R.U.L.E. doesn't have much going for it, but it does include a few noteworthy songs: the album's lead single, "Wonderful," an
R. Kelly showcase that also boasts an
Ashanti feature; the album's street single, "New York," a
Cool & Dre production with a pop-gangsta edge and strong raps from
Fat Joe and
Jadakiss; and lastly, "Life Goes On," a
2Pac-style ballad highlighted by features for
Trick Daddy and Inc in-house producer
Chink Santana. The album's remaining 60 minutes consist of standard-issue
Ja Rule album filler: dreary pseudo-autobiographical raps that paint a conflicted portrait of
Ja Rule, the paranoid pop-rap gangsta who believes himself to be a street martyr. Still, even if
Ja Rule as an artist seems increasingly inauthentic with each passing album release, "Wonderful" is
R.U.L.E.'s saving grace, playing like a trademark
R. Kelly song, albeit one featuring
Ja Rule and
Ashanti. [The Inc made available a clean edition, with the profanity edited.] ~ Jason Birchmeier