By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Needless to say, Ja Rule is hip hop’s Rodney Dangerfield, he gets no respect. It wasn’t always like this, but things change and people fall out of grace. Ja Rule’s decline was more of a drop off with no warning, but he has taken it all in stride and has simply worked to regain a position.
When he reached the top of his game, Ja Rule began facing backlash from fans and then it was personified in 50 Cent. But, this topic is not one of Ja Rule vs. 50 Cent because they both made great music for a lot of the same people. There is room for both rappers in hip hop.
Nevertheless, Marlon Morgan of RespectTheFresh.com felt the need to issue an apology to Ja Rule over the wrong done to him. It’s about time the hip hop media stick up for Ja Rule. Truth be told, he got the shaft, but then again, that’s life. Either way, the letter is a great read.
Read the apology letter below:
Dear ja rule,
This isn’t a Stan letter from a crazy fan Ja. A couple of weeks ago i heard you were home from jail, and it caused me to do alot of thinking. Thinking back on your career there were alot of things us fans could have done to keep you relevant in music. I would like to apologize for how the rap game treated you. We never appreciated your talent from the start. You paved the way for a new rap game that has capitolized off of your style. Yeah the Futures, Drakes, and Kid Cudi’s are alright, but they aren’t real. We mistreated you from day one. “Can I get a” was an amazing song, and it was your solo track. Lets be honest the hook that you wrote for this song was what made it so special. Jay heard the song, and took it away from you. The media, fans and your colleagues knew about this, but we still give Jay most of the credit for this classic record.
Shortly after you dropped “Holla Holla” ; a classic that showed us you were a force to be reckoned with. The word holla is still used in urban communities till this day; cause of you Ja. You never appreciate something till it’s gone. Without a doubt the game misses your presence. You were one of the first rap artists to maintain your title as a rapper while making R&B hits. What other rapper at that time could do a duet with some of the hottest R&b females in the game besides you Ja? Yeah of course other rappers had r&b inspired tracks, but no one had the cohones to sing. You weren’t a professional singer, and we didn’t care. Fans felt your duets because it was real. The melodies were amazing. “Between me and you” was the first of many feel good records that you blessed us with. This is exactly what music is missing today. Then you released “Put it on me”, featuring Vita and Lil Mo ,and proved to the pessimists that you were here to stay. I was in the club the other day and the beat dropped to that song. The crowd went crazy like it was a brand new song. I know your capable of making that same caliber of music Ja I just know it. ”Between Me and You” was another club banger that you made with a melody that was out of this world. Then you switched it up on us with a slow love song titled ”I Cry”, featuring Lil Mo.” Your versatile music abilities was on full display when it came to that album, but it was only a warm up for what was to come.
Many people doubted your third album for some reason. In music your third album can make or break you i guess. As usual you rose to the occasion. ”Pain Is Love” spawned three top ten singles, two number one hits and it was the most successful album of your career. Once ”Living it up”, ”Always on time,” and ”I’m real” featuring J-Lo dropped the game changed dramatically. Rap artists were forced to change their style to yours. Rappers like Nelly, Fabolous, Jay-z and the list goes on were inspired by your infectious hooks, and feel good records. Some rappers even tried to sing over tracks but I’m not going to put anyone on blast. Your last two albums sold over 7 million Ja. You led a Murder Inc. crew that killed both R&B and Hip-Hop. You were on top of the music world until a guy named 50 cent came along.
We should have known 50 was bad news from the start. You have to admit that Wanksta song was crazy! It was a game changer that gave 50 the spotlight. I just didn’t appreciate why 50 was so persistent on tarnishing your name. The streets are something that fans have no control over. The music should be the only judge in my opinion. The G-unit camp kept putting dirt on your name, and it worked.It forced you to try to change your style. Why did you come out with that ”Clap Back” song Ja? That wasn’t what made you the star you were. I understand he got in your head a little bit though. It happens to the best of us. He called you a sellout, a soft R&B singer, and a wanksta. Little did we know 50 cent was going to take your whole style and run with it. I remember the first time i heard Candy Shop. That’s when i knew 50 was a con artist; that just wanted to take your shine. 50 cent not only threw dirt on your name, but he ruined New York Rap!
50 picked beefs with all of our legends just for publicity. His beefs with Nas, Cam’ron, Jay-z, Fat Joe and so many more were made up industry beefs. You warned us about that dude from the start Ja. I sincerely apologize. When you were on top of the game you brought unity to the New York Rap game. You graced covers and did tours with Jay-z, DMX, Method Man, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe. You made New York anthems that we can identify with. A decade has past, and the war with 50 cent is over. New York rappers are divided now Ja do you see this? No one gets along any more. Every rapper in these boros besides Jay-z sounds like they’re from Atlanta. If you were around maybe things would have been different. Look on the bright side, maybe if you came out with an album now we will support you. Who am i kidding? I guess it’s just spilled milk. I hope you accept my apology Mr. Atkins. Like you said Pain is Love. Peace and Love.
Follow K.B. Tindal on Twitter @KBTindal.
