Performing in front of a hometown crowd last night (December 22), Jadakiss held down attendees to the Highline Ballroom in New York, while Clipse struggled to lift the holiday spirits.

The brothers from Virginia opened up the show with a short 20-minute set, getting the crowd going with “Grindin’.” Yet the critically acclaimed duo’s newer material, such as closer “Popular Demand,” failed to connect.

Songstress Melanie Fiona was next to the stage for a trio of tracks, including “A Yo,” before Kiss finally marched out to “Welcome To D-Block.” Next up for the self-proclaimed “Top 5 Dead or Alive” was his guest spot on Nas’ “Made You Look” remix, before jumping into “I Get High.” Surprisingly fellow Lox membesr Styles P as well as Sheek Louch, were absent. 

Ryan Leslie was the first of two cameos during the set, joining Jada for “How It Was Supposed To Be.” But it was the appearance of Bussa Bus, stalking the stage clad in bulky white fur coat, for “Conglomerate” [watch below] that had the crowd at its livest, before Jada closed up shop with “Who’s Real,” with nary a Ruff Ryder in sight. —Devin Chanda

[video:http://www.xxlmag.com/uploads/video/files/12.23-09_LF_Jadakissw-BustaHLine.flv l]

Busta joins Jada onstage

Jada performs 'Knock Yourself Out"

More From XXL