly recognizable and has become a calling card that sets him apart from other rappers.
Jadakiss’ story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected sounds can become a defining part of an artist’s music. It also highlights the importance of having a skilled engineer who understands the creative process and is willing to take risks to help artists achieve their vision.
Fans of Jadakiss can continue to enjoy his music and his iconic laugh, knowing that it was born out of a creative collaboration between the rapper and his engineer, and that it has become an enduring part of his legacy.
