Ja Rule pushes "Pain is Love 2" back to 2012

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

For four years, Ja Rule has been on the comeback trail. In 2007, Murder Inc. Records made a strong comeback. The label established a deal with Universal Records and Irv Gotti accepted an executive role with the label. Ja Rule was to be the top priority of Universal Records.

Irv Gotti recently discussed what happened at Universal, revealing he and Ja Rule pulled the plug. Ja Rule was making daily appearances on BET and MTV as if it were 2004. But, this ended when his album was continiously delayed. Ja Rule announced his own independent move in 2009.

While Ja Rule has become independent, he said he will always be a part of Murder Inc. This summer, Ja Rule had hoped to release his album. Despite being in prison, Rule intended to release his album on October 11. The official video for "Spun a Web" was released, but nothing further came from Ja Rule.

Now, Ja Rule revealed his Pain is Love 2 album will be released in 2012. Next month, Ja Rule will release both "Real Life Fantasy" and "Superstar" to iTunes and radio. Around the time of the album's release, Rule will release his "Black Vodka" single.

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Lloyd finally responds to Irv Gotti

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Until a few weeks ago, Irv Gotti had been out of the headlines for two years. The last time Irv Gotti made news was when Lloyd was trying to leave Murder Inc. Lloyd announced he had left the label and Irv Gotti said it was not true. Eventually, Lloyd did leave the label and signed with Interscope Records.

During Irv Gotti's interview, he addressed Lloyd, saying he was one person he had no love for. Irv Gotti re-hashed the wounds of 2009 and pointed out Lloyd's frequent G-Unit collaborations. It was apparent, Irv Gotti was highly upset with Lloyd. Ja Rule, however, has performed with Lloyd in the time since then.

Lloyd was well aware of the comments Irv Gotti made about him and he took the time to respond. During an interview on Shade 45 with Sway, Lloyd said he was cool with Irv Gotti's family. He said he does not want to have problems with anyone in the game. Lloyd went on to say he was glad Irv's opinions do not impact his career and that his feelings about him do not impact his life.

Despite all the things Irv Gotti said, Lloyd said he wishes him the best. He said working with 50 Cent was a personal achievement and also said he was thankful for what Irv Gotti did for him, earlier in his career.

Listen to Lloyd's interview with Shade 45 below:

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Can Diddy save New York hip hop?

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Hip hop originated in New York City, but was losing its grip on the hip hop game by the late 1980s. By the early 1990s, the West Coast had completely taken over the game. When New York needed new life breathed into them, it was Diddy, then known as Puff Daddy, who assmebled the team, which brought them back.

Def Jam is known as the mecca of hip hop. While there were hip hop record labels before Def Jam, they were run by older people, who did not quite understand hip hop. By the early 1990s, Def Jam did not quite understand current hip hop. In the end, Bad Boy Records revived the hip hop scene in New York.

With New York hip hop in ruins, once again, Def Jam is still not the label the people are turning to. Two of the biggest buzzing rappers from the City of New York are Red Cafe and French Montana. Two years ago, Diddy announced his re-focus on Bad Boy Records and announced he signed Red Cafe to the label, intending on making him the new flagship artist of the label.

Red Cafe is currently gearing up for his debut album and he is pounding the mixtape scene with a number of new releases. Along with the releases are coming music videos, which also showcase Red Cafe's artists who are signed to his Shakedown label. Diddy also managed to sign the entire Shakedown roster to his Bad Boy imprint, which is distributed by Interscope Records. For years, Diddy has been focused on his other business ventures, but his re-focus on his original business is doing wonders for hip hop.

Diddy is also negotiating with one of New York's hottest underground rappers, French Montana. Much like current Bad Boy artist, Red Cafe, French Montana is the head of his own label, Cocaine City. The roster boasts several other artists. If Diddy does end up signing French Montana, the entire Cocaine City roster will be included in the deal. Bad Boy Records has been compared to Def Jam, which distributed several sub-labels during their heyday, including Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc.

With the new deal at Interscope Records, Diddy can establish the same sort of deal and distribute several labels in the New York area. The talent in New York remains there, but the exposure is what was lacking until recent years. Instead of waiting on the major label deals and the cameras, New York artists began creating their own labels, again, and turned on their own cameras. Now, they are catching the attention of the power-players, can Diddy be the man to put these people out?

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Ja Rule facing $4 million Tax Lien

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Despite the crumbling empire, Irv Gotti said all was well between himself and Ja Rule. While Rule ventured off and created his own label, Irv Gotti said it is a branch off Murder Inc. After taking some time off, Gotti promised he would be back to take the game over.

When he was asked about Ja Rule's current prison sentence, Irv Gotti said he was disappointed by no one around him taking the fall. The bad news continues to mount for Ja Rule. In addition to him serving two years in federal prison, his tax troubles are being revealed.

The State of New Jersey has filed a $4,317,189 tax lien on Ja Rule's Saddle River estate. Ja Rule's team has yet to comment on the news.

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Cadillac Tah responds to Prodigy via Facebook!

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ever since he got out of prison, Prodigy has had plenty to say about both his friends and foes. Recently, his comments about Capone has led to the rapper feuding with P. Along the way, Prodigy has diffused a possible beef with 50 Cent and has ignited one with Cadillac Tah, a former member of Murder Inc.

In his tell-all book, Prodigy addresses the Ja Rule situation. He said Rule and Irv Gotti were set up by Cadillac Tah to be robbed. When he released this information, MTV got in contact with Ja Rule. In an interview with Sway Calloway, Ja Rule said the story was not true. He went on to give Prodigy props for being a Queens rapper.

Cadillac Tah has not been as friendly over the issue. A little over an hour ago, Caddy discovered what Prodigy said about him. Through his personal Facebook page, Prodigy told exactly how he feels about what the Mobb Deep member said.

"YO THAT NIGGA PRODIGY IS FUCKIN FAGOT.....TELL HIM I SAID IT!!! AND COME SEE ME IF HE FEELIN FROGGY IM IN THE HOOD!! POVCITY BITCH!!!! EXCUSE MY FRENCH BUT ALL BOTTY MON MUST DEAD!!!! P.C.G MUTHAFUCKA!!!!!" - Cadillac Tah, Facebook.

Capone has asked 50 Cent to stay out of his issue with Prodigy over the book and his interview. From the way Cadillac Tah sounds, he could care less who he goes against.

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50 Cent talks past Jadakiss feud

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

In 2003, 50 Cent supposedly ended Ja Rule's career. Obviously, the memo was not sent to Murder Inc. In the middle of the G-Unit feud, Ja Rule decided to go back to recording the music that made the fans love him. The result of this was a top five hit, "Wonderful."

The song featured R. Kelly, at the time, the king of the R&B game, fresh off his work with Jay-Z. Ja Rule was back on top of the game and he had even made a song for the streets. Uniting with veteran rappers, Fat Joe and Jadakiss, Rule released "New York."

Before recording the song, Ja Rule extended an invitation to any rapper from New York who wanted to get on the song. After hearing the song and the support for Ja Rule, 50 Cent was highly upset. The entire New York hip hop scene had a part in the video.

50 Cent used this to his advantage when he decided to record his album. On the song "Piggy Bank," 50 went after Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss, along with Nas and Mobb Deep. The song warranted responses from everyone except Rule and Mobb Deep. Soon, 50 Cent found himself in the middle of a bitter feud with not only Jadakiss, but his entire D-Block camp.

For three years, 50 Cent traded disses with Jadakiss before they made a truce in 2007. Soon, Jadakiss became a part of ThisIs50.com and many other 50 Cent ventures. Recently, 50 Cent spoke on their past issues, clearing up any questions. 50 Cent said he and Jadakiss never had any personal issues against each other, it was just a part of the hip hop game.

Because they had no personal issues, it was easy for him to end the feud.

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Crooked I happy Benzino ended feud with Slaughterhouse

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

It came as a surprise to many when Eminem signed Slaughterhouse to his Shady Records. The group consists of Royce da 5'9, Joell Ortiz, Joe Budden, and Crooked I. Eminem had a longstanding feud with Royce, Joell Ortiz had been signed to Aftermath, but left after he said his album was mishandled by Dr. Dre, and Crooked I was an associate of Murder Inc.

Benzino has been very vocal of Eminem for nearly ten years. He has found various reasons to continue attacking Eminem. When he learned of Slaughterhouse signing with Shady, Benzino immediately blasted them. But, after listening to their music, Benzino changed his tone and gave them credit. He also extended an olive branch to Eminem and the group.

Crooked I had not heard anything about this until SOHH.com informed him about the statement. While he did not say he accepted the truce, Crooked I said he was glad Benzino has finally moved on with his life. Crooked I did say he is the type of person who likes to work out differences, however, and he would love to meet up with Benzino and officially end their feud.

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50 Cent makes fun of Ja Rule's tax troubles

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

With his legal troubles and his new albums, Ja Rule has been at the top of news headlines. Initially, Rule was only facing prison time because of his gun and drug possession. Earlier this week, however, he landed in more hot water with his tax troubles.

Ja Rule pleaded guilty to tax evasion and was immediately placed under police custody. From 2004 until 2008, Ja Rule saw no need in paying his taxes. However, the Murder Inc. frontman did not back away, he pleaded guilty.

It was only a matter of time before 50 Cent gave his opinion on the situation. Through Twitter, 50 Cent said he laughed so hard that he was crying. Calling Ja Rule a fool, 50 Cent said he must not want to pay his taxes.

The G-Unit general went on to say the news of Ja Rule made his entire day.

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Ja Rule pleads guilty to Tax Evasion

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Ja Rule was on top of the world, exceeding his own goals. Rule was hand picked by Irv Gotti and his music built Murder Inc. Records into an empire. Never in his wildest dreams would he have thought he would be headed to prison a decade later.

Ja Rule has faced his fair share of adversity, but he has maintained a smile through it all. He has had high-profile feuds with DMX, Eminem, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and Dr. Dre. In the end, though, he found common ground with most of his former enemies.

Right when it seemed as if Ja Rule was ready to re-emerge in the game, he was hit with a gun and drug charge. The Queens rapper has been in and out of court with those charges, going to prison on June 8 to serve two years of prison. Now, Ja Rule has pled guilty to tax evasion from 2004 until 2008, making some of what he raps about true stories.

Even after a decline in popularity, Ja Rule has still made substantial amounts of money through royalities and live performances. He agreed to pay a total of $1.1 million to the IRS. Rule was taken into police custody and bail is set at $500,000. His sentencing will take place on June 13, five days after he arrives in prison with his gun and drug charges. By the looks of things, the next few decades may see Ja Rule behind bars for a very long time.

If he does land a successful comeback, it may be the final one of his career.

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Ja Rule remains free until June

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ja Rule is among the numerous rappers facing or serving prison time. The same night Lil Wayne was busted in New York City, his former partner in rhyme, Ja Rule was busted. The two had just performed together after filming a music video. After the performance, Lil Wayne and Ja Rule thought they had seen each other for the last time for a while.

The NYPD had them fooled, as both were arrested. Placed in the same cell, Ja Rule and Lil Wayne spent the night together. It was not a major deal for either rapper to spend the night in jail, given their superstar status. Both went on with their lives, as if nothing happened.

But, when they went to court, the rappers ended up being found guilty and forced to go to prison. Lil Wayne was sentenced to one year in prison and was let out after seven months. Ja Rule, however, was sentenced to four years in prison and he may get off after two. Yesterday was the day Ja Rule was supposed to turn himself in, but this did not happen.

Ja Rule promised his fans he would release his new album before he went to prison. Rule is making sure he does not go back on this promise. His legal team appealed to the court and he was allowed more time to finish his album. Once the album is finished, Ja Rule will do a small promotional run. But, when June arrives, the Murder Inc. rapper will have to turn himself in and begin his prison sentence.

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Ja Rule hopes the Third Time is a Charm

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Ja Rule owned the rap game. At the time, it was not uncommon for him to have three hit singles out at the same time. He was putting the finishing touches on his third album, Pain is Love, and cruising while fans played his songs. His breakout hit, "Between Me and You" had just fizzled away and his next single, "Put it on Me," had just began to rise.

Ja Rule was seemingly invincible because the radio stations would play his music repeatedly. Not even major players like Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg received radio play like Ja Rule. For a short period of time, they were not selling like him either. Rule's second album sold three million copies and his third sold six million.

Before long, film companies were reaching out to Ja Rule hoping to cast him in movie roles. The rapper appeared in The Fast and the Furious, but turned down a role in the entire franchise. By 2002, Ja Rule was the biggest rapper in the game, having accomplished more than most rappers could in ten or fifteen years. Looking back on his success, Ja Rule said he dreamed of selling a gold album so he could afford to take care of his mother and his young daughter. But, he never expected to become the highest-selling artist on Def Jam.

Ja Rule has experienced major highs and he has experienced major lows. As fast as his career rose, it fell even faster. Ever since his fall from grace, it has been hard for him to remain relevant. He released a successful album in 2004, but Murder Inc. was dropped from Def Jam immediately after. The label suffered from possible ties to organized crime and Ja Rule's career hung in the balance. Despite all of this, Ja Rule still felt as if he could stage a comeback. In 2007, he had everyone convinced he could stage a comeback with a new deal with Universal Records.

However, Universal Records was uninterested in properly promoting Ja Rule and they eventually shelved his comeback album, The Mirror. In 2009, Ja Rule independently released the album and tried to land his comeback as an independent artist. Even with a slight change in his style, Ja Rule could not regain the fans that he once had. No matter how hard he tried, Ja Rule could not get one of his singles to stick. Two years later, he remains confident he will be able to make a comeback. If he does not receive credit for anything else, Ja Rule is the most persistent rapper in the game.

Things are not looking good for the rapper as he will soon be headed to prison for a two year stay. Before he heads to prison, Ja Rule plans to release his eighth album, The Renaissance Project and he also plans to return to the big screen. He understands he will not be exposed the way he was ten years ago, but Ja Rule does hope to become relevant in the game again. This will be his third time trying to stage a comeback and many fans have lost hope. Some of the fans may have lost hope, but Ja Rule remains highly confident in his chances with his back against the wall.

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Shyne may be headed to Cash Money Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

The past few years for both Shyne and Cash Money Records have been very hectic. Shyne was poised to become the new face of Bad Boy Records before landing in prison. Cash Money was on top of the Southern hip hop game before internal fighting separated them. Then, Lil Wayne happened.

Ever since Lil Wayne made the unbelievable rise from average rapper to focal point of the game, Cash Money has had more control in the rap game. Last year, after successfully adding rising stars Drake and Nicki Minaj to their roster, the label also signed Bow Wow.

Loaded with stars, Cash Money Records is still looking to expand and have expressed interest in Shyne. The label situation with Shyne has been in question for some time. In 2003, the rapper was released from Bad Boy and signed with Def Jam. Throughout 2004, there were rumors of Shyne heading over to Murder Inc. Records. In 2007, it was rumored that he had actually joined the label, but it was said by Diddy that he was still on Bad Boy Records and Game said he had signed him.

Once the smoke cleared, Shyne said he was a free agent and rumors had him headed to Roc Nation. Jay-Z said he would have been glad to have Shyne, but he did not at the time. More recent rumors have Shyne heading back over to Def Jam. However, now, the rapper has revealed he remains unsigned and is likely to land with Cash Money Records.

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Irv Gotti takes Executive Role with Bad Boy Records

By Runteldat
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

After over one year of searching for a new distribution deal for his defunct Murder Inc. Records, it appears as if Irv Gotti has thrown in the towel. Quick to prove he still has money, Gotti is always shown living the high life. But, with Murder Inc. as his primary income, something had to change.

Irv Gotti modeled himself after Diddy, but not even Diddy has suffered through what Gotti has. Of course, he was in the middle of the feud between Biggie and Tupac, but Bad Boy remained relevant. Irv Gotti watched one man, 50 Cent, bring down his empire. While they still cranked out one more hit for each artist, things were not the same.

Failed comeback attempts have taken place in both 2007 and 2009, now the artists have left the label. For the past three years, there has been talk of Newz, who was featured on Hip Hop Vibe's "On the Rise" section. But, after being pushed to the side by Universal Records in favor of Young Money, Irv Gotti decided to leave the situation for a new deal with Atlantic Records, only to find his label pushed aside for new projects from T.I.

Tired of waiting, Irv Gotti has reportedly gone out and done something for himself, moving on and getting a job with Bad Boy Records. Under the terms of this deal, Murder Inc. will be distributed by Bad Boy/Interscope, but it is Irv Gotti's main job to find more artists to sign to Bad Boy, not his own label. Diddy is most likely happy that his once-biggest rival has now come on as an employee for his company.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION LISTED ABOVE IS PURELY A RUMOR UNTIL OTHERWISE CONFIRMED AND NOT TO BE HELD AGAINST HIP HOP VIBE OR TBT ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, LLC.

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Ja Rule pushes "Venni Vetti Vecci 2010" back

No rapper has a bigger chip on their shoulder than Ja Rule, he feels robbed of what was his. On the verge of being a legend, he was sideswiped by 50 Cent. All of his thunder was stolen and he has been fighting to get it back. It does not matter how hard he tries, Ja Rule cannot seem to win. He hopes all of this will soon change.

Putting the past behind him, Rule plans to make the most-historic comeback in hip hop history. This comeback has been in the plans for the past two years. After The Mirror was shelved, Ja Rule began recording for a new album. Last summer, he announced this album to be named Venni Vetti Vecci 2010. He wanted the album to be released early in 2010.

However, him trying to build his Mpire Records and Irv Gotti's negotiations with Atlantic Records taking longer than expected, the project was held up. Earlier this year, Irv Gotti officially landed a deal with Atlantic Records and Ja Rule is at the center of the deal. Back with the people who helped make him into a star with Def Jam, Rule planned to release Venni Vetti Vecci 2010 before the end of this month. But, with no promotion and no popular music, he has continued to record.

Initially set for a June release date, Ja Rule has decided to wait until August, at least, to release his eighth studio album. The album will come as a release off of Mpire Records, Murder Inc. Records, and Atlantic Records.

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Game reunites with Ja Rule for "Jump Off"

When he first made his mainstream debut, Game was one of the biggest rivals of Ja Rule. But, as he solidified his position in the rap game, his true enemy was revealed to be 50 Cent. For the past five years, he and 50 Cent have been trading disses. Once it was clear that he and 50 would never reconcile, Game built a relationship with Ja Rule, Irv Gotti and Murder Inc. Records. For the past four years, they have all been good friends.

In 2006, Game released his hit single, "One Blood," on the remix, he featured almost every rapper in the game. The surprise guest of the remix was Ja Rule. The following year, Rule had planned to release his album, The Mirror. Had things gone as planned, his West Coast homage song, "Sunset," which featured Game, would have been the third single off of the album.

Irv Gotti has been trying to rebuild his label with new releases from Ja Rule and through a new artist, Newz. In an effort to help Newz gain exposure, Game recorded a track with him that appeared on L.A.X. The final single released from that album was "Nice," which was produced by Irv Gotti and featured Newz. A few months later, Rick Ross began feuding with 50 Cent and Game offered to help him out. Game did more than help out when he recruited Fat Joe and Ja Rule to help them diss 50 Cent on "Mafia Music (remix)." Ja Rule and Game have a history of helping each other out when they need it.

With his album coming in a few weeks, Game needs a single. Over five years ago, Ja Rule was a hitmaker and his style is still appealing to some. Today, Game leaked a song from his new album The R.E.D. Album, the song is called "Jump Off" and it features a hook from Ja Rule. This has become the fourth collaboration to take place between Ja Rule and Game. Game plans to release The R.E.D. Album on March 23, 2010 and Ja Rule plans to release Venni Vetti Vecci 2010 in June 2010. Both rappers plan to release another album later on in the year, too.

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