Early career

Ja Rule first appeared on the song, "Time to Build" with fellow rappers Jay Z and DMX on Mic Geronimo's debut album, "The Natural." Rule later appeared with 0-1 and Chris Black as part of Cash Money Click. In 1998, he was signed to Def Jam Recordings, with his first major appearace alongside Jay-Z on the song "Can I Get a...". In 1999, he released his solo debut, Venni Vetti Vecci, and had a hit with the single "Holla Holla".

In 2000 Ja Rule released Rule 3:36, his second album. The first released single was "Between Me and You" featuring Christina Milian, which proved to be a hit and was followed up by another successful single, "Put It On Me" featuring Vita. The last single, "I Cry" featured Lil Mo.

On October 2, 2001, Ja Rule released his third album, Pain Is Love. The first single, "Livin' It Up" was a hit which featured guest vocals by R&B singer Case and sampled Stevie Wonder's "Do I Do". The follow up single, "Always On Time", was released in December of the same year and was yet another success for the rapper. The song was notable as it introduced the public to singer Ashanti, who performed on the songs chorus. The album also featured the successful remix "I'm Real" with Jennifer L'pez. Finally, the album included the song "So Much Pain", a tribute to Tupac Shakur, in which Ja Rule mixed his own lyrics with Shakur's. Pain Is Love was certified 6x Platinum.

Ja Rule released The Last Temptation, his fourth studio album in November of 2002. Although the album was fairly successful (it was certified platinum), it failed to carry the momentum brought by Rule's previous album. Lead singles, "Thug Lovin" (featuring Bobby Brown) and "Mesmerize" (featuring Ashanti) were successful hits; however, a backlash from upcoming rapper 50 Cent hindered his success.

Blood In My Eye was Rule's fifth album and is most notable for its extensive "diss" tracks aimed at rapper 50 Cent, Eminem, Dr. Dre and others. It was certified gold in the U.S., a relative disappointment compared to his previous record sales.

Ja Rule released "R.U.L.E." in late 2004, and had minor hits with "Wonderful" (featuring R. Kelly), "New York" (featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss), and "Caught Up" (featuring Lloyd). The album was certified gold in the U.S.

In December of 2005, a compilation album was released, titled "Exodus." Rule has stated that this may be his last album as he has fulfilled his contract with The Inc., his record label, and wants to concentrate on other aspects of his career.

Guest appearances

Ja Rule appeared on the celebrity remake of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On", with proceeds going to Artists Against AIDS Worldwide and to help with the tragedy of September 11, 2001.

In early 2002, Rule again collaborated with Jennifer L'pez on her single, "Ain't It Funny."

Ja Rule appeared on the song, "Rainy Dayz", which was included on a 2002 re-release of Mary J Blige's most recent album, 2001's No More Drama.

On a bonus disc on The Notorious B.I.G. Duets: The Final Chapter, Ja Rule made an appearance on the track "Want That Old Thing Back", with Ralph Tresvant.

Voice

Ja Rule is especially noted for his gruff, gravelly voice, garnering numerous comparisons to the similar-sounding DMX. His rough vocals are often used in a more flowing, less rapping style alongside female R&B singers in what has led some to nickname Ja Rule "the rap singer."