Throwback Thursday: Ja Rule “Always on Time,” Featuring Ashanti

Ja Rule…. Ja Rule?! [Soulja Boy’s voice]

Many would coerce about Ja Rule’s stance in the music industry, seeming as if he is a walking billboard for 50 Cent’s comedic hurrah on social media rather than being considered as one of the most iconic and prominent Hip-Hop figures to date.

On Tuesday (September 14), Ja Rule and Fat Joe went head-to-head during a 20-round debacle featuring their most notable hit records within their catalogues. With nearly a million viewers present, the comment section rejoiced in nostalgic memories of childhood as each record played. Though, it was distinctive on watching the two heavyweight Hip-Hop contenders that Ja still has the prestige of having a large crowd bantering happily, he also has the classic records that resonates within our spirits to this day.

Being in the industry for nearly 3-decades, Jah has his successful run predominantly while with both Def Jam and Murda Inc, led by Irv Gotti. 

Between 1994 and 1995, Ja would gain moderate success during his group days with Cash Money Click (Chris Black and O-1), however, it wasn’t until 1995 where Ja would be a featured collaborator with artists such as: The Lox, Jay Z, Mic Geronimo, Onyx, and the late DMX during their earlier careers. By 1998, Ja was featured on Jay-Z’s “Can I Get A….” alongside Amil and garnered a mostly positive review by music executives and on popular demand from his growing fanbase. 

By 1999, Ja would release his first mainstream single, “Holla, Holla” under Def Jam/Murda Inc which peeked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and from then on, the success of Ja Rule rose above and beyond. 

With three number 1 hit records such as: “Always on Time,” with Ashanti, “I’m Real (Remix)” and “Livin’ it Up,” featuring R&B singer, Case – Ja Rule would garner a massive twelve top 10 Billboard hits, and 26 overall records that remained on Billboard for a considerable amount of time, including “Down 4 U” with Vita and Ashanti, and “Put it On Me” featuring Lil’ Mo. 

To date, Ja Rule has garnered 4 Grammy nominations, three MTV VMA’s in which he won one. He also won GQ Men of the Year, BET Awards, and nominated for several other awards. 

Let’s give Ja Rule his flowers. Throwback Thursday presents: Ja Rule 

“Always on Time,” featuring Ashanti remained at number 1 on Billboard 100 for 11 weeks back in 2001.