He is best-known for hits "Put It On Me", "Between Me And You", "Wonderful" and for being associated with Jay-Z as a part of The Murderers. Ja Rule has sold over 20 Million albums worldwide and has released six albums with one on the way. His best-selling albums are Pain Is Love and Rule 3:36. Ja Rule has beefed with rappers DMX, 50 Cent, The Game, Busta Rhymes, Dr. Dre, and Eminem.
Early life:
He attended Junior High School in Floral Park, New York, where he met his future wife Aisha Murray and they graduated in 1991. They attended Martin Van Buren High School together but he did not graduate. When Atkins was five years old, his sister died from respiratory problems. Growing up in a strict religious home, Atkin's family did not celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and as a child, was not allowed to listen to rap music. When he first heard it, he decided to be a rapper. He would sneak the music into his house and played it on his CD player when his mother wasn't around. Atkins is married to his high school sweetheart, Aisha Atkins née Murray.They have three children: Brittney (11), Jeffrey Junior (6) and Jordan (3).He and his family live in a mansion in New Jersey.
Rise to Fame:
At age 15, Atkins appeared with 0-1 and Chris Black as part of Cash Money Click. This would lead to him being signed by TVT Records in 1994. He would end up being heard by a young DJ who called himself DJ Irv, then later Irv Gotti. Gotti, was a friend of Jay-Z's and he was also a DJ for Def Jam Recordings. During the mid 90s his main priority was meeting Ja Rule. He wanted to sign Ja to his new label Murder Inc. Records. He wanted Ja because of his distinct deep voice. After Irv was able to sign Ja along with DMX and Jay-Z to Def Jam. He began to have an idea that they all work together. They formed a group named The Murderers. They recorded many songs together. Friction tore the group apart, DMX, a rapper that sounds very similar to Ja accused him of trying to steal his style with the deep voice, by saying that before the three were signed Ja tried to make his voice sound lighter but heard him embrace the deep voice and tried to imitate it. They had planned to release an album together, but this idea was scrapped and they all made appearances on their respective albums. Still, around this time, Ja Rule was still fairly unknown. Jay-Z, at the time a young star and new to Def Jam, was the most popular rapper in hip hop. Russell Simmons had the idea that in order to build hype around Ja Rule and capitalize on Jay's popularity that Ja Rule do a verse on Jay-Z's 1998 single Can I Get A..., which also featured Amil. Ja's performance of the verse made him a household name and he became an instant star and by the release of his album a year later he was one of Def Jam Recordings premier acts.
Where I'm From
Ja Rule Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Umm hey
Comin' from where I'm from, I'm from
Oh yea
Oh yea
Kids get killed in ghettos, shot up over their carmelo's
Reverend in the middle of a sermon and funereal
Shed a tear 'cause they lost a son the same way a year ago
It's the same ego spiritual, we thuggin' in harmony
They say death brings life, there exchange no robbery
If I'm wrong then pardon me, I'm just tired of poverty
Why them niggas in the hood never hit the lottery
Unless they go lottery, first round in the draft
First we dustin' off the rounds and we slip in the mag'
Then slip on the masks, and go out and mash
And we call it feeding our family, ya'll call it a tragedy, damn
How I could just kill a man
Watch his blood flow like a river and rinse his blood off of my hand
If you hearing me speak please lord give me a chance
And forgive for my sins, 'cause we cleansed where I'm from
Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside
I never run in or hide, 'cause some niggas hate it
But I can't be fadin' 'cause I done made it
Instead of struggling, just strive
Find my way out these ghetto streets of mine
This is coming from where I'm from (I'm from)
We all walk back in line
Everybody know that everybody said nobody can hide from beef
Except but us, who surprised when these kids get killed on the streets
Look how these animals eat that's how they talk bout us
While they shed they joke and laugh puttin a choke round us
Can I get a moment of silence
'Cause they claimin' it's the murderers that's causing all the violence
But what about the ones that protect to serve our honor
Poppin' that blue colla', with shots soon to follow
The ghettos in horror, 'cause in this boy shot went back
And now the neighborhood's hot and he can't move the crack
When it's all about the dollars
And he'll individually get murdered 'cause money is power
But then these snitch's get to talking and it's colder than ours
Cuffed and crimed on the bus heading straight to the island
He was only thirteen, but tried as an adult in the highest of courts
Because ain't no more children in the ghetto where I'm from
Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside (it's cold outside)
I never run in or hide, 'cause some niggas hate it
But I can't be fadin' 'cause I done made it
Instead of struggling, I strive
To find my way out these ghetto streets of mine
This is coming from where I'm from, I'm from
We all walk back in line (yeah)
We ain't all killers in prison
Matter fact that's a stereotypical thought of livin'
'Cause they don't know about the hood and them love in it
Summer time top down with the wood finish
Pushin' hard uptown windows slightly tinted
Back to back Benz' and Jeeps, blowin' weed with my niggas
On our way to a house party, gonna fuck with some bitches
Let's get some liquor for shorty who said she make us some chicken
And if we get 'em drunk enough we probably could freak 'em
And do it every other weekend
If I don't have to kill niggas, I never would leave the ghetto
I'm like an angel that put on a halo
Cradle the grave of my niggas that we lost in the ghetto
'Cause where I'm from in the ghetto we rock white tee's and Nike's
Roll three dice and name our dope ice cream
Set trends and ya'll follow our lead
But in New Yitti niggas follow they dreams, where I'm from
Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside
I never run in or hide, 'cause some niggas hate it
But I can't be fadin' 'cause I done made it
Instead of struggling, I strive
To find my way out these ghetto streets of mine
This is coming from where I'm from, I'm from (I'm from)
We all walk back in line, yeah
Now I lay me down and sleep
And I pray to the Lord, for my soul to keep
But if I should die before I wake
Pray for the Lord, my soul to take yeah
Pray for the Lord, my soul to take
Hmm, hmm
Oh yeah
Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside
I never run in or hide, 'cause some niggas hate it
But I can't be fadin' 'cause I done made it
Instead of struggling, I strive
To find my way out these ghetto streets of mine
This is coming from where I'm from, I'm from
Ja Rule's song "Where I'm From" is a commentary on the harsh realities of life in the ghetto. The lyrics discuss the violence and poverty that plagues the communities, with children losing their lives and families struggling to make ends meet. Ja Rule offers his own personal experience growing up in the rough areas, describing how he and his friends would ride out together even when it was dangerous to do so. He also touches on societal issues like police brutality and discrimination against those who live in low-income areas.
Throughout the song, Ja Rule emphasizes the need for change and the desire to succeed despite the challenges that come with growing up in the ghetto. He references the importance of hard work and striving to make a better life for oneself. The lyrics also touch on themes of loyalty, friendship, and the power of music to bring people together.
Overall, "Where I'm From" is a poignant and reflective look at life in underserved communities. It highlights the struggles faced by those who grow up in poverty and the resilience and determination required to overcome them.
Line by Line Meaning
Nigga, fuck is you talkin' 'bout?
Questioning the person's statement and seeking clarification
Comin' from where I'm from, I'm from
Indicating the singer's origin
Kids get killed in ghettos, shot up over their carmelo's
Children are dying in impoverished neighborhoods due to violence over trivial things
While they mom was at home, tears hittin' the pillow
Mothers of the deceased are mourning their loss and feeling helpless
Reverend in the middle of a sermon and funereal
Even religious leaders are affected by the violence and tragedy in the community
Shed a tear 'cause they lost a son the same way a year ago
The community has experienced loss before and it's happening again
It's the same ego spiritual, we thuggin' in harmony
Despite the violence and loss, the community still has a sense of unity and pride
They say death brings life, there exchange no robbery
Some believe that violence and death are inevitable and cyclical
If I'm wrong then pardon me, I'm just tired of poverty
The artist is expressing frustration with living in poverty
Why them niggas in the hood never hit the lottery
The artist questions why it's rare for those living in poverty to achieve financial success
Unless they go lottery, first round in the draft
The singer suggests that the only way to escape poverty is through sports or gambling
First we dustin' off the rounds and we slip in the mag'
Preparing for violence by loading a gun
Then slip on the masks, and go out and mash
Concealing identity before committing violent acts
And we call it feeding our family, ya'll call it a tragedy, damn
The singer justifies violence as a means of survival, while others see it as a tragic choice
How I could just kill a man
Expressing deep anger or frustration with someone
Watch his blood flow like a river and rinse his blood off of my hand
Imagining committing a violent act and how it would be cleaned up
If you hearing me speak please lord give me a chance
Asking for an opportunity to make a change or difference
And forgive for my sins, 'cause we cleansed where I'm from
Asking for forgiveness for past sins and acknowledging the harsh reality of the community
Me and my niggas ride even when the sun don't shine and it's cold outside
The singer and their friends stick together and support each other despite harsh conditions
Instead of struggling, just strive
Encouraging oneself to focus on achieving success
We ain't all killers in prison
Challenging the stereotype that every person in a marginalized community is a criminal
Matter fact that's a stereotypical thought of livin'
Acknowledging that stereotypes and assumptions are harmful and untrue
Summer time top down with the wood finish
Enjoying the small moments of life and having fun with friends
Pushin' hard uptown windows slightly tinted
Driving through the city with some privacy
Back to back Benz' and Jeeps, blowin' weed with my niggas
Hanging out and enjoying life with friends
If I don't have to kill niggas, I never would leave the ghetto
The singer doesn't want to resort to violence, but feels trapped in their circumstances
I'm like an angel that put on a halo
Feeling like they are trying to do good despite the negativity around them
This is coming from where I'm from (I'm from)
Reiterating the origin of the artist's perspective
Now I lay me down and sleep
Reciting a common prayer before bed
And I pray to the Lord, for my soul to keep
Asking for protection of their soul
But if I should die before I wake
Acknowledging that death is a possibility
Pray for the Lord, my soul to take yeah
Further asking for their soul to be taken care of in the afterlife
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFFREY B. ATKINS, IRVING DOMINGO LORENZO, ANDRE S. PARKER, DEMETRIUS KENNETH MCGHEE, LLOYD POLITE, ARTHUR GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind