It is always refreshing to witness artists transcend their primary crafts to build businesses that serve as extensions of their personal passions. For legendary rapper Jadakiss, this evolution has manifested through his deep appreciation for coffee and his role as the proprietor of Kiss Cafe. Now, he is expanding his reach through a unique cultural confluence in partnership with comedian Hasan Minhaj.
Jadakiss established Kiss Cafe alongside his father, Bob Phillips, and his son, Jaewon Phillips, four years ago, with a mission rooted in family values and a shared love for quality caffeine. Simultaneously, Hasan Minhaj has been instrumental in growing Kolkata Chai Co., a brand co-founded by brothers Ayan and Ani Sanyal. This venture has served as a pivotal force in highlighting South Asian influence globally, specifically by celebrating the cultural significance of authentic chai.
The two cultural connoisseurs have now united for an exciting collaboration: the Kiss Cafe x Kolkata Chai “Instant Classic” bundle. This curated collection, available on the Kolkata Chai Co. website, features Kiss Cafe’s medium-dark arabica blend, Kolkata Chai’s signature smooth concentrate, and a professional-grade handled frother. The bundle even includes a recipe for a signature Dirty Chai, allowing fans to recreate the experience at home.
To commemorate this rare intersection of coffee and tea culture, the brands hosted a vibrant block party at Kolkata’s 60 Kenmare St storefront. The event featured performances by DJ Sharad of The Heavy Hitters and rapper Anik Khan, with appearances from notable figures including CJ Wallace and Dave East.
Reflecting on the partnership, Hasan Minhaj shared his long-standing admiration for the rapper. “My earliest memory of Jadakiss is, funny enough, The Lox’s ‘Money, Power, Respect’ video,” Minhaj recalled. “That was my introduction to The Lox, Jadakiss, DMX. I was in the eighth grade… I brought a CD from Tower Records, and it was the explicit [‘Money, Power, Respect’ CD single].”
