Ja Rule

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Ja Rule
Ja Rule performing in Fort Hood, Texas on May 13, 2005.
Ja Rule performing in Fort Hood, Texas on May 13, 2005.
Background information
Birth name Jeffrey Atkins
Born February 29, 1976 (1976-02-29) (age 33)
Origin Queens, New York, United States
Genre(s) East Coast hip hop, Pop rap, Hip Hop
Occupation(s) Rapper, singer, actor
Instrument(s) Vocals
Years active 1994–present
Label(s) Universal, The Inc., Def Jam, Mpire
Associated acts Murder Inc.
Website www.jarule.net

Jeffrey Atkins (born February 29, 1976),[1] better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper and actor signed to The Inc. and Universal Records, formerly of Def Jam Recordings. A Hollis, New York native, Ja Rule is best-known for major hits such as "Holla, Holla", "Put It On Me", "Between Me And You", "I'm Real", "Livin' It Up", "Always On Time", "Mesmerize", and "Wonderful", Ja Rule has released six albums.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Atkins was born in Queens, New York. He was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses by his mother, health care worker Debra Atkins,[2] and grandparents. At the age of five his sister died from breathing complications, leaving him as an only child.[3] He attended PS 186, a mixed school, but was later transferred to MS 172, another mixed school, due to daily fights he would be involved in.[3]

[edit] Music career

Atkins began his rap career in 1994 with Cash Money Click. He told Curtis Waller of MTV News that his stage name "Ja Rule" came from an friend who addressed him by that name; other friends called him "Ja".[4]

[edit] Venni Vetti Vecci (1999)

His debut album Venni Vetti Vecci was released in 1999. Singles included "Holla Holla" and "It's Murda" with Jay-Z and DMX. The final single was "Daddy's Little Baby", a duet with Ronald Isley. Venni Vetti Vecci was certified platinum by the RIAA on July 12, 1999. According to Nielsen Soundscan, Venni Vetti Vecci has sold an estimated 5 million copies as of August 2008. [5]

[edit] Rule 3:36 (2000)

Ja Rule returned quickly during the summer of 2000, with his new single "Between Me and You", which featured Def Soul act Christina Milian. The single was quickly followed by Ja's second but very successful effort, Rule 3:36, which was released on October 10, 2000. 3:36 also featured singles "Put It On Me", "I Cry" and, "Fuck You" from the Fast and the Furious Soundtrack. The album featured guest appearances from Lil Mo, Vita, Christina Milian, label mates Jayo Felony, and Black Child. Rule 3:36 debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts selling 302,000 copies in its first week and eventually going 3x Platinum and selling over 11 million copies worldwide according to Nielsen Soundscan as of August 2008.[5]

[edit] Pain Is Love (2001)

Soon after the release of Rule 3:36, Irv Gotti signed R&B singer Ashanti to the label, which led to Lil Mo ending her collaborations with the label. During the late summer of 2001, Ja Rule released "Livin' It Up", the lead single from his third studio album, Pain Is Love, which proved to be a very successful album. The second single was the "I'm Real (remix)", and the third was "Always On Time", and the last was "Down Ass Bitch". Pain Is Love featured guest appearances from Case, The Murder Inc. Family, Missy Elliott, Jodie Mack, Tweet, Jennifer Lopez and a recording from the late Tupac Shakur. Along with its critical success it was also a commercial success, reaching #1 on the Billboard 200. It has reached 3x Platinum certification in the U.S. and it has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.[5]

[edit] The Last Temptation (2002)

The Last Temptation. His fourth album was released on November 19, 2002. It featured the singles "Thug Lovin'" and "Mesmerize." 341,000 copies were sold in the first week of release. Although it did not sell as well as his previous album, The Last Temptation was certified Platinum by December 25, 2002. According to Nielsen Soundscan, the album has sold 4 million copies worldwide.[5] It was after this album that the '50 Cent & G Unit' era began, which would negatively affect Ja's future project's and career in general.

[edit] Blood In My Eye (2003)

Blood In My Eye although intended to be a mixtape, was his fifth album and the last released under the "Murder Inc." label, which renamed itself "The Inc." several days after the album release. It spawned the one and only hit "Clap Back" that won him the Source Awards'"Fat Tape" song of the year.[6] It peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[7] In October 2003, Ja Rule met with Minster Louis Farrakhan, who wanted to intervene and prevent escalating violence in the feud between Ja Rule and 50 Cent.[8]

[edit] R.U.L.E. (2004)

Ja Rule's sixth studio album R.U.L.E. was released in November 2004. Its lead single was "Wonderful" featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti, followed by the street anthem "New York" featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss and the love song "Caught Up" featuring Lloyd and Ashanti. The track "The Manual" was also a single in the UK. The RIAA certified R.U.L.E. Gold on January 14, 2005.[5]

[edit] Hiatus, departure from The Inc. (2005-2007)

On December 6, 2005, The Inc. released Exodus, a greatest hits album, which contained the new songs "Exodus (Intro)", "Me" and "Exodus (Outro)". Exodus was the last album on Ja Rule's contract with The Inc. After the release of this compilation, Ja Rule took a hiatus from recording music.[1]

In 2005, The Inc. Records came under investigation because of drug trades by Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, who was associated with Irv Gotti.[9] This led to Def Jam Recordings refusing to renew The Inc.'s contract. From 2005 to 2006, Gotti searched for other labels until finally reaching a deal with Universal Records (ironically part of the same company as Def Jam).

[edit] The Mirror: Reloaded (2007-present)

The first single of his eighth album The Mirror, "Uh-Ohhh!", featuring Lil Wayne, came out in August 2007. It peaked at #69 on the U.S Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and #107 on the Billboard 200. Two other singles released after were "Body" featuring Ashley Joi, which peaked at #71 on the U.S Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and "Sunset" featuring The Game.[1] Originally, The Mirror was to be released on September 12, 2007,[10] then delayed to November 13.[11] That release date was delayed, and further delayed for an October 14 release. That too, was delayed.[1] Ja Rule's official Myspace page states a "Coming Soon!" release for the album, and the JaRule.net website later listed a 2008 release time frame for The Mirror. Addressing the leak of tracks from his original version of The Mirror, Ja Rule announced in a 2009 interview with HipHopDX that he would record an entirely new album, The Mirror: Reloaded.[12]

In 2009, Ja Rule recorded a new song with Brazilian singer Wanessa Camargo in two different versions, with Camargo singing in Portuguese in the version named "Meu Momento" and singing in English in the version named "Fly".[13] "Fly" was released as a single in Brazil in April; no word has surfaced yet about whether Ja intends or not to release the song in the U.S. or if he plans to add the song or not to his The Mirror: Reloaded tracklist. The song is ranked number #1 on Crowley/Brazil.[14]

[edit] Personal life

[edit] Family

In April 2001, Ja Rule married Aisha Murray;[15] whom he met in high school. [16] They have two sons, Jeffrey Jr. (born 2000) and Jordan (born 2004), and daughter Britney (born 1995).[15][17]

[edit] Criminal charges

In 2003, he had punched a man in Toronto, who later sued Ja Rule, but they settled out of court. He has since been banned entry into Canada indefinetely.[18] In 2004, police investigated whether a feud involving The Inc. led to fatal shooting outside a nightclub party hosted by Ja Rule.[19][20] In July 2007, Ja Rule was arrested for gun and drug possession charges along with Lil Wayne.

[edit] Controversial Comments on homosexuals

When interviewed for an article in the September 2007 issue of Complex magazine, Ja Rule spoke against media depiction of homosexuality:

“ And if it is, then we need to go step to Paramount, and fucking MGM, and all of these other motherfuckers that's making all of these movies and we need to go step to MTV and Viacom, and lets talk about all these fucking shows that they have on MTV that is promoting homosexuality, that my kids can't watch this shit," he continued. "Dating shows that's showing two guys or two girls in mid-afternoon. Let's talk about shit like that! If that's not fucking up America, I don't know what is.[21] ”

For the latter comment he was publicly impugned by the GLAAD:

“ No fair-minded person can look at Ja Rule’s interview with Complex Magazine and believe for one second that his children could be more harmed by what they might see on television than by the vulgarity and prejudice that comes out of their father’s mouth. Now that media have seen Ja Rule's intolerance unmasked by his own words, they have a responsibility not to provide in the future a platform for his ugly, vulgar displays of prejudice.[22] ”

During an interview with online MySpace interview channel The Hook Up on October 24, 2007, Ja Rule claimed that Complex magazine had misquoted him, and that he is "not at all" homophobic.[23] He went on in a January 2008 issue of XXL magazine to state his words were taken out of context. He is quote as stating:

“ What I was saying in that article is everyone has that same responsibility. They're absolutely right: Rappers have a responsibility to the kids. But don't just pin it on the hip-hop. If I gotta curb my lyrics or censor what I say, no problem. But if you gonna show sexual images during the daytime for children, that should be censored as well... And I'm not just talking about homosexuality. I'm talking about any sexuality. If it's too sexy for kids, it's too sexy for kids...[24] ”

[edit] Philanthrophy

Ja Rule founded the L.I.F.E Foundation, which opens its doors to underprivileged children through various programs such as art, music, poetry and sports.[25]

[edit] Discography

Main article: Ja Rule discography

[edit] Albums

[edit] Compilations


[edit] Awards and nominations

Year Award/Nomination
2001 Source Hip-Hop Music Award Won for Single of the Year - "Put It on Me"
MTV Video Music Awards nomination for Best Rap Video - "Put It on Me"
2002 MTV Video Music Awards Won for Best Hip-Hop Video - "I'm Real (Murder Remix)"
MTV Video Music Awards nominated for Best Hip-Hop Video - "Always on Time"
American Music Award nominated for Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
Grammy Awards nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group - "Put It on Me"
Grammy Awards nominated for Best Rap Album - Pain Is Love
Grammy Awards nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - "Livin' It Up"
World Music Awards Won for World's Best-Selling Rap Artist
BET Awards Won for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Artist
GQ Men of the Year Award Won for Musician of the Year
Teen Choice Awards Won for Male Artist of the Year
NAACP Image Awards Won for Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Rap/Soul or Rap Album of the Year - Pain Is Love
2003 Source Award Won for R&B/Rap Collboration of the Year - "Thug Lovin'"
American Music Award nomination for Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Male Artist
Grammy Awards nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - "Always on Time"
2004 Source Award Won for Phat Tape Song of the Year - "Clap Back"

[edit] Acting career

During his break from rapping, Ja Rule had an appearance as another street racer in The Fast and the Furious with Vin Diesel. He appeared in the 2004 movie Back in The Day along with Ving Rhames and Pam Grier. He also starred in the movie The Cookout with Queen Latifah. He is currently working on his bio-pic.

[edit] Filmography

Year Title Role
2000 Da Hip Hop Witch Himself
Turn it Up David 'Gage' Williams
Backstage Himself
2001 Crime Partners Hitman
The Fast and the Furious Edwin
2002 Half Past Dead Nicolas 'Nick' Frazier
2003 Scary Movie 3 Agent Thompson
Pauly Shore Is Dead Himself
2004 The Cookout Bling Bling
Shall We Dance? Hip Hop Bar Performer
2005 Back in the Day Reggie Cooper
Assault on Precinct 13 Smiley
2009 Don't Fade Away Foster

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Birchmeier, Jason (2007). "Ja Rule > Biography". allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:gvfuxqtjldhe~T1. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 
  2. ^ Hughes, Zondra (2002-04), "Ja Rule: rap star rules hearts & charts - Jeffrey Atkins", Ebony: p. 140, http://books.google.com/books?id=o9kDAAAAMBAJ&printsec=frontcover#PPA140,M1 
  3. ^ a b Farrakhan, Louis. "Ja Rule on 50 Cent, God and Hip-Hop". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/bands/j/ja_rule/news_feature_031103/index2.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-12-01. 
  4. ^ Waller, Curtis (2001-02-17). "Ja Rule: Rules of the Game". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/bands/archive/j/jarule01/index2.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 
  5. ^ a b c d e "Ja Rule - Search Results". RIAA. http://riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Ja%20Rule&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2008&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved on 2008-08-31. 
  6. ^ Reid, Shaheem (2003-11-14). "Murder Inc. Drops The Murder". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1480422/20031114/murder_inc_records.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 
  7. ^ "Ja Rule > Charts & Awards (Billboard Albums)". allmusic. http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:gvfuxqtjldhe~T5. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 
  8. ^ "Farrakhan warns hip-hop artists: Clap-back will only lead to coffins". The Final Call. 2003-11-04. http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_1091.shtml. Retrieved on 2008-04-150. 
  9. ^ Rashbaum, Matthew; Sweeney (2005-12-03). "Hip-Hop Producers Get Acquittal, Then Hugs, From Jurors". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/03/nyregion/03gotti.html?_r=1&sq=&pagewanted=all. 
  10. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (2007-07-12). MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1564678/20070712/ja_rule.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 
  11. ^ Rodriguez, Jayson (2007-10-15). "Ja Rule Looks In The Mirror -- And Sees Who 50 Cent Wishes He Could Be". MTV News. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571974/20071015/ja_rule.jhtml. Retrieved on 2008-08-18. 
  12. ^ Kuperstein, Slava (2009-04-29). "Ja Rule Explains Hip Hop Vs. Rock Music". HipHopDX. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.9046/title.ja-rule-explains-hip-hop-vs-rock-music. Retrieved on 2009-05-17. 
  13. ^ "Wanessa Camargo faz dueto com o rapper Ja Rule". Virgula. http://virgula.uol.com.br/ver/noticia/musica/2009/04/02/120620-wanessa-camargo-faz-dueto-com-o-rapper-ja-rule. Retrieved on 2009-04-05. 
  14. ^ "Sucesso de Wanessa Camargo chega no topo das paradas". MSN Entretenimento. http://entretenimento.br.msn.com/famosidades/noticias-artigo.aspx?cp-documentid=20437239. Retrieved on 2009-07-05. 
  15. ^ a b Hughes 2002, p. 142
  16. ^ Borow, Zev. "33 Things You Should Know About Ja Rule". Blender. August 2002. http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=361. Retrieved on 2009-03-14. 
  17. ^ "Life with Rapper Ja Rule, Wife, and Kids". BlackCelebrityKids. 2009-02-04. http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2009/02/04/life-with-rapper-ja-rulewife-and-kids/. Retrieved on 2009-05-24. 
  18. ^ "Ja Rule apologizes for punching the man". USA Today. 2005-03-07. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2005-03-07-ja-rule-apology_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA. Retrieved on 2007-09-12. 
  19. ^ "Police probing nightclub shooting". USA Today. 2004-12-29. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2004-12-29-nightclub-shooting_x.htm?POE=LIFISVA. Retrieved on 2007-09-12. 
  20. ^ Weiss, Murray (2005-07-18). "Ja Rule Target of Shooting Investigation". New York Post. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,162810,00.html. Retrieved on 2007-09-12. 
  21. ^ La Puma, Joe (September 2007). "Man in the Mirror - Page 3". Complex. http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/Web-Exclusive/Man-In-The-Mirror/Page-3. Retrieved on 2009-06-20. 
  22. ^ Robertson, Jessica (2007-09-26). "Ja Rule Looks in 'The Mirror,' Comes Clean on Homophobia". Spinner. AOL. http://www.spinner.com/2007/09/26/ja-rule-looks-in-the-mirror-comes-clean-on-homophobia/. Retrieved on 2009-06-20. 
  23. ^ "Ja Rule's statement denying that he is homophobic and stating that he was falsely quoted". The Hook Up. 2007-10-34. http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=20724172. Retrieved on 2007-11-09. 
  24. ^ Stay Around by Anslem Samuel. XXL magazine. January 2008. Page 63
  25. ^ "Bio". JaRule.com. http://www.jarule.com/bio.htm. Retrieved on 2008-08-17. 

[edit] External links

v • d • e
Ja Rule
Albums
Singles
"Holla Holla" · "Between Me and You" · "Put It On Me" · "I Cry" · "I'm Real" · "Livin' it Up" · "Ain't It Funny (remix)" · "Always on Time" · "Down Ass Chick" · "Thug Lovin" · "Mesmerize" · "Clap Back" · "Wonderful" · "New York" · "Caught Up" · "Uh-Ohhh!" · "Body"
Featured articles
Related articles
Discography · The Inc. Records · Mpire Records
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