Thanks for stopping through. This is the Ja Rule show, presented by HipHopDX.com. This show includes: the ups and downs, the ins and outs and clears up all the confusion and controversy about one of the biggest rap stars of all time. There are no intermissions and improvisation is expected. This isn’t a live taping of a sitcom or a theatrical play based on romanticism rather a reality show, where nothings scripted.

This is the life and time of Ja Rule.

Sit back, relax and learn. Learn the lessons, listen to details and indulge in his honesty, remarkable courage and passionate dedication. Please leave all questions and comments for the end of the show.

And no…Curtis Jackson, Earl Simmons or Marshall Mathers are featured in this episode. Please turn off your cell phones, grab a snack and enjoy.

HipHopDX: Let’s talk about the beginning of your commercial career, in 1997 where did you think you were going to be by the year 2007 as opposed to where you are?
Ja: Um, I think I’m in a nice position. I think I’m in a good place. A lot of people may not know that I’m in as good as a place I’m in, but I’m in a good space.

HipHopDX: Cool. This is your seventh solo project. What have you learned since Venni, Vetti, Vecci and how has your music shifted then?
Ja: I think I’ve elevated as an artist in many ways. As an artist you gotta be able to be different- you have to push the envelope. I think I’ve done that throughout my career. Whether it’s been records like, “Put It On Me,” that catered to the ladies or making an all out war album, like Blood In My Eye. I think I pushed the envelope (laughs).

HipHopDX: Aight, cool. How was it making that transition from being one of the biggest emcees out to almost being forgotten? Did you ever think you would be starting from the bottom again? How do you feel having to build that whole connection back again or do you even feel like you have to?
Ja: It’s a big misconception of that- what you just said. For me, I never stopped making good music. It’s like the hate bus pulled up and somebody kicked me in my ass on it and now I’m on the hate bus. But, I don’t think I ever stopped making good music. My last album, my records off that were wonderful (with R. Kelly and “New York”). Those were two great records, so I never stopped making good music. I just think I was a victim to a lot of hatred, due to making so many big records and being so out there. At that time and in anybody’s career when you’re doing things in the public eye at such a high level, people start to hate - it’s natural. Continued on page 2 »