Like rapper DMX, Ja Rule's scratchy vocal delivery is an acquired taste. But given the success of his Lil' Mo-aided hits "Put It on Me" and "I Cry," it's no surprise that his third album follows the same formula as its pre... more »decessor, as midtempo grooves mix with thugged-out beats and rhymes. On "Lost Little Girl," a coming-of-age tale that charts the struggles of an urban hottie, Rule's gift for storytelling shines bright. While "I'm Real (Murder Remix)," featuring Jennifer Lopez, is almost worth the purchase price alone, one must conclude that Rule is best appreciated in small doses. On "So Much Pain" Rule apes 2Pac's flow, rhyme patterns, and introspection to an annoying T. Likewise, "Down Ass Bitch" sadly sounds like another thematic take-off on Apache's "Gangsta Bitch" anthem. At least "Livin' It Up" doesn't bastardize Stevie Wonder's gem "Do I Do" too much, and the beats cooked up on "Pain Is Love" and the guitar-fuelled "Always on Time" saves this release from losing all of those cool points he's earned for being a great writer. This one's strictly for the Ja Rule-initiated. --Dalton Higgins« less
Like rapper DMX, Ja Rule's scratchy vocal delivery is an acquired taste. But given the success of his Lil' Mo-aided hits "Put It on Me" and "I Cry," it's no surprise that his third album follows the same formula as its predecessor, as midtempo grooves mix with thugged-out beats and rhymes. On "Lost Little Girl," a coming-of-age tale that charts the struggles of an urban hottie, Rule's gift for storytelling shines bright. While "I'm Real (Murder Remix)," featuring Jennifer Lopez, is almost worth the purchase price alone, one must conclude that Rule is best appreciated in small doses. On "So Much Pain" Rule apes 2Pac's flow, rhyme patterns, and introspection to an annoying T. Likewise, "Down Ass Bitch" sadly sounds like another thematic take-off on Apache's "Gangsta Bitch" anthem. At least "Livin' It Up" doesn't bastardize Stevie Wonder's gem "Do I Do" too much, and the beats cooked up on "Pain Is Love" and the guitar-fuelled "Always on Time" saves this release from losing all of those cool points he's earned for being a great writer. This one's strictly for the Ja Rule-initiated. --Dalton Higgins
"This Cd is awesome.My favorites are ''Always on Time'',''I'm Real'' and ''livin it up'',though there are other good songs too.
Here is my track-by-track:
Dial m for murder:2 don't really like this one.It leaves something to be desired.
livin it up:5 Unbelievable!Rule raps well in this one and he cleverly uses stevie Wonder excerpts to make it even better.
INC:1 Yuck!One of the only bad things about the album.
always on time:5 Amazing vocals by the girl he features(ashanti, or something?)and the best lyrics of any song on the album,plus he shows he can really bring it in this one My personal favorite!Down a** b***H:4 better edited.nice job with the vocals,Rule.
never again:5 another great song with great lyrics!
X:5 AWESOME song he does with missy elliot.Cool beat,rapping, and chorus.
i'm real:5 great arrangement of the jlo smash.Lyrics are nice,with acatchy chorus that sticks in your head.
All others are pretty cool, and the skits are tight.that's all!"
Pain Is Love - Ja Rule (Clean) Review
abussani@rochester.rr.com | US | 04/26/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Ok, this is a pretty good album for those who aren't allowed to buy the explicit content one. You can still enjoy songs with words being blocked out."
Jarule
abussani@rochester.rr.com | 04/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this is my review for jarule
ever since jarule has come out in 1995 i think he has the courage
to be the new person that is not jayz or dmx or 2pac
when jarule brought when i cry featuring lilmo i thourght it really touched peoples heart and i think put it on me for the ladies has made the music industry enjoy it very well."
THE HOLLIS STAR
MARIE PEREZ | Easton, PA USA | 01/27/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I like everything that Ja Rule puts out. I rate this album
4 stars because it's good but not as good as 3:36. To me it
feels that he really expressed alot of himself growing up
and alot of hardships in life. It felt like he was giving a message rather than entertainment. Now he still expresses hisself
but it seems a bit less of himself. And that's what i feel is
most admired by his audience. That's what draws me to his music
being i'm from the same place as him (Hollis Queens). Well i like this album but I feel that he could've done a little better
in expressing hisself, on the account of the things that's out there."
Ja Rule Nearly There
Ben | UK | 01/15/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Ja Rules use of Catchy beats and women vocalists performing his chorus's makes him one of the most loved and well respected hip hop, some would say his songs remind you of 2pac yet Ja Rules way of perfroming hip hop is truely a quality.
His Hits 'Livin It Up' and 'Always on Time' Give the cd its edge and the dedication song to 2pac makes it even better.4 Stars for Ja Rule"