Last Updated on February 29, 2024
Who is Ja Rule?
Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, popularly known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer, record executive, and actor whose vivid melodies dominated the charts in the late 90s and early 2000s.
Ja Rule began his career in the music industry as a rapper in the hip hop group Cash Money Click which released its debut single, Get Tha Fortune, in 1994. The group secured a record label deal and went on to release multiple hit singles in preparation for their first studio album.
However, things went sour, and all plans were halted when Chris Black, a group member, was arrested and sentenced to jail. Cash Money Click lost its record label deal and soon disbanded shortly after. Thus, Ja Rule began his solo career.
In 1999, he released his debut single, “Holla Holla,” which instantly became a hit on the charts. Encouraged by this, Ja Rule released his debut studio album, which sold close to 200,000 copies in the first week of its release. Since then, Ja Rule has recorded and released seven studio albums, twenty singles and has sold millions of copies of his albums worldwide.
Asides from his outstanding musical career, Ja Rule also managed to establish a career as an actor and was even able to secure a minor role in The Fast and The Furious. Ja Rule has also launched an urban clothing line and a liquor company.
Quick Facts
Full Name: | Jeffrey Bruce Atkins |
Popular Name: | Ja Rule |
Gender: | Male |
Birth Date: | February 29, 1976 |
Age: | 47 years |
Parents: | Debra Atkins (mother) and William Atkins (father) |
Siblings: | N/A |
Birth Place: | Hollis, New York City, United States of America |
Nationality: | American |
Ethnicity: | African American |
Education: | Harvard Business School |
Marital Status: | Married |
Sexual Orientation: | Straight |
Wife/Spouse: | Aisha Murray |
Children: | Brittney Asja Atkins, Jeffrey Jr. Atkins, and Jordan Atkins |
Dating: | N/A |
Net Worth: | $4 million |
Source of Wealth: | Rapping, Acting, and Entrepreneurship |
Height: | 5ft8 (1.75m) |
Weight: | 72kg (160lbs) |
Early Life And Career Information
On February 29, 1976, Ja Rule was born to Debra and William Atkins in Hollis, New York City. His father left his mother when he was very young. As such, Ja Rule was raised as an only child by his mother and grandparents, who were Jehovah’s Witnesses.
He began his career as a professional rapper in Cash Money Click, a hip-hop group alongside two other members, O-1 and Chris Black.
After releasing their hit debut single, it was assumed that the group would become a success, especially after they signed with TVT records. Unfortunately, all plans fell through when Chris Black was arrested and sentenced to jail for five years. The record label immediately dropped the group, and they soon disbanded shortly after.
Despite his rocky beginning, Ja Rule was determined to chase his dreams of becoming a renowned rapper and decided to begin his solo career. He teamed up with Irv Gotti, who had worked with his former group. With his aid, Ja Rule was soon able to secure a contract with Def Jam.
In 1999, Ja Rule released his debut album Venni Vetti Vecci; an instant hit certified Platinum in the United States before long. Motivated by this, Ja Rule released his second album, a smashing hit on the charts and sold over 250,000 copies in the first week of its release.
In 2001, Ja Rule released his third studio album, “Pain is Love,” which earned him a Grammy nomination and sold nearly 4 million copies in just six years. By then, Ja Rule had earned a name in the music industry and began collaborating with other notable artists like Jay-Z, Ashanti, Jennifer Lopez, and DMX.
Ja Rule has received multiple accolades and awards for his outstanding talent during his career. He won the Best Hip Hop Act at the MOBO Awards in 2002, won two BET awards, and is a four-time Grammy-nominated artist.
Ja Rule also began to establish a career for himself as an actor. He has appeared in several movies such as “Back in the Day,” “Pras, Turn It Up,” and “The Fast and The Furious.” In 2004, Ja Rule began to delve into entrepreneurship when he launched an urban clothing line. Two years later, he launched a liquor company.
Like most rappers, Ja Rule has also had his share of scandals and feuds. He has had several brushes with the law for tax evasion and was even sentenced to jail for two years for gun possession and tax evasion. Also, Ja Rule has also been in well-publicized feuds with other artists like Eminem and 50 Cent.
In 2001, Ja Rule married Aisha Murray, whom he had been dating for a few years. The pair have had three children together and are still married to date.
Ja Rule’s Net Worth
Well known for his vivid musical style and ability to create universally acceptable and unique melodies, Ja Rule is often regarded as one of the most successful rappers in the United States. Combined with his acting career and other ventures, Ja undoubtedly enjoys the fruits of his hard work and dedication.
As of 2023, the award-winning rapper’s net worth stands at $4 million.
Lessons From The Life Of Ja Rule
Strive To Become Better
“I wanted to go into prison and come out a better person—mentally, physically. So, I read a lot of books, got my GED while I was there, and worked out every day. Strong body, strong mind.” ~Ja Rule.
A great lesson that can be learnt from Ja Rule is that he never gave up on trying to become better regardless of the various brushes he had with the law. Besides getting his GED while in prison, Ja Rule received an online degree from Harvard Business School in 2021.
Do not let your past mistakes stop you from trying to become a better person.
Family Is Everything
“I love to see my family together. That’s what life is about. It’s about family.” ~Ja Rule.
Although Ja Rule’s father was absent during most of his life, he has strived to ensure this is not the case for his children. He has often commented on the importance of family and caring for his loved ones as they have always stood by him during the rocky days of his life.