R.U.L.E.

Last updated
R.U.L.E.
Rulealbumcover.jpg
Studio album by
Ja Rule
ReleasedNovember 9, 2004
Recorded2003–04
Genre Hip hop [1]
Length71:30
Label
Producer
Ja Rule chronology
Blood in My Eye
(2003)		R.U.L.E.
(2004)		 Exodus
(2005)
Singles from R.U.L.E.
  1. "Wonderful"
    Released: September 27, 2004 [2]
  2. "New York"
    Released: October 27, 2004
  3. "Caught Up"
    Released: May 24, 2005

R.U.L.E. is the sixth studio album by American rapper Ja Rule; it was released on November 9, 2004, by The Inc., Island Def Jam Music Group and Def Jam. [3] The album debuted at number 7 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart, selling 165,000 units in its opening week. [4] The album was certified Gold and sold over 658,000 copies in the United States. [5] Singles from the album include "Wonderful" featuring R. Kelly and Ashanti; the top 20 song "New York" featuring Jadakiss and Fat Joe, and the song "Caught Up" featuring Lloyd.

Contents

The album was also made in a heavily edited version removing profanities, drugs and violent content: it removes the skits "Weed" and "Stripping Game". This version of the album became the most edited album other than his previous album Blood in My Eye (2003).

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [6]
Entertainment Weekly C+ [1]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [7]
RapReviews7/10 [8]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [9]

R.U.L.E. garnered favorable reviews from music critics but some questioned if this was a return to form after the disappointing Blood in My Eye . K.B. Tindal of HipHopDX called the album Ja's best since Rule 3:36 and Pain Is Love , concluding that "The Inc. will always be Murder Inc. no matter what and Ja will always be at the head of the fam so get used to it, he's back." [7] Steve 'Flash' Juon of RapReviews gave a mixed review, stating "[T]his is not an overwhelming strong album lyrically, but it's a pleasant enough one to listen to musically - and from Ja Rule that's enough to get by." [8] Timothy Gunatilaka of Entertainment Weekly found love ballads like "Passion" and "Wonderful" suitable for Ja Rule, concluding that they "suggest he might want to stick to raspy romanticism." [1] AllMusic editor Jason Birchmeier said that the album continued the depletion of Ja's relevance in hip-hop, stating, "And so the downfall goes—tragic, indeed, or not, depending on how affecting you find the pathos at work." [6] Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club found Ja's reliance on emulating "2Pac's tortured-thug persona" to craft mildly amusing "overwrought melodrama" overlong throughout the record and exacerbated further through "anonymous production, irritating skits, and [the kind of] raspy shower-stall warbling." [10]

Track listing

Credits adapted from the album's liner notes. [11]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."The Inc. Intro" Jeffrey Atkins Ja Rule 2:20
2."Last of The Mohicans" (featuring Black Child)
4:24
3."Wonderful" (featuring R. Kelly & Ashanti)
4:31
4."What's My Name" (featuring Ashanti)
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
4:26
5."New York" (featuring Fat Joe & Jadakiss)
4:18
6."Stripping Game" (skit)  1:15
7."The Manual"
  • Atkins
  • Smith
  • Lorenzo
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
  • Francion Corbett [a]
4:18
8."Get It Started" (featuring Claudette Ortiz)
  • Atkins
  • Smith
  • Lorenzo
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
4:00
9."R.U.L.E."
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
3:37
10."True Story" (skit)Richard WilsonDat Nigga Reb0:30
11."Caught Up" (featuring Lloyd)
  • Atkins
  • Smith
  • Lorenzo
  • Bryan Attmore
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
  • Boogz [a]
4:29
12."Gun Talk" (featuring Black Child)
  • Atkins
  • Gill
  • A. Parker
  • Lorenzo
  • Chink Santana
  • Irv Gotti
4:30
13."Never Thought"
  • Atkins
  • Smith
  • Lorenzo
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
4:42
14."Life Goes On" (featuring Trick Daddy & Chink Santana)
  • Chink Santana
  • Irv Gotti
4:52
15."Weed" (skit)
  • Wilson
  • Artie Green
  • Dat Nigga Reb
  • Milwaukee Buck
  • Artie Green
1:55
16."Where I'm From" (featuring Lloyd)
  • Chink Santana
  • Demi-Doc
  • Artie Green
  • Irv Gotti
5:11
17."Bout My Business" (featuring Caddillac Tah, Black Child & Young Merc)
  • Atkins
  • Raymond Grant
  • Richard Grant
  • Lorenzo
  • Taheem Crocker
  • Gill
  • Jeffery Crocker
  • Simon Haseley
  • DJ Twinz
  • Irv Gotti [a]
3:39
18."Passion"
  • Atkins
  • Smith
  • Lorenzo
  • Jimi Kendrix
  • Irv Gotti
  • Boogz [a]
8:37
Japan bonus track
No.TitleProducer(s)Length
19."Better Days"Jimi Kendrix4:37

Notes

Sample credits

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [27] Silver60,000^
United States (RIAA) [28] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<i>Bigger and Deffer</i> 1987 studio album by LL Cool J

Bigger and Deffer is the second studio album by American rapper LL Cool J, released on May 29, 1987, by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records. With over two million copies sold in the United States, it remains one of LL Cool J's best-selling releases. Bigger and Deffer dominated the summer of 1987, spending 11 weeks atop the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and peaking at number three on the Billboard 200. It became the fourth hip hop album to receive platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Ashanti</i> (album) 2002 studio album by Ashanti

Ashanti is the debut studio album by American singer Ashanti, released on April 2, 2002, by Murder Inc. and Def Jam Recordings. It was recorded in New York City and Los Angeles between 2001 and 2002, during the period of time where Ashanti was writing for other artists. The album features guest vocals from Gotti, Ja Rule, and the late the Notorious B.I.G. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Irv Gotti, 7 Aurelius, Chink Santana, Jared Thomas and Reggie Wright.

<i>The Last Temptation</i> (Ja Rule album) 2002 studio album by Ja Rule

The Last Temptation is the fourth studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released by Murder Inc., Def Jam and Island Def Jam Music Group on November 19, 2002.

<i>Quality</i> (Talib Kweli album) 2002 studio album by Talib Kweli

Quality is the first studio album by American rapper Talib Kweli. The album was released on November 19, 2002, by Rawkus Records. It received wide critical acclaim and had some commercial appeal from the song "Get By", produced by Kanye West. Kludge magazine included it on their list of best albums of 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Always on Time</span> 2001 single by Ja Rule

"Always on Time" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule from his third studio album, Pain Is Love (2001). Produced by Irv Gotti, it was written by Ja Rule, 7 Aurelius, and Gotti. Originally set to feature Brandy, it features guest vocals from singer-songwriter and labelmate Ashanti. The song was released as the album's second single on November 27, 2001, through Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings and Gotti's Murder Inc. Records.

<i>Pain Is Love</i> 2001 studio album by Ja Rule

Pain Is Love is the third studio album by American rapper Ja Rule, released on October 2, 2001 via The Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. Although, the album received a mixed reception from critics, Pain Is Love debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was supported by four singles: "Livin' It Up", "I'm Real ", "Always on Time" and "Down Ass Bitch". It was certified triple-platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 3,000,000 copies. Pain is Love received numerous awards and nominations including a nomination for Best Rap Album at the 44th Grammy Awards. The album's first two singles "Livin' It Up" featuring Case and "Always on Time" featuring Ashanti collected nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2002 and 2003.

<i>Red Gone Wild: Thee Album</i> 2007 studio album by Redman

Red Gone Wild: Thee Album is the sixth studio album by rapper Redman. It was released on March 27, 2007 via his own label Gilla House Records in conjunction with Def Jam Recordings.

<i>Venni Vetti Vecci</i> 1999 studio album by Ja Rule

Venni Vetti Vecci is the debut studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on June 1, 1999, by Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. It was the first album to be released on Murder Inc. Production was mostly handled by Irv Gotti, with additional work provided by Lil Rob, Ty Fyffe, Erick Sermon and Self Service. The album features guest appearances from Jay-Z, DMX, Case, Memphis Bleek, Black Child, Ronald Isley and Erick Sermon, among others. The album title alludes to the Latin phrase "veni, vidi, vici", meaning "I came, I saw, I conquered".

<i>Rule 3:36</i> 2000 studio album by Ja Rule

Rule 3:36 is the second studio album by American rapper Ja Rule. It was released on October 3, 2000, by The Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. The album features guest appearances from Christina Milian, Lil' Mo, Shade Sheist and Jayo Felony, with producers Irv Gotti, Ty Fyffe, Tru Stylze, Lil' Rob and Damizza contributing to the album. The album marked a significant change in Ja Rule's musical style, shifting from hardcore hip hop to a more radio-friendly pop rap oriented sound to greater success.

<i>Blood in My Eye</i> 2003 studio album by Ja Rule

Blood in My Eye is the fifth studio album by American rapper Ja Rule, released on November 4, 2003, by Murder Inc., Island Def Jam Music Group and Def Jam. The album was originally planned to be released as a mixtape. The release took place during the feud with Shady/Aftermath rappers 50 Cent, G-Unit, Eminem, D12, Dr. Dre, Obie Trice, along with artists including DMX and Busta Rhymes and was entirely dedicated to dissing them. The album was named after George Jackson's radical book of the same name. Hussein Fatal of Outlawz, Cadillac Tah, James Gotti, Sizzla, Black Child, Young Merc, D.O. Cannon, Shadow, and Sekou 720 are listed as guest appearances on this album. Reviews for the record were mixed, with critics skeptical of Ja's lyrical skills as a hardcore rapper. Blood in My Eye debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart, with first-week sales of 140,000 copies in the United States.

<i>M.A.D.E.</i> 2003 studio album by Memphis Bleek

M.A.D.E. is the third studio album by American rapper Memphis Bleek, released by Get Low Records, Roc-A-Fella Records, and Def Jam Recordings. Originally scheduled for a summer 2003 release, the album was ultimately released on December 16, 2003. The album reached #35 on the Billboard 200 charts.

<i>Back in Business</i> (EPMD album) 1997 studio album by EPMD

Back in Business is the fifth studio album by American hip hop duo EPMD. It was released on September 16, 1997, through Def Jam Recordings. The recording sessions took place at Mirror Image and Soundtrack Studios in New York. The album was produced by members Erick Sermon and PMD, as well as DJ Scratch, with Agallah and Rockwilder serving as co-producers. It features guest appearances from Das EFX, Keith Murray, Nocturnal, and Redman.

<i>Special Occasion</i> (Bobby Valentino album) 2007 studio album by Bobby Valentino

Special Occasion is the second studio album by American R&B singer Bobby Valentino. It was released by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings on May 8, 2007, in the United States. The singer co-wrote over three quarters of the album, which also features songwriting and production from Tim & Bob, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Timbaland, Sean Garrett, Don Vito, Bryan-Michael Cox and Dre & Vidal. It also features guest appearances by Ludacris, Timbaland and Fabolous.

<i>Joe Budden</i> (album) 2003 studio album by Joe Budden

Joe Budden is the debut studio album by American rapper Joe Budden. It was released on June 10, 2003, by On Top, distributed by Def Jam. Recording sessions took place from 2002 to 2003, with production by Dub B aka White Boy, along with the other high-profile producers such as Just Blaze and Lofey. The album features guest appearances from Lil' Mo, Busta Rhymes and 112. Upon the record's release, it was met with favorable reviews from music critics. Joe Budden debuted at number 8 on the US Billboard 200, selling 95,000 units in its first week, later the record sold 420,000+ copies in the United States. It also entered at number 55 on the UK Albums Chart.

<i>Malpractice</i> (Redman album) 2001 studio album by Redman

Malpractice is the fifth studio album by rapper Redman. The album was ultimately released on May 22, 2001. It reached number four on US Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA on July 21, 2001. To date, the album has sold 683,000 copies. It boasted two singles: "Let's Get Dirty " and "Smash Sumthin'".

The discography of Ja Rule, an American rapper. He has released seven studio albums and twenty singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holla Holla</span> 1999 single by Ja Rule

"Holla Holla" is the first single by the American rapper Ja Rule from his first studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999). It was produced by Taiwan "Tai" Green and Irv Gotti. The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Irv Gotti.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Livin' It Up (Ja Rule song)</span> 2001 single by Ja Rule and Case

"Livin' It Up" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule featuring singer Case, released in July 2001 through Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records, as the lead single from Ja Rule's third studio album, Pain Is Love (2001). The song, produced by Lil Rob and Irv Gotti, samples Stevie Wonder's 1982 song "Do I Do". In the United States, "Livin' It Up" peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. It received a re-issue in the United Kingdom in 2002 and peaked at number five on the UK Singles Chart. Retired NBA All-Star Baron Davis and former pornographic actress Sunny Leone make appearances in the video.

<i>The Great Depression</i> (DMX album) 2001 studio album by DMX

The Great Depression is the fourth studio album by American rapper DMX. It was released on October 23, 2001 by Ruff Ryders Entertainment and Def Jam Recordings. The production on the album was handled by multiple producers including Just Blaze, Dame Grease, Black Key and DMX himself. The album also features guest appearances by Stephanie Mills, Faith Evans and Mashonda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Down 4 U</span> 2002 single by Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Ashanti, Charli Baltimore and Vita

"Down 4 U" is the lead single from Murder Inc. Records' compilation album Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc., released through Def Jam Recordings and Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. Records. The song features rapped verses from Ja Rule, Charli Baltimore, and Vita while Ashanti provides the chorus and sung vocals. The song is a remix as well as its music video being the sequel of Ja Rule's 2002 single, "Down Ass Bitch".

References

  1. 1 2 3 Gunatilaka, Timothy (November 26, 2004). "R.U.L.E." Retrieved May 3, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Ja Rule: 'Wonderful'". Radio & Records . No. 1573. September 17, 2004. p. 43.
  3. ↑ "R.U.L.E.: Ja Rule: Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 2012-03-06.
  4. ↑ Written by Joe D'Angelo (2004-11-17). "News : Eminem Shreds The Competition, Even With A Premature Encore". CMT. Archived from the original on October 22, 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-06.
  5. ↑ "Rapper Ja Rule releasing first album in 3 years". Reuters. 7 October 2007.
  6. 1 2 Birchmeier, Jason. "R.U.L.E. - Ja Rule". AllMusic . Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  7. 1 2 Tindal, K.B. (November 24, 2004). "Ja Rule - R.U.L.E." HipHopDX . Cheri Media Group. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  8. 1 2 Juon, Steve 'Flash' (November 9, 2004). "Ja Rule :: R.U.L.E. :: Def Jam". RapReviews. Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  9. ↑ Jones, Steve (November 8, 2004). "Elton John's 'Peachtree Road': An unforgettable joy ride". USA Today . Gannett . Retrieved August 8, 2011.
  10. ↑ Rabin, Nathan (January 17, 2005). "Purple Haze/R.U.L.E." The A.V. Club . Retrieved October 17, 2018.
  11. ↑ R.U.L.E. (booklet). The Inc., Def Jam. 2004.
  12. ↑ "ARIA Urban Chart – Week Commencing 7th March 2005" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association (784): 17. March 7, 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 22 February 2008. Retrieved April 16, 2023– via Pandora Archive.
  13. ↑ "Albums : Top 100". Jam! . November 25, 2004. Archived from the original on December 14, 2004. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  14. ↑ "R&B : Top 50". Jam! . December 2, 2004. Archived from the original on December 6, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Ja Rule – R.U.L.E". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline" (in German). Musicline.de. Phononet GmbH.
  17. ↑ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 46, 2004". Chart-Track. IRMA.
  18. ↑ "ルール" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on February 11, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Ja Rule – R.U.L.E". Hung Medien.
  21. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 11, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Ja Rule Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  23. ↑ "Ja Rule Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  24. ↑ "Ja Rule Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  25. ↑ "Year-End Charts: Billboard 200 Albums - 2005". Billboard. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  26. ↑ "Year-End Charts: R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - 2005". Billboard. Archived from the original on January 8, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  27. ↑ "British album certifications – Ja Rule – R.U.L.E." British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved May 7, 2015.
  28. ↑ "American album certifications – Ja Rule – R.U.L.E." Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved May 7, 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.