Ja Rule - Exodus (18 tracks) +Album Reviews

Ja Rule - Exodus

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 12/12/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Could have been great, but WAY TOO MUCH MISSING

JoJo | Los Angeles, CA United States | 12/14/2005

(2 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Ja Rule's Final Exodus? The Controversial Artist Comes Full

Aphterthought | Virginia, USA | 12/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ja Rule's last couple of years in the rap game have been plagued with turmoil. From a bitter feud with current pop sensation 50 Cent, to the federal indictment of friends and label-heads Chris and Irving "Gotti" Lorenzo, Jeffrey "Ja Rule" Atkins is in a much different position than he was just a few years ago. This CD is a fascinating look into what it takes/took to make a hit and a sad mirror into the fickleness of rap fans in general.

On this greatest hits compilation, Ja's first full-fledged solo hit Holla Holla is here in all it's aggressive glory. The tune is followed by the much more buttery and ultimately derivative gangsta crooning that propelled Ja to the top (I Cry, Livin' It Up, Always On Time) and ultimately led to his characterization by so-called rap purists, as well as his nemesis 50 Cent, as merely a pop singer. Ironically, hip-hop's current golden boy has himself chosen to embrace that same sing-songy style in order to attain a position at the top of the charts. Ja ultimately found himself temporarily back in the street's favor with the agressive New York featuring artists Jadakiss and Fat Joe, themselves embroiled in a rap feud with 50 because of this very song.

The most interesting material of this album however is it's new material, alone worthy of the album's purchase. The intro and outro of the LP detail Ja's frustrations over his fans' defection and the trials and tribulations of Ja's federally investigated and indicted label, Murder Inc. His song Me talks of the chastising of his style, yet it's spawning of copycats who do the same with little negative backlash.

With a rumored upcoming album under the pseudonym "Loki" alluded to in the album's new material, to the acquital of executives Irving and Chris Lorenzo, 2006 and beyond may find brighter fortunes for Mr. Atkins. If this is to be his final exodus, it's a worthy retrospective into the up-and-down career of Ja Rule."

****GOOD ALBUM.........PATHETIC HATERS****

Gangsta Rog | TAMPA, FL United States | 01/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WELL THIS IS A GOOD ALBUM EVEN THO THERE ARE MISSING SONGS AND SOME I DONT LIKE, BUT THE NEW ONES ARE PRETTY GOOD ESPECIALLY "ME",GOOD TRACK TO SHOW HE CAN SMILE THROUGH ALL THE B-S THEY GO THROUGH......WORTH CHECKING, ALSO THIS WAS RELEASED SO THEY CAN FINISH THE CONTRACT WITH DEF JAM

PATHETIC HATERS: U HAVE PEOPLE WHO NEVER LIKED JA RULE, BUT WATS FUNNY, IS U GOT THESE PEOPLE (MOSTLY LIL KIDS) HATING ON HIM WHEN THEY JUMPED THE 50 CENT D**K BUS, WHICH TO ME IS CLASSIC, AND TO WRITE A DISS REVIEW ON AMAZON.COM FOR A GREATEST HITS ALBUM IS EVEN MORE FUNNY, WAT LIVES YOU MUST HAVE....WOW, HEY YALL LETS DISS JA RULE ON AMAZON.....50 CENT ALL ON YOUR LIPS....PATHETIC, TOO MANY FOLLOWERS"

Exodus

Marqui | AUS | 03/02/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"What is Mike Ox Long on??? I'm sick of people writing reviews just to diss when they haven't even listened to the CD. Anyways..

This is Ja Rule's greatest hits collection after 6 albums and record sales of over 13 million. Here's my review track by track.

1] Exodus (Intro) - A track discussing the recent investigation into the Murder Inc. empire of money laundering charges. This is the lead single from this CD. Irv Gotti also speaks on this track - "I dont understand why they would think what they thinking about, its just not the case though. I love my n-----, thats all I'm guilty of and that all that I ever was guilty of."

2] Me - A new song with a nice laid back beat with Ja showing everyone that he's still got it after 6 albums. In the chorus he spits: "how dare these n-----s try to hate on me/Come out and make records sounding just like me" and claims that rappers are stealing to `melodic formula' that he and Gotti invented.

3] Holla Holla - Ja's debut single from the "Venni Vetti Vecci" album peaked at #2 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks and #35 on the Hot 100. This track is a blazin' party starter.

4] It's Murda (Featuring DMX & Jay-Z) - The street single from VVV that ripped up mixtapes and was the first commercially released single from the Cash Money Click consisting of Ja, X and Hov'. Ja also used the instrumental to this track to freestyle on 2003's `Blood In My Eye'.

5] Put It On Me (Featuring Vita) - This is the album version of the hit single with Lil' Mo (who isn't present on this version) that reached #8 on the hot 100. It's a shame that the HIT version of this song wasn't included on this album as the version without Lil' Mo sounds sort of boring. From the "Rule 3:66" album

6] I Cry - This is a great single featuring Lil' Mo again that peaked at #11 on the Hot Rap/R&B Tracks and #40 on the Hot 100. In my opinion, this is one of the best songs on the album.

7] Livin' It Up (Featuring Case) - One of Ja's most popular songs from the multi platinum album `Pain Is Love'. This track reached #6 on the Hot 100 and #4 on the Rap chart. This is the song that launched Ja's popularity in other parts of the world.

8] Always On Time (Featuring Ashanti) - Arguably the best known Ja Rule song which reached #1 on the Hot 100. This track also launched Ashanti's career as well. The explicit radio version is featured on Exodus.

9] Ain't It Funny (Featuring Jennifer Lopez & Caddillac Tah) - "Ain't It Funny" was a big hit but it isn't a Ja Rule song. Jennifer Lopez put this song on her J To Tha LO remix album. Ja Rule has a 20 second verse out of the whole song which lasts for nearly 4 minutes. That is a disappointment and the other Ja/JLO collaboration "I'm Real" would have been a better choice instead of "Ain't It Funny". But overall this is a great track and it reached #1.

10] Thug Lovin' (Featuring Bobby Brown) - This track didn't do as well as his other tracks in the USA (peaking at #42), but had a good run in other parts of the world. This was the first single of Ja's 4th album "The Last Temptation". In my opinion, this track is another one of the best Ja Rule songs. Bobby Brown must have been paid a s#!*load of money to appear on this song!

11] Mesmerize (Featuring Ashanti) - This was Ja's make or break track following the disappointing success of `Thug Lovin'. Ja Rule & Ashanti recreated scenes from the movie Grease in the clip and was criticized for being `soft' and `weak'. Nevertheless, `Mesmerize' peaked at #2 on the Hot 100.

12] Clap Back - After a year of disses and hate along with Ja's career being sabotaged by rivals G-Unit, Ja went on a break for 7 months. He `clapped back' at the haters with this track taken from the hate filled LP `Blood In My Eye'. Ja fans waiting for his return were pleased with Ja taking it back the 1999, his VVV days when he made straight hip hop music. But `Pain Is Love' era fans were shocked when they picked up this album full of hate, anger and cussing. `Clap Back', in my opinion is an awesome song and peaked at #12 on Billboard Hot Rap Tracks. Produced by Scott Storch.

13] New York (Featuring Fat Joe & Jadakiss) - When Ja had calmed down, he was ready for his so called `comeback' album. `New York' was the street single from `R.U.L.E.' and face it, it was a hot track. Joe & Jada helped Ja rep his home town. `New York' peaked at #10 on the Hot Rap Tracks and #27 on the hot 100.

14] Wonderful (Featuring R. Kelly & Ashanti) - The official single from `R.U.L.E.' was `Wonderful' and it reached #1 in the UK and #5 in America & Australia. R. Kelly & Ja were talking to the fans that left them when they were down, but now they're back again. Check the lyrics - `And it's a wonder that I'm still here/Thought I was gone but I'm still here/And all you b------ that left me there/It's kinda funny how you right back here'.

15] Never Again - For some reason, Ja decided to put on `Never Again', an album track from 2001's `Pain Is Love' album. I'm clueless to why because this song isn't even that hot. This space could be used to add one of the many missing songs. (More about that later)

16] Daddy's Little Baby (Featuring Ronald Isley) - This song was a single from VVV but although it was a good song, it failed to chart. In this song, Ja is speaking to his then newly born daughter about the struggles of being a black woman in America.

17] Love Me, Hate Me - Another album track from `Rule 3:66', this track is OK but didn't really have a reason to be on here.

18] Exodus (Outro) - Ja closes this album with `Exodus (Outro)' a track with Ashanti on background vocals, but don't get it twisted. This isn't a poppy track, this is another interesting track talking about the Murder Inc. trial. It's pretty much a part 2 for the intro version of this song.

This greatest hits collection has it's good times - `Livin' It Up', `Always On Time', `New York', `Wonderful', but my main complaint is the songs that are MISSING. Missing songs include:

"I'm Real" (Featuring Jennifer Lopez) - I still can't understand why "Ain't It Funny" was put on here instead of "I'm Real". Ja has a 20 second verse in "Ain't It Funny" but is featured with J-Lo in the whole song in "I'm Real". Plus, it made it onto Ja's "Pain Is Love" album, not to mention that the video was a killer. This reached #1 in America for sometime.

Down 4 U (Featuring Ashanti, Vita & Charli Baltimore) - "Down 4 U" peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 and was featured on the Irv Gotti Presents The Inc compilation. This was one of Ja Rule's best songs.

Between Me & You (Featuring Christian Milian) - The song launched Ja's career into the mainstream and gave a push start to Milian's career. This track reached #11 on the hot 100. This song is one of his biggest hits!

Rainy Days (Featuring Mary J. Blige) - This was a historical track...Ja & MJB! This featured on both Mary's "No More Drama" album and "Irv Gotti Prsents The Remixes" album. "Rainy Days" reached #12 on the hot 100.

Down A$$ Chick (Featuring Charli Baltimore) - "Down A$$ Chick" had a kick ass video and was sort of like a part 1 of "Down 4 U". This track managed to reach #21 on the hot 100 and #5 on the Hot Rap Tracks.

Other songs missing is:

"The Reign" - wasn't a hit in the US but reached the top 10 in the UK and Australia.

"Caught Up" - wasn't a major hit but it was still a great song. Reached #20 in the UK.

"Kill `Em All" (Featuring Jay-Z) - one of the best songs on VVV!

"Can I Get A..." (Featuring Jay Z) - The top 20 hit theme from Rush Hour!

"6 Feet Underground" - the street single from "Rule 3:66".

"Furious" - who could forget the high energy theme from the Fast & The Furious

"The Pledge Remix" -The best single from "The Last Temptation" feat. Nas, Ashanti.

"Holla Holla Remix (Featuring Busta Rhymes, Memphis Bleek, Jay-Z, Black Child, Vita & Caddillac Tah) - Better than the original and the video was cool too.

If Ja really cared about what was going on his greatest hits CD, he would have made this a double disc, like what he says he's going to do with every one of his albums before they come out. But this was just an album to get Ja off Def Jam. Luckily, The Inc are signing to Warner Music so Ja can make the great music that we know he's still capable of. Other than that, this album is a good refreshing tour through Ja Rule's interesting career and most of the album is in chronological order. Can't wait for the next album."

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