Kamikaze

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“Kamikaze” is a studio album by Chicago rapper Twista, released on January 27, 2004, through Atlantic Records.

The story

The album was preceded by “Slow Jamz,” a collaboration with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx released in late 2003 that reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in February 2004, the first chart-topper for all three artists. Twista described the project as a way to prove he had stayed true to his roots and to reconnect with the streets. Follow-up singles included “Overnight Celebrity,” which reached No. 4 on the Hot 100, “So Sexy” with R. Kelly, and “Sunshine.”

Sound and production

Producers included Kanye West, Jazze Pha, The Legendary Traxster, R. Kelly, Toxic and Red Spyda. Kanye’s “Slow Jamz” built on a Bacharach and David song, “Overnight Celebrity” used a Lenny Williams composition, and “Sunshine” was built on Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day.” Guests included Ludacris, T.I., Too Short, Cee-Lo, Memphis Bleek and Anthony Hamilton.

Legacy

“Kamikaze” opened at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with about 312,000 copies in its first week and also topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The RIAA certified it double platinum, and it earned gold status in the UK. It remains the most commercially successful album of Twista’s career.

Released January 27, 2004. More from hip hop in 2004.