Biography
If the company you keep is any indication of your own merit, then Def
Jams latest rap phenomenon, Ja Rule is destined for greatness. Juggling roles within
DMXs Ruff Ryder camp and Jay-Zs Roc-a-fella imprint, the 21-year old native of
Hollis, Queens has been responsible for some of todays hottest hip hop verses.
Jas distinctive gravel-stone voice and fiery presence have blessed projects that
include: "Murdergram" a single on the Streets is Watching Soundtrack;
Jay-Zs "Can I Get A
;" and "Gangsta Shit" from DJ
Clues The Professional. Importantly, with the highly anticipated release of his
debut album Venni, Vetti, Vecci (Latin for "He Came, he saw, he conquered"), Ja
Rule establishes his place as a force to be reckoned with in todays competitive
environment.
Rhyming from the age of 16, Ja (taken from his initials Jeff Atkins) made his first vocal
appearance on Mic Geronimos 1995s "Time To Build," the B-side to Mic
Geronimos "Masta I.C." The tracks producer and fellow Hollis, Queens
neighbor, Irv Gotti heard of Ja rule from around the way and immediately enlisted his
services. Building from the strength of his debut appearance, Ja and two friends,
collectively known as "The Cash Money Click" signed an album deal with Blunt/TVT
Records. Their first and only single, 95s "Get The Fortune," b/w
"For My Click" saw rotation on New Yorks Hot 97. After a great first
effort, longtime friend Irv Gotti, Ja secured a meeting with Def Jam president, Lyor
Cohen. In a strange turn of events, Lyor, impressed by Irvs street sense and
business savvy, hired him as an A&R representative, whose first order of business was
to sign Ja Rule to Def Jam. While people might recognize Ja for his party-styled
contributions on Jay-Zs smash "Can I Get A
," his debut effort is a
soulful salute to the street. Songs such as the introspective "Only Begotten
Son," the heartfelt "Daddys Little Baby," and the inspiring
"Race Against Time," represent only a piece of Jas well-rounded freshman
opus. "Its really not a conquering of the world, but more a conquering of
myself," says Ja of his triumphantly titled album, which boasts 17 tracks featuring
Jay-Z, DMX and Memphis Bleek.
Needless to say, Jas debut LP also boasts its healthy share of murderous
material. The ominous "Its Murda" features the reunion of Ja, DMX and
Jay-Z, who proceed to lay competition to rest 3 the hard way. The alarming "Worlds
Most Dangerous," represents the official arrival of Ja as he declares a lock down on
the hip-hop world. The albums first single, "Holla, Holla" is destined to
be raps next street anthem. A hard track established the perfect foundation for
Jas newly-grafted doubled-up style and his infectious call and response hook:
"Holla, Holla / All My Niggas thats ready to get / Dollas, Dollas / Bitches
know who get them a little / Hotta Hotta / Come on, if you rollin with me / Folla,
Folla
Its murda!"
"Ive learned to deal effectively with the pressure," says a confident Ja.
In addition to his forthcoming album, Jas slated projects include: the Wyclef
produced "25 to Life" from the Life Soundtrack, featuring Ja alongside Juvenile
and Xzibit; Blackstreets first single "Girlfriend / Boyfriend" featuring
Janet Jackson and Eve; and Dru Hills "You Are Everything." "I
dont want people to think Im piggy backing on anyone," explains Ja, whose
name should be swarming the streets this summer. "I want everyone to feel me for me.
When my album drops, I want my fans to have a clear picture of Ja. Thats why I named
my album Venni, Vetti, Vecci," continues Ja. Im clear where I want to go and
what I want to do. The only thing that remains is for me to conquer my destiny." And
knowing Ja Rule, it shouldnt take long.
Copyright www.defjam.com