Ja Rule is a legendary rapper, singer, and actor who emerged from the streets of Queens, New York in the late 1990s. He quickly rose to fame with his unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, earning numerous accolades and becoming a household name in the early 2000s. Ja Rule’s music is known for its catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and collaborations with other iconic artists such as Ashanti and Jennifer Lopez. With over two decades of hits under his belt, Ja Rule has solidified his place in music history as one of the greatest of all time.
In this article, we will be looking at Ja Rule’s top 10 best songs of all time. From his breakthrough single “Holla Holla” to his chart-topping collaborations with Ashanti like “Always On Time,” we will be taking a deep dive into Ja Rule’s discography and ranking his most memorable tracks. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to Ja Rule’s music, this article is sure to have something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate the career of one of hip-hop’s biggest legends and countdown the 10 best Ja Rule songs of all time.
10. Put It On Me (feat. Lil’ Mo and Vita)
“Put It On Me” featuring Lil’ Mo and Vita is one of Ja Rule’s most popular and beloved songs. Released in 2000, the track showcases Ja Rule’s signature smooth flow and romantic lyrics, perfectly complemented by Lil’ Mo’s soulful vocals and Vita’s fiery rhymes. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable beat have made it a staple of early 2000s R&B and hip-hop playlists, and it continues to be a fan favorite to this day. “Put It On Me” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. With its timeless sound and relatable lyrics about love and devotion, “Put It On Me” is a classic Ja Rule song that will always be remembered as one of his greatest hits.
9. Livin’ It Up (feat. Case)
“Livin’ It Up” featuring Case is a feel-good anthem that showcases Ja Rule’s talent for creating catchy and upbeat party tracks. Released in 2001, the song features a bouncy beat and infectious hook that immediately gets listeners dancing and singing along. Ja Rule’s confident and charismatic flow is perfectly complemented by Case’s smooth vocals, creating a perfect collaboration that exemplifies early 2000s hip-hop and R&B. The song’s music video, featuring Ja Rule and friends living it up on a luxurious yacht, perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the track and has become just as iconic as the song itself. “Livin’ It Up” was a commercial success, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing Ja Rule’s status as one of the hottest artists of the era. With its infectious beat and catchy lyrics, “Livin’ It Up” remains a fan favorite and a classic Ja Rule song.
8. New York (feat. Fat Joe & Jadakiss)
“New York” featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss is an iconic tribute to the city that birthed hip-hop. Released in 2004, the song features a classic sample from the theme song of the TV show “The Sopranos,” as well as hard-hitting verses from Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss that pay homage to the city’s vibrant hip-hop culture. The track’s gritty and aggressive tone perfectly captures the essence of New York City, and the three rappers’ dynamic flows and powerful lyrics create an unforgettable collaboration that has become a fan favorite. “New York” was a critical and commercial success, earning rave reviews from music critics and peaking at number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. With its iconic beat and memorable verses, “New York” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest hip-hop collaborations of all time.
7. Thug Lovin’ (feat. Bobby Brown)
“Thug Lovin'” featuring Bobby Brown is a classic Ja Rule track that showcases his talent for blending hip-hop and R&B. Released in 2002, the song features a smooth and sultry beat, with Ja Rule’s rugged flow perfectly complemented by Bobby Brown’s soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a passionate and intense love affair between two people from different worlds, with both artists delivering powerful and emotional performances that make the song truly unforgettable. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and Bobby Brown as a pair of love-struck criminals on the run, perfectly captures the song’s gritty and romantic vibe. “Thug Lovin'” was a commercial success, peaking at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning critical acclaim for its infectious melody and catchy chorus. With its memorable hook and heartfelt lyrics, “Thug Lovin'” remains a fan favorite and a classic Ja Rule song.
6. Mesmerize (feat. Ashanti)
“Mesmerize” featuring Ashanti is a classic Ja Rule song that showcases his signature blend of hip-hop and R&B. Released in 2002, the song features a smooth and seductive beat, with Ja Rule’s smooth flow and Ashanti’s soulful vocals perfectly complementing each other. The lyrics tell the story of a passionate and intense romance between two people who can’t resist each other, and both artists deliver performances that perfectly capture the song’s romantic and sensual vibe. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti as a pair of star-crossed lovers in a classic Hollywood romance, has become just as iconic as the song itself. “Mesmerize” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. With its infectious beat, catchy chorus, and memorable music video, “Mesmerize” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of his greatest hits.
5. I Cry (feat. Lil Mo’)
“I Cry” featuring Lil’ Mo is a powerful and emotional track that showcases Ja Rule’s ability to deliver deep and introspective lyrics. Released in 2001, the song features a haunting piano melody and Lil’ Mo’s soulful vocals, with Ja Rule rapping about the pain and struggles he has faced in his life. The lyrics touch on themes of loss, heartbreak, and perseverance, with Ja Rule opening up about the emotional toll of growing up in a tough environment. The music video, featuring Ja Rule in a dark and moody setting, perfectly captures the song’s raw and emotional tone. “I Cry” was a critical success, earning praise for its poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery. While not a commercial hit, the song has become a fan favorite and a testament to Ja Rule’s ability to create powerful and deeply personal music.
4. Always on Time (feat. Ashanti)
“Always on Time” featuring Ashanti is one of Ja Rule’s most iconic and beloved songs. Released in 2001, the song features a smooth and seductive beat, with Ja Rule’s smooth flow and Ashanti’s sultry vocals perfectly complementing each other. The lyrics tell the story of a tumultuous relationship between two people who can’t stay away from each other, and both artists deliver performances that perfectly capture the song’s romantic and intense vibe. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti in a tropical paradise, has become just as iconic as the song itself. “Always on Time” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. With its infectious beat, catchy chorus, and timeless appeal, “Always on Time” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of his greatest hits.
3. I’m Real (Murder Remix feat. Jennifer Lopez)
“I’m Real” featuring Jennifer Lopez is a classic Ja Rule song that showcases his talent for creating irresistible collaborations. Released in 2001, the song features a catchy and upbeat beat, with Ja Rule’s smooth flow perfectly complementing Lopez’s powerful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a passionate and intense romance between two people who can’t get enough of each other, and both artists deliver performances that perfectly capture the song’s romantic and fun-loving vibe. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and Lopez in a club setting, perfectly captures the song’s upbeat and playful tone. “I’m Real” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. With its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and unforgettable music video, “I’m Real” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of his greatest hits.
2. Between Me & You (feat. Christina Milian)
“Between Me & You” featuring Christina Milian is a classic Ja Rule song that showcases his talent for creating smooth and romantic hip-hop tracks. Released in 2000, the song features a catchy and infectious beat, with Ja Rule’s smooth flow perfectly complementing Milian’s soulful vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a passionate and intense romance between two people who can’t resist each other, and both artists deliver performances that perfectly capture the song’s romantic and sensual vibe. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and Milian in a moody and atmospheric setting, perfectly captures the song’s emotional and introspective tone. “Between Me & You” was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning praise for its smooth melody and catchy chorus. With its timeless appeal and heartfelt lyrics, “Between Me & You” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of his greatest hits.
1. Holla Holla
“Holla Holla” is the breakout hit that launched Ja Rule’s career and established him as one of the hottest new talents in hip-hop. Released in 1999, the song features a hard-hitting beat, with Ja Rule’s confident flow perfectly complementing the track’s gritty and aggressive tone. The lyrics celebrate Ja Rule’s rise to success and his determination to make it in the rap game, with catchy rhymes and an infectious chorus that immediately get listeners hooked. The music video, featuring Ja Rule and his crew in a flashy and energetic setting, perfectly captures the song’s youthful and rebellious vibe. “Holla Holla” was a commercial success, peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning praise for its catchy melody and irresistible energy. With its infectious beat and memorable lyrics, “Holla Holla” is a classic Ja Rule song that continues to be celebrated as one of his greatest hits
Darren Jamison is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
