While the track remains a certified banger in this revived era of New Jack Swing-inspired rap, it was a cultural touchstone upon its release, blending the sugary vocals of J-Lo with the rumbling melodies of Ja.Ī hit from 3:36, “Put it On Me” is an unrepentant love song and a dedication to Ja Rule’s real-life girlfriend. In 2001, Ja Rule recruiting Jennifer Lopez for an “I’m Real” remix was as big as news got. It’s an emotional number that proves the versatile power of Ja’s approach.ħ. Accompanied by Lil Mo’, Ja goes personal on the track, mourning his lost friends and the trauma he had to experience to get to the top of the charts. On “I Cry” from Ja Rule’s 2000 breakthrough Rule 3:36, he leans further into the melding of mainstream gangsta rap and neo-R&B. We’re suckers for a well-placed sample, and it’s hard to imagine anything better than Ja Rule crooning over a sample of Toto’s “Africa.” It veers dangerously close to saccharine, but Ja imbues the song with enough emotion and visceral detail to keep its street credentials intact.

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