Exodus

by

Ja Rule

Edit

After six albums Ja Rule has released a eighteen track compilation of his hits with "Exodus" (2005). Three new tracks are included. The opener "Exodus" (Intro) has Ja Rule recollecting on years past, talking about his rise in the rap game and the ups and downs his label has experienced, Irv Gotti finishes off the track with some words of his own. "Me" has Ja Rule addressing the haters, and artists who hated on his style then copied it, while talking to the ladies. I remember when Rule dropped his debut album "Venni Vetti Vecci", loved that album, the banging "Holla Holla", "It's Murda" and heartfelt "Daddy's Little Baby" feat. Ron Isley are included on this release. All are good tracks, though that release has ones I like more. Ja Rule's first real commercial album was "Rule 3:36", hits "Put It On Me" feat. Vita, the deep "I Cry" Feat. Lil Mo and "Love Me, Hate Me" (a track that some fickle fans should listen to) are included. The feel good "Livin It Up", smooth "Always on Time" and dark "Never Again" are three additions from Rule's 3rd album "Pain Is Love". The first Ja Rule release that I was not impressed with was "The Last Temptation", "Thug Loving" feat. Bobby Brown and "Mesmerize" feat. Ashanti were to typical for me at that time, while the rest of that album was forgettable. Rule made a return to making less commercial music with his fifth album "Blood in My Eye" which was really a reply to all the hate he was experiencing, the single "Clap Back" is a solid track and the only track from that album that made this release. "R.U.L.E." had Ja Rule back in good form, the blazing hot "New York" had Rule, Jadakiss and Fat Joe bringing the heat while R Kelly and Ashanti helped deliver the smooth "Wonderful". As far as I know "Ain't It Funny" did not end up on any Rule albums, its similar to Rule's other collab with J.Lo, and includes an appearance from Cadillac Tah. Rule closes off this release with "Exodus" (Outro), talking about being who he is, the hate he experienced, and the case the feds have been pursuing the Inc on. Last week the Gottis, founders of Ja Rule's label Murda Inc were aquitted in that money laundering case. Fans can expect to see Rule with a new name (Loki), new distribution deal and new album next year.

Ja Rule, love him or hate him, was one of the biggest hip-hop/pop stars of the late 1990s and early 00s. This greatest hits collection could have been a true testament to the state of popular music in that era, but is way too incomplete. What is missing? One of his biggest hits, and his first number one, "I'm Real" with Jennifer lopez. Also missing is the single version of "Put It On Me," which featured amazing vocals from Lil' Mo. How can they have left that one off? That was the HIT version of the song. That is unacceptable. Also missing is his first big big hit, "Between You And Me" with Christina Milian. Also missing are the hits "Down Ass Bitch," "Down 4 U," which was another top ten hit, "Can I Get A..." with JayZ and Amil, and "Rainy Dayz" with Mary J. Blige. They should have made this a 2 CD set and added a few album tracks, like "Caught Up" and "X" and have made a truly definitive package.