By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Fourteen years ago today, Queens emcee, Ja Rule, stepped out of the shadow that was the trio of Murder Inc. Introduced in 1997, Ja Rule was one third of Murder Inc., the group headlined by Jay-Z and DMX. In 1998, Ja Rule appeared on many records alongside the platinum artists, while preparing his debut.
Ja Rule emerged on June 1, 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci, Italian for “he came, he saw, he conquered.” Off the strength of his “Holla Holla” single, Ja Rule did very well with his album, as it went platinum. On his debut album, Ja Rule loaded up on star power, with his group-mates appearing alongside Ronald Isley, Memphis Bleek, Cadillac Tah, and Black Child.
The sound of Venni Vetti Vecci is what propelled the success of the project. Responsible for this sound was Irv Gotti and Lil’ Rob, alongside Ty Fyffe, Tai, and DL. As many know, this album laid the foundation for Murder Inc. Records and all that came with the label over the next five years.
See the Venni Vetti Vecci CD below:
