CD Review: Ja Rule
Ryan Eisenberg | Staff Writer

On October 2, 2001 the rap community will experience the arrival one of the most awaited albums of the year.  Jeff "Ja Rule" Atkins will be releasing his much anticipated junior album titled "Pain Is Love."  His previous albums, "Venni Vitti Vecci" and "Rule 3:36," both went multi-platinum, so it's a given that this LP will do the same.

Atkins became known when he rapped and wrote the chorus for Jay-Z's chart-topping hit "Can I Get A..." from the "Rush Hour" Soundtrack.  Since then, his music has been a hot commodity and a haven for his followers.  On his previous albums, I was impressed with his lyrical talent and the sophisticated beats that he rapped to.  He has often been compared to Tupac Shakur, regarded by many as the greatest rap artist of all time.  Tupac is featured on this album in "So Much Pain."  He raps a verse that he composed before his murder years ago.  If you enjoyed Ja Rule's previous LPs then you will absolutely love this one.

The album is composed of sixteen tracks, three of which are skits.  The most recognized song off the album is his duet with J-Lo titled "I'm Real."  The most recent single to hit the airwaves from the album is his duo with Case titled "Livin' It Up."  The one thing I noticed about Ja Rule's albums is that he meshes well with other artists.  My point is clearly illustrated by his song with Ashanti titled "Always On Time."  I think this song is the best from the album and it will be the next single you hear on the radio.  Dave Meyers will be directing the video for "Always On Time" this week in Miami.

The whole album is absolutely brilliant.  It's definitely worth $15 at Target or 15 minutes downloading the mp3s.