Without DMX, there would be no Ja Rule. When the gravelly voiced Dark Man X bum-rushed the rap world, he paved the path for a whole slew of next-generation leathernecks with flows to match. That being said, Rule is a worth... more »y adversary for his oft-maligned peer, managing to combine DMX's signature stuttery, acerbic flow with just a hint of Jay-Z's flash and wit. The production, handled largely by Irv Gotti, is trademark New York thug style, suiting Rule's grumbles to a T. Yet amid the tales of "murda" (and there are many), there are some moments of insurgent sunshine. "Race Against Time" is the thug's lament, no less potent for its obligatory nature. And on "Let's Ride," Rule winks at the ladies, telling them "My style is so touching, it'll wipe your eye." To boot, he prints his lyrics in the booklet, an all-too-rare phenomenon in rap. Caesar he ain't, but emperor for a day? Certainly. --Jon Caramanica« less
Without DMX, there would be no Ja Rule. When the gravelly voiced Dark Man X bum-rushed the rap world, he paved the path for a whole slew of next-generation leathernecks with flows to match. That being said, Rule is a worthy adversary for his oft-maligned peer, managing to combine DMX's signature stuttery, acerbic flow with just a hint of Jay-Z's flash and wit. The production, handled largely by Irv Gotti, is trademark New York thug style, suiting Rule's grumbles to a T. Yet amid the tales of "murda" (and there are many), there are some moments of insurgent sunshine. "Race Against Time" is the thug's lament, no less potent for its obligatory nature. And on "Let's Ride," Rule winks at the ladies, telling them "My style is so touching, it'll wipe your eye." To boot, he prints his lyrics in the booklet, an all-too-rare phenomenon in rap. Caesar he ain't, but emperor for a day? Certainly. --Jon Caramanica
"Ja Rule, the name of the man that is on virtually every song that comes out nowadays, released this classic debut album in 1999. While his two subsequent releases aren't nearly as good as this one, the reason for that is that he was hungrier on this album. Fighting off comparisons to the gruff voiced DMX ( they sound nothing alike) and the legend Tupac Shakur ( sounds nothing like him either ), Ja Rule carved his own little niche and gaine some cult followers with this cd.While first appearing on Jay-Z's Can I Get A... and garnering much attention for his brilliant and fresh verse, his real breakout was the single Holla Holla. This song tore up the radio and TV during the summer of 99 and was a huge hit. Face it folk the song was classic. That song alone pushed this cd to platinum status and established Ja Rule as a household name. But people looking for an album chock full of Holla Holla type songs are in for a huge surprise. Ja Rule's grimy voice and potent lyrics are very entertaining on this debut. Packed with hard street beats and an unparalleled flow and voice, Ja Rule hits the mark dead on and is at his best. Songs like Kill Em All and World's Most Dangerous are, in one word, hardcore. Let's Ride lets the bass ride out and sounds sorta like a west coast beat. Very nice. Suicide freestyle feat. Case is a masterpiece even though it is too short. Story To Tell is another street anthem as well as the collaboration with Jay-Z and DMX (then dubbed as The Murderers, but that fell apart for some reason) It's Murda was just a glimpse of what these three could do if they joined forces. E-Dub & Ja has to be the best song on the album, with Erick Sermon providing, in my opinion, one of his best beats, and he and Ja Rule ripping the track to shreds. The chorus is also a great one.ON this album, I believe Ja Rule got pounded for the subject matter and his frequent use of the term murderer, but I believe those critics just didn't listen to the album at all. Just peep songs such as Daddy's Little Baby feat. The great Ron Isley, a song about his daughter, or Only Begotten Son, and Race Against Time. If you would listen to the lyrics, you can hear that the man has a lot to say and provides deeper lyrics than most rappers. I think this criticism is the sole reason he switched up his style but that's beside the point.Ja Rule's debut album Venni Vetti Vecci is a classic in my book. There are no skip songs and every song is good. The only problem I have is the stupid skits which make no freaking sense. Why not just delete them altogether? Anyways, if you even slightly like Ja Rule, then you will definitely like this album. Tight beats, choruses, and lyrics. I recommend it."
Venni vetti vecci is exactly what it says for ja rule
tom halliday | Michigan,United States of America | 01/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"He came,he saw,he conquered.Thats what venni vetti vecci means,and thats what ja rule has done this year.He brought to the rap world this beautifully orchestrated album for his debut realese.This cd is full of songs that will be played by dj's for years.Holla'holla is just one reason to buy this great cd.This is a 5 star title.Ja has been called a dmx wanna be.Hey anyone who is compared to the likes of dmx has to be a somebody.Ja rule has just been introduced to the world,and he has so far made a big impression.The beats and lyrics are unquestionable on this cd.Race against time is the main reason i love this cd so much.Ja rule is about family,money,drugs,and loyalship.If you have any brains ya'll go and buy this solid title right now"
Ja rules best work
tom halliday | 10/01/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"everybody says that ja rule is mostly pop now and thats true but this cd is hands down ja rules best work. If you like hip hop then you will not be dissipointed if you buy this album this is straight hip hop no pop music."
Hard Hittin
Patrick Kalgreen | Lodi, Ohio | 01/24/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is possibly the most hard hittin album out there. Ja's voice alone is the best in rap and the way he projects it is amazing. Lyrically he's tight, the beats will cause your subwoofers to crack and i'm pretty sure every song will have u rappin' along. Enjoy... get ready for Murder Inc. (Ja Rule, DMX, Jay-Z)"
Not The Best But Certaintly One Of Them
ryan | Omaha, NE USA | 12/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ja Rule, whether you like him or not, will be one of the most unforgettable rappers of Hip-Hop history. "Venni Vetti Vecci" proves that Ja has talent. Sure it's repetitive as hell at some times, but if you listen closely, there's a sign of inspiration. "Only Begotten Son", "Race Against Time", "Daddy's Little Baby", and "Suicide Freestyle" are all examples of inspiration while the other songs will appeal to the fans of hardcore rap and club bangers. "Only Begotten Son" is my favorite song from the album. The beat is simple, yet appealing, and Ja pours his soul out, discussing how his manhood was wounded by growing up without a father. "E Dub & Ja" is a B-Boy song featuring one of the most underrated rappers in the game, Erick Sermon. The beat is smooth and both MC's show their skills on the mic. "It's Murda" features Jay-Z & DMX, who surprisingly don't outrhyme Ja at all. Black Child is another highlight of the album. He shows up on two choruses; once on "We Here Now and again on "N*ggaz Theme". He also shows up on "The Murderers" a posse cut with his fellow label rappers.
Basically, if you don't like Ja's more mainstream material these days, then check out this album because Ja has skills and this album shows it"