Def Jam Recording artist Jadakiss issued a statement early Wednesday evening distancing himself from a recent raid of his Yonkers, New York apartment.
The home was searched by local law enforcement following the arrest of 25-year-old Alberto Lajara and 39-year-old Gabriel R. Henriquez, who presumably reside in the Van der Donck Street apartment, leased under Jadakiss’ legal name, Jason Phillips.
According to published reports, Lajara and Henriquez were arrested on Friday (August 21) and charged with fifth degree criminal possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct; and felonious second-degree criminal possession of marijuana, second-degree assault, and second-degree obstructing governmental administration, respectively.
On Saturday (August 22), police executed a search warrant for the apartment in question, recovering five grams of heroin, six and a half pounds of marijuana and $40,000 in cash.
“What happened on Saturday was an unfortunate situation but one in which I have no involvement in,” Jadakiss told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “Since the release of my recent album The Last Kiss, I have been on the road touring and promoting my project. I am focused on my performance schedule and career.”
The statement is consistent with sources who, following the raid, reported that the police were not looking for the popular Ruff Ryders rapper.
With a beavy of A-List appearances by the likes of Swizz Beatz, Mary J. Blige, OJ da Juiceman, Young Jeezy, Ghostface Killa, Raekwon, and fellow D-Block/LOX members Styles P and Sheek Louch, The Last Kiss marked Jada’s highest first week chart position as a solo artist.
The album, his third solo offering and the first on Def Jam Records, debuted at the #3 position on the Billboard Hot 200.
The Last Kiss remained on the chart for 19 weeks following its April 25 release.