In 2003, Ja Rule was seemingly wiped off of the planet after 50 Cent was able to win his fans over and turn them against him. Before 2003, Ja Rule released an album every year, frequently charted the Billboard Hot 100, and sold a lot of records. However, with 50 Cent on the scene, he released an album, did not crack the top 40, and barely sold gold.
Determined to win his fans back over, Ja Rule went back to basics and recorded an album that the fans loved. There was a time when no one wanted to listen to Ja Rule, but he had himself right back in the mix within a year. Not only was Rule able to win over the pop audience, again, but he was also able to regain the streets.
After hearing a beat from Cool & Dre, Ja Rule was determined to have it. Despite Ja Rule wanting it, Jadakiss had plans for it, too. Meanwhile, Fat Joe was in the studio when the beat was made. Ja Rule had strong relationships with both rappers and when he eventually won the rights to the beat, Ja Rule invited Fat Joe and Jadakiss to join him on the track.
The final result was their classic cut, “New York.” Even as none of the three rappers are big in the game, this song never gets old with diehard fans. With his career on the line of oblivion, Ja Rule is ready to revive it. Ready to return to basics on his next album, Ja Rule wants to align himself with some more of New York’s hungriest rappers to create another classic song.