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R.U.L.E. by
Ja Rule!
Critic's Review
Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide
R.U.L.E. doesn't have much going for it, but it does include a few noteworthy songs: the album's lead single, "Wonderful," an R. Kelly showcase that also boasts an Ashanti feature; the album's street single, "New York," a Cool & Dre production with a pop-gangsta edge and strong raps from Fat Joe and Jadakiss; and lastly, "Life Goes On," a 2Pac-style ballad highlighted by features for Trick Daddy and Inc in-house producer Chink Santana. The album's remaining 60 minutes consist of standard-issue Ja Rule album filler: dreary pseudo-autobiographical raps that paint a conflicted portrait of Ja Rule, the paranoid pop-rap gangsta who believes himself to be a street martyr. Still, even if Ja Rule as an artist seems increasingly inauthentic with each passing album release, "Wonderful" is R.U.L.E.'s saving grace, playing like a trademark R. Kelly song, albeit one featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti.
Critic Blurbs
"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."
- K.B. Tindal | Nov 24, 2004
"Teaming up with Ashanti for lead single 'Wonderful,' Ja Rule and R. Kelly attempt to tell a tale of domestic distress but merely end up sounding more miserable than the couple in the song."
Nov 9, 2004
"With his latest release, Ja Rule has proven that weathering through hateful storms and sudden public neglect is in his blood."
- Matt Barone | Nov 9, 2004