Rapper Jadakiss of The LOX performs onstage during day 2 of 2021 ONE Musicfest at Centennial Olympic Park on October 10, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Jadakiss Admits The LOX's 'Verzuz' Win Made Def Jam "Restructure" His Contract

Jadakiss: The LOX's 'Verzuz' Win Made Def Jam "Restructure" His Contract

Published Thu, August 4, 2022 at 9:32 AM EDT

Turns out The LOX showing up and delivering that clean, professional, energetic performance during their Verzuz against Dipset was about more than showcasing their above-average showmanship. Jadakiss revealed that it actually got him paid. The Yonkers emcee said that not only did his general appearance rates go up, it actually made his label Def Jam "restructure" his contract.

“My numbers went up for hostings and walkthroughs, for shows, and TV cameos,” Jadakiss told Complex in an interview posted Aug 3. “Just in general my numbers went up. It also showed Def Jam that they got to do the right thing [and] restructure my contract. It really showed the world my true worth, what I can do.”

Many of the artist who participate in Verzuz at least see a bump in streaming. According to Alpha Data, artists’ streaming jumped on average by 88% in the three days following the event compared to the previous three days — which is why Jadakiss says more artists should look at it like a real opportunity and come prepared.

“More artists should prep for Verzuz, and take it serious,” he said. “It’s a celebration. It’s somewhat of a battle. And you’ve got to take it serious. You show your craftsmanship, as well as display your catalog … [Our rehearsals were about] process of elimination, trying shit, preparing shit. With me already doing Verzuz against Fab, I already had a little bit of tactics, and a little preparation. I knew you want to have more than one playlist ready. We were prepared for the girl thing when [Juelz] said that. We had a whole segment of those lined up. The freestyles. Just how we wanted to attack. Actually, one way we did it, we played all of their hits, and tried to get the right thing to counteract. We really put it like a boxing match. They’re going to come with these missiles, so we’ve got to have missiles to launch back.”

As for participating in another Verzuz, Jadakiss says only if the money is right.

“They came at me, and asked me if I would be willing to do one more,” he admitted. “I don’t really know, though. I got more songs that I didn’t use. A lot more. But I don’t know. Maybe if the money was undeniable.”

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