Why (Jadakiss song)

"Why"
Single by Jadakiss featuring Anthony Hamilton
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, released on July 13, 2004 by Def Jam Recordings as the second single released from his second solo album Kiss of Death (2004). It was produced by Havoc, features a guest appearance from Anthony Hamilton, and contains a sample of Gong's 1976 song "Mandrake" throughout.

"Why" was a crossover hit in several countries. It remains Jadakiss' highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number 11. The remix was produced by Elite and has an altered chorus by Hamilton, as well as appearances from Styles P, Common and Nas.

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

The song ranked #64 in About.com's Top 100 Rap Songs.