In the early 2000’s Ja Rule and Ashanti ruled the charts. They had 5 songs that they worked together become top ten hits. Over the last few years they have been touring together. It was only a matter of time before conversation would start up again concerning the two artists finally doing an album together. On social media it was confirmed that the project is finally in the works. Wanted to dig into their discography and revisit some of the smash hits, remixes, and album cuts.
The first song to obviously visit is their biggest hit song “Always on Time” off of Ja Rule’s 2001 album Pain Is Love. The track reached number one on the billboard charts. Ja Rule earlier that year had received his first number one with his collaboration on the “I’m Real” remix with Jennifer Lopez. The two would soon after work together on Fat Joe’s “ What’s Luv” which in 2002 peaked at the number two spot from his album Jealous Ones Still Envy.
Ja Rule – Always on Time feat. Ashanti
Fat Joe – What’s Luv feat. Ashanti & Ja Rule
Later in 2002 Ashanti released her self -titled debut album. One of the album cuts was “Leaving (Always on Time Part II)”. The sequel to Ja Rule’s and Ashanti’s first hit single together. Shortly thereafter the compilation Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. was released. The duo kept their streak going with the second single “Down 4 U”, peaking at number 6 on the charts.
Ashanti – Leaving (Always on Time Part II) feat. Ja Rule
Ja Rule – Down 4 U feat. Ashanti
Towards the end of 2002 Ja Rule released The Last Temptation. The second single “Mesmerize” would peak at number 2, another smash hit for the duet. Another notable song from the album that the pair appeared on was “The Pledge” remix. The song had a high profile because not only did it feature vocals from 2Pac but it was a vehicle for Nas at the time to join Murder Inc.
Ja Rule – Mesmerize feat. Ashanti
Ja Rule – The Pledge (remix) feat. Ashanti, Nas, & 2Pac
In 2003 Ashanti would release her sophomore album Chapter II. Ja Rule would hop on the remix to the second single “Rain on Me” which reached number 7 on the charts. The most recent song released commercially between Ja Rule and Ashanti was “Helpless” off of The Hamilton Mixtape in 2016.
Ashanti – Rain on Me (remix) feat. Hussein Fatal, Charli Baltimore & Ja Rule
Ashanti – Helpless feat. Ja Rule
Ja Rule and Ashanti’s album when released should be well received. They certainly have a proven track record and the project will spark up nostalgia from the early 2000’s. Between the two there is a chemistry that is difficult to find. It is great to see that their careers are experiencing a resurgence.
