Review: Ja Rule, “Blood In My Eye”
Jeffrey Atkins Goes Hard… Ja Rule has been accused of resorting to mainstream R&B hits ever since Rule 3:36. Then Pain Is Love came with a terrible J. Lo track (which I believe has even been removed from the track-listing) and that was forgivable while The Last Temptation was without a doubt his worst album. On the latest Blood In My Eye, the Rule we love is back to his baddest with fierce lyrics and some dark, sparse beats. The style definitely recalls his younger self from Venni Vetti Vecci. This album is 100 percent a retaliation album to all of the bad publicity he received from his squabble with 50 Cent and everyone else who took shots at him this last year. He effectively lets everyone know how he feels about Busta Rhymes, DMX, and the whole Aftermath/Shady crew. One wonders if Ja Rule would have anything to make songs about if this beef never happened.
Tracks like Clap Back and The Life have a great beat and are enjoyable. The title track is the best with a great beat, cool sample and some mean lyrics. The last two “freestyles,” are maybe the best on the album if just for great beats. An It’s Murda rehash uses a proven beat and The Wrap provides a great ride out. Hussein’s presence on the album is welcome.
While I do commend Ja Rule for his return to Original Gangsta and not a damn R&B collaboration to be found, this album does disappoint in many ways. Three skits on a 14 track album is never appreciated and they are not even funny or entertaining. “It’s been years and you have the same people in the back ground,” 50 Cent said it best–vocals by unknowns from Murder Inc. are nothing special. I have always enjoyed Rule’s style and delivery; this album shows some of his potential but it is apparent Rule has lost some of his lyrical spark. Bottom line only a handful of worthy songs but this album serves as a reminder that Rule goes hard.
2 Stars
