Kanye West recording in R. Kelly's studio 2002

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before the world knew him, Kanye West had dreams of taking over the game. In 2001, Kanye West was signed to Roc-A-Fella Records. The label knew he wanted to rap, but he was on their roster because of his production abilities. By 2002, Kanye West demanded the label allow him to release a rap album.

Initially, Roc-A-Fella Records intended to use the album as a promotional outlet for their other artists. However, after Kanye West rapped a verse, things changed. Kanye West rapped some verses, which would become "Jesus Walks." It was then when Roc-A-Fella decided to allow Kanye West to release his album.

Kanye West recorded his debut album, The College Dropout, during the 2002-2003 period. During this time, Jay-Z and R. Kelly still maintained a friendship. This is evidenced, as Kanye West, the rap sidekick to Jay-Z, is recording in R. Kelly's studio.

Watch the video below:

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Ja Rule to reunite with Ashanti for New Song

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Ten years ago, Ja Rule and Ashanti recorded "Always on Time," one of the biggest records of the last decade. The song was on the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for a number of weeks from January 2002 until June 2002. From that point forward, Ja Rule and Ashanti were the biggest hip hop/R&B tandem.

Following "Always on Time," Ja Rule and Ashanti recorded several other hits. In 2003, they followed with "Mesmerize," before being decimated by feuds. By 2004, things were back on track for Ja Rule. Alongside R. Kelly, he and Ashanti recorded another top five hit with "Wonderful." But, legal issues with Murder Inc. led to the end of everyone's career.

Ja Rule finally took matters into his own hands and landed his comeback. He has scored a minor hit with "Real Life Fantasy" and he is buidling his fanbase back. For years, he has promised to reunite with Ashanti. Lloyd brought Ja Rule and Ashanti out for one of his performances and allowed Rule to perform "Real Life Fantasy." Now, Rule has finally been able to reunite with Ashanti on one of his new tracks. Produced by Ja Rule, himself, the song "LOL" will feature Ashanti.

The only hard part for Ja Rule is deciding which album it will be on. Next month, Ja Rule plans to release two albums, Pain is Love 2 and The Renaissance Project on June 7, 2011. Ja Rule is having a hard time deciding which album to put "LOL" on.

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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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