Released in June 2004, The Champ Is Here is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixtapes ever. Hosted by DJ Green Lantern and Big Mike, it was released just before his second album, Kiss of Death. This tape arguably solidified his iconic catchphrase, “top five, dead or alive.” By blending exclusive freestyles with cinematic movie samples, it was probably one of the most conceptual mixtapes of its time. This set a competitive and aggressive tone that defined Jadakiss’s persona. The title “The Champ Is Here” is prominently featured throughout the project, sampled from the Muhammad Ali biopic. Following his commercial success, it was only fitting that Kiss returned to the streets with his raspy, raw, and gritty rap style. Songs like “40 Bars of Terror,” “Times Up (’93 Shit),” and “Right Where You Stand” showcase a blend of original songs, remixes, and freestyles over classic beats. This project not only revolutionized the mixtape industry but also demonstrated that a mixtape could be just as high-quality as a major-label album without the constraints of a record label. This strategy is where the phrase “feed the streets” truly came into play, allowing the rapper to maintain his integrity while keeping his music accessible to fans. Jadakiss was a master at this approach. With our new series, Class Mixtape Run, we are here to bring that feel back like it was 2004 all over again! On behalf of Live Mixtapes, listen to it below!
