JaRule: The rise, fall and return
Queens native Jeffrey Atkins, better known as JaRule, was once the man to beat in the rap game. He first appeared on the scene in 1993 in a group called the Cash Money Click (no affiliation to Baby & Slim’s Cash Money Millionaires) before signing a solo deal with Murder Inc., founded by producer Irv Gotti.  

Ja had it all: money, growing fame, swagger and a gritty delivery that had fans drawing comparisons between Ja and his predecessors Tupac and DMX. But competition from other rappers (including a verbal onslaught from 50 Cent), a federal investigation into Murder Inc., and personal choices put Ja’s career in a downward spiral.

Earlier this year Ja leaked a few new tracks, “U & Me” featuring R&B chick Lil’ Mo, and “Get the Money.” Both songs show that the rapper still has the flow that we fell in love with and just may be able to make a comeback—that is if he starts behaving himself.

Let’s take a further look at JaRule’s career over the last decade.

—Marcus A. Williams