One of the greatest rappers to ever have achieved success in the United States is Ja Rule. Hardcore rap, heavy metal, and pop rhythms are all elements of his musical approach, which results in music that is not only distinctive but also has a broad appeal. The talented singer has made multiple film appearances. Ja Rule, who was raised by a single mother in a strong religious environment, spent years trying to determine his own religious identity. He now describes himself as spiritual but not religious. He never gave any other job options a second thought; music was all he ever wanted to do. His hopes of succeeding as a musician with the pop band Cash Money Click were dashed when one of the band members was sent to prison. He didn’t want to quit up, so he worked harder and eventually had the chance to sing on one of Jay-singles. Z’s He released his own first album, “Venni Vetti Vecci,” in response to the single’s success, which propelled him to instant rap celebrity.
Early Childhood & Life
Ja Rule was born in the New York City neighborhood of Queens. He was reared by his grandparents and mother, Debra Atkins. He was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness by his devoted mother.
He attended Public School 134, where his diminutive stature frequently led to him being singled up for fights by classmates. His mother transferred him to Middle School 172 because she was sick of the bullying.
He has always been a fan of music and has always wanted to be a musician. He started penning music in 1990.
In high school, he adopted the moniker Ja Rule, which his classmates had given him.
Career of Ja Rule
Together with two buddies, he founded the iconic hip-hop group Cash Money Click in 1993, and the group put out some singles the following year. Although their music garnered considerable interest, the band’s chances of success were limited because one of the members had legal troubles and was put in jail.
In 1998, Ja rule was assisted in signing a contract with Def Jam Records by an associate of his named Irv Gotti. He contributed to the instant hit single “Can I Get A…” from Jay-album. Z’s
His debut album, “Venni Vetti Vecci,” was published in 1999 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. By the end of the year, it had become a massive hit and received Platinum certification in the US. He released “Rule 3:36” the very next year, and it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Later, the album achieved Multi-Platinum status.
He also made his movie debut in 2000 with the hip-hop drama “Turn it Up.” Minor roles in “Fast and the Furious” (2001) and “Half Past Dead” followed (2002).
Pain is Love, his third studio album was released in 2001. It contained three top ten hits, and it turned out to be his most lucrative album to date. It also came in first on the Billboard 200.
In 2002, he issued his album “The Last Temptation.” Thug Lovin and Mesmerize, two major singles from this album, were also a huge success.
His 2003 album “Blood in My Eye” was characterized as a hate record directed towards the Shady/Aftermath rappers. It was made available during his ongoing fight with D12, 50 Cent, and Eminem.
In the 2003 horror comedy parody movie “Scary Movie 3,” he portrayed Agent Thompson. Although the film got mixed reviews, its humor and satire were praised.
‘R.U.L.E,’ his sixth studio album, was released in 2004. The top tracks on it were “Wonderful,” “New York,” and “Caught Up.”
In the 2005 film “Back in the Day,” he was handed a pivotal role as Reggie Cooper, a young guy who struggles to stay out of gang violence but is compelled to do so.
He recently made appearances in the films “Don’t Fade Away” (2009), “Wrong Side of Town” (2010), and “The Cookout 2” in minor or supporting roles (2012).
Bigger Works of Ja Rule
With the release of his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), which had the number-one single “Holla Holla,” he rose to mainstream stardom. Within a few months, the album achieved Platinum status in the US.
The massive song “Between Me and You” came from his second album, “Rule 3:36,” which was released in 2000. It was certified Multi-Platinum in the United States and Platinum in Canada, reaching its highest point at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
His most commercially successful record was “Pain is Love” (2001). The popular tracks “Livin’ It Up” and “Always on Time” were included. It achieved Multi-Platinum status and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
Recognition & Achievements
In 2002, he was named the best-selling rapper at the World Music Awards.
In 2002, he received the BET Award for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist.
He has thus far received four Grammy nominations, but he has not yet taken home a trophy.
Personal Legacy & Life
In 2001, he wed Aisha Murray, and the two became parents to three kids.
Controversies have long dogged his professional life. He got into highly publicized fights with rappers Eminem and 50 Cent. He has also run afoul of the law for narcotics possession and tax evasion.
Ja Rule’s Net Worth
Ja Rule, an American rapper, singer, and actor, has a $4 million dollar net worth. The Billboard Hot 100 chart has featured a number of his tracks, including “Between Me and You,” “I’m Real,” and “Always on Time.”
Trivia
The soundtrack to the film “Fast and the Furious” included his song “Furious.”
In honor of his sister, who passed away when he was quite young, he has a tattoo.