Ja Rule

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. [The Inc made available a clean edition, with the profanity edited.] ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide