2011 – Lady Gaga gives a plug for teens on This Day in Rock Music History!
From Billboard’
The TeenNick HALO Awards have recruited some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the music industry to honor teens who are out there doing good in the world. It was announced that Taylor Swift, , Jessica Biel and David Beckham will be on hand to shine some light on the good deeds being done by four teens.
HALO, which stands for “Helping and Leading Others,” links up teens with celebrities who share an affinity for the same causes. “We’re proud to be presenting the third annual TeenNick HALO Awards, where we celebrate amazing teens who have touched the lives of many people, including the superstars who share their philanthropic spirit,” Marjorie Cohn, President, Original Programming and Development, Nickelodeon, said about the show. “Our hope is the show will continue to inspire others to make positive changes in their communities and further foster a culture of social activism.” ‘
2010 – RUSH is honored at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards on This Day in Rock Music History! in New York City with the Legend of Live award, which “honors groups or individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to live music and the touring business, and acknowledges the recipients’ commitment to the art of performing live and reaching fans through the concert experience.”
Guitarist Alex Lifeson told The Pulse of Radio that RUSH has always taken pride in their live playing. “As a band of three guys, we try very hard to make a big sound, and try to make sure that it fits really well together,” he said. “And I’m very proud of that.”
Earlier this year the band was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall Of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
2008 – In just a three-day sales window, Metallica’s “Death Magnetic” skates close to the half million mark and will lead The Billboard 200 when Nielsen SoundScan releases its charts tomorrow morning (Sept. 17).
The band’s first studio album since 2003 moved 490,000 copies in its abbreviated frame, scheduled off-cycle on a Friday to accommodate a worldwide release date.
It marks the biggest number the chart has seen since five weeks ago, when the Jonas Brothers’ “A Little Bit Longer” scaled the list with 525,000 copies with a traditional Tuesday release date.
The total for Metallica’s first Warner Bros. album after spending its career with Elektra outdistances the opening sum of its last studio set, “St. Anger,” which sold 418,000 copies in a similarly shorter-than-normal window.
Originally set for a Tuesday release, “Anger” was rush released to an off-cycle Thursday start amid concerns over Internet leaks. The last Metallica album to stage a larger opener than “Magnetic” was 1996′s “Load,” which rolled 680,000 units in its first frame.
While the writers’ strike put a damper on the Golden Globes, the Writers Guild of America announced Tuesday (January 22) that the striking union will not protest the upcoming Grammy Awards, as had been expected.
The unresolved writers’ strike already resulted in a scaled-back Golden Globes and was looming over the Grammy telecast, which is scheduled to air live February 10 from Los Angeles.
Beyoncé and the Foo Fighters had been the only acts to commit to perform at the event so far. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, more artists should begin to announce their intentions to attend the Grammy Awards as well.
“We are pleased with the decision made by the WGA today,” said Neil Portnow, president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science, which organizes the Grammy telecast. “In light of this, we are gratified that the 50th Annual Grammy Awards will focus solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show. We look forward to unveiling the exciting lineup of artists who will give our worldwide audience one of the most memorable Grammy shows ever.”
The production of the show, however, is still fraught with concerns — particularly over writers’ participation. The Recording Academy is still working on securing a deal with the WGA to permit its staff writers to contribute to the production of the show.
According to a spokesman for the WGA, a decision to grant an interim agreement has not been reached yet. Billboard is reporting that a meeting between the WGA board of directors and the Recording Academy is set for Tuesday night to discuss finer details of the proposal.
Last week Beyoncé’s father, Mathew Knowles, and Foo Fighters manager John Silva made statements that were optimistic that an agreement would be reached to ensure the telecast. Both men also expressed support for the writers.
“The work of the Recording Academy is vital to the music industry, and we have every intention of being with the entire music community to celebrate the Grammys,” Knowles said.
Silva echoed Knowles’ sentiments. “We are hopeful that we will see a resolution to the current situation affecting our entire industry,” he said. “[The] Foo Fighters have always had nothing short of amazing experiences with the writers, producers, fellow artists and audiences at the Grammys and every television show the band has ever played.”
2007 – Quiet Riot Singer Kevin DuBrow Died Of Cocaine Overdose: Report
Coroner said toxicology results, which were released Monday, show that musician died of accidental drug overdose.
Two weeks after news of his death first made headlines, the autopsy results on late Quiet Riot frontman Kevin DuBrow — who was found in his Las Vegas home November 25, dead at age 52 — were released Monday (December 10), according to The Associated Press. DuBrow reportedly died of an accidental cocaine overdose.
The wire service claims Clark County coroner spokeswoman Samantha Charles confirmed the cause of death following the receipt of toxicology results, also on Monday.
DuBrow’s death was ruled accidental, and according to a spokesperson for the Las Vegas police department, there were no signs of forced entry at the home, and police have not suspected foul play.
According to those close to the singer, DuBrow celebrated his birthday the month before in New Orleans and seemed to be in good health.
Shortly after DuBrow’s death, Quiet Riot bassist Kelly Garni asked fans to be patient and not rush to assumptions.
“I ask this to all of you not only for myself but for other friends and family,” Garni wrote in a message posted on a Web site honoring the memory of Quiet Riot founding member Randy Rhoads. “I ask that no one here offer any speculation or opinions, theories or other things that could be construed as negative or, and I’m sorry for this, even sympathetic, right at this immediate time. I am already, within hours of this, having to deal with untrue rumors and speculation and that only adds fuel to that. There is a tendency for the subject of Kevin to incite flames on every board, and now is not the time for that. I will explain to everyone here the facts and the truth in the next 24 to 48 hours as I realize this will affect us all. So please, until then, be patient. All details and other pertinent info will be passed on to you here when it becomes available to me.”
Many other fellow rockers and fans — including Glenn Hughes, Nikki Sixx and others — shared fond memories of DuBrow following his death.
Credited with helping to launch the 1980s glam-metal scene, Quiet Riot are perhaps best known for their cover of Slade’s “Cum on Feel the Noize,” which appeared on 1983′s Metal Health and eventually peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album is widely considered the first by a metal band to reach the chart’s #1 position.
Rhoads formed Quiet Riot in 1975, but the group split four years later when he left to join Ozzy Osbourne’s band (Rhoads died in a plane crash in 1982). DuBrow launched his own band, called DuBrow, and later reverted to the Quiet Riot name.
While Metal Health put Quiet Riot on the map, the band’s subsequent releases weren’t as well-received. Not helping the situation were some of DuBrow’s comments: During the ’80s, the singer was notorious for deriding contemporary metal bands in interviews and even lashed out at the press and the band’s label. Toward the conclusion of the band’s 1987 tour, DuBrow was fired from Quiet Riot; he was left behind in a hotel, while the rest of the band took an earlier flight. However, Quiet Riot’s career with new singer Paul Shortino met with even less success.
The members gradually reunited under the Quiet Riot moniker in the early ’90s and continued to tour and record consistently until DuBrow’s passing. In 2004, DuBrow released a collection of covers as his first solo LP, In for the Kill.
2004 – Usher releases Confessions, featuring the hit singles “Burn” and “Yeah!” Allegedly inspired by his break-up with TLC’s Chili, the album tops the Billboard 200 chart.
2003 – The RIAA certifies AC/DC’s Back In Black as the world’s second-best-selling album of all time, behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller.
Back in black
I hit the sack
It’s been too long I’m glad to be back
Yes, I’m let loose
From the noose
That’s kept me hanging around
I’ve been looking at the sky
and it’s gettin’ me high
Forget the hearse ’cause I never die
I got nine lives
Cats eyes
Cruisin’ every woman, never wonderin’ why
CHORUS:
‘Cause I’m back
Yes, I’m back
Well, I’m back
Yes, I’m back
Well, I’m back, back
Well I’m back in black
Yes, I’m back in black
Back in the back
Of a Cadillac
Number one with a bullet, I’m a power pack
Yes, I’m in a bang
With a gang
They’ve got to catch me if they want me to hang
Cause I’m back on the track
And I’m beatin’ the flack
Nobody’s gonna get me on another rap
So look at me now
I’m just makin’ my play
Don’t try to push your luck, just get out of my way
CHORUS
Well, I’m back, Yes I’m back
Well, I’m back, Yes I’m back
Well, I’m back, back
Well I’m back in black
Yes I’m back in black
hooo yeah
Ohh yeah
Yes I am
Oooh yeah, yeah Oh yeah
Back in now
Well I’m back, I’m back
Back, I’m back
Back, I’m back
Back, I’m back
Back, I’m back
Back
Back in black
Yes I’m back in black
Out of the sack
Back in Black is the 7th studio album by Australian hard rock band AC/DC, released on July 25, 1980. Back in Black was the first AC/DC album recorded without former lead singer Bon Scott, who had died at the age of 33 on February 19, 1980. The band considered disbanding following Scott’s death, but ultimately decided to continue and shortly thereafter hired Brian Johnson as their new lead singer and lyricist. Producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange, who had previously worked with AC/DC on Highway to Hell, was again brought in to produce.
The album was remastered and re-released first in late 1994, then again in the Bonfire box set in 1997, and as part of the AC/DC Remasters Series in 2003. In addition, a Dualdisc version was released in 2004, featuring the album in enhanced LPCM Stereo format and the video documentary The Story of Back in Black.
It has sold an estimated 42 million copies, making it second only to Michael Jackson’s Thriller as the best-selling album of all-time as well as the best selling album ever released by a band.
Overview
Back in Black contains some of AC/DC’s biggest hits, including “Hells Bells”, “You Shook Me All Night Long”, and the title track “Back in Black.” According to Angus Young the album’s all-black cover was a “sign of mourning” for Scott, as black is the traditional Western colour of mourning. It is AC/DC’s best selling album, the second best-selling album of all time, and the biggest selling album by any band, with more than 42 million copies sold worldwide.
In 1989, it was ranked #26 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 100 Greatest Albums of the 80′s. In 2003, the album was ranked number 73 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. VH1 named ‘Back in Black’ as one of the biggest comeback albums of all time.
Track listing
* All songs written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young, and Brian Johnson.
1. “Hells Bells” – 5:12
2. “Shoot to Thrill” – 5:17
3. “What Do You Do for Money Honey” – 3:35
4. “Givin’ the Dog a Bone” – 3:32
5. “Let Me Put My Love into You” – 4:15
6. “Back in Black” – 4:15
7. “You Shook Me All Night Long” – 3:30
8. “Have a Drink on Me” – 3:59
9. “Shake a Leg” – 4:06
10. “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” – 4:15
It should be noted that “Givin’ the Dog a Bone” was originally spelled “Given the Dog a Bone.”
Personnel
* Brian Johnson — lead vocals
* Angus Young — lead guitar
* Malcolm Young — rhythm guitar, backing vocals
* Cliff Williams — bass guitar, backing vocals
* Phil Rudd — drums, percussion
Production
* Robert John “Mutt” Lange — Producer
* Benji Armbrister — Assistant Engineer
* Bob Defrin — Art Direction
* Robert Ellis — Photography
* Bob Ludwig — Mastering (original LP)
* Barry Diament — Mastering (original CD releases)
* Ted Jensen — Remastering (EMI/Atco reissue)
* George Marino — Remastering (Epic reissue)
* Tony Platt — Engineer
* Brad Samuelsohn — Mixing
* Jack Newber — Assistant Engineer
Chart performance
Albums
Year Chart Position
1980 UK Albums Chart #1
Billboard Pop Albums #4
Ö3 Austria Top 40 #2
Norwegian Album Charts #11
RIANZ Album Top 50 #1
1981 Australian Kent Music Report Albums Chart #1
1990 The Billboard 200 #13
2008 Billboard Top Pop Catalog #1
2008 Billboard Top Hard Rock Albums #4
Singles
Year Single Chart Position
1980 “Rock And Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution” UK Singles Chart #15
“You Shook Me All Night Long” Billboard Hot 100 #35
“You Shook Me All Night Long” UK Singles Chart #38
1981 “Back in Black” Billboard Hot 100 #37
“Hells Bells” Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #50
“Back in Black” Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #51
“Shoot To Thrill” Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks #60
References
* Engleheart, Murray & Arnaud Durieux (2007-01-02), AC/DC: Maximum Rock & Roll, Harper Entertainment, ISBN 0-0611-3391-4, <http://www.acdcbook.com/>.
Notes
1. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. “Back in Black > Overview”. All Media Guide. Retrieved on 2007-11-08.
2. ^ “For The Record: Quick News On Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Paris Hilton, Black Eyed Peas, AC/DC, John Mayer & More”. MTV (2003-12-09). Retrieved on 2008-12-03.
3. ^ http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH_RESULTS
4. ^ “Record Breakers and Trivia: Albums”. Every Hit. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
5. ^ “Top 100 Albums”. Recording Industry Association of America (2006-07-31). Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
6. ^ a b “AC/DC discography”. Rock Detector. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
7. ^ “73) Back in Black”. Rolling Stone (2003-11-01). Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
8. ^ “Charts & awards – Billboard albums”. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
9. ^ “Number 1 Albums – 1980s”. Every Hit. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
10. ^ “Charts & awards – Billboard singles”. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
11. ^ “Every Hit”. Retrieved on 2007-02-01.
2003 – Billboard reports that the Rolling Stones’ Licks tour was the second highest grossing tour of all time, beaten out only by their Voodoo Lounge jaunt in 1994-1995. The 116 Licks shows made a total of $300 million.
2003 – On the final night of her Farewell tour, Cher is named the year’s biggest touring female by Billboard. She grossed $145 million and drew 2.2 million fans to over 200 concerts.
2003 – Sting releases his seventh solo album Sacred Love. Dominated by spiritual and political concerns, the album peaks at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
2003 – Iron Butterfly guitarist Erik Braunn dies of heart failure. He was 52.
Erik Brann aka Erik Braunn aka Erik Braun (born August 11, 1950 – died July 25, 2003), American musician, was a guitarist with the 1960s heavy metal band Iron Butterfly. He is featured on the band’s greatest hit, the legendary 17-minute piece In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968), recorded when he was just 17.
A Boston, Massachusetts native and a brilliant violinist, Brann was accepted as a child into the prodigy program at the Boston Symphony Orchestra, but was soon lured away to become a rock guitarist, joining Iron Butterfly at 16. He played with Ron Bushy, Lee Dorman and Doug Ingle from 1967 to 1969. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida sold over 20 million copies, went platinum and stayed on Billboard magazine’s charts for over a year. With arrangement assistance from Lee Dorman, Brann wrote the song “Termination,” which was featured on the In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida album.
The album’s mini-bio, written when he was 17, tells of an acting ambition he once had, clothing and food preference and the ease with which rock ‘n roll artists were able to arrange sexual encounters (usually with groupies). It reads: “Although music has always been his one great love, Erik studied drama and before joining the Butterfly, his acting ability had landed him the lead role in a local play. …Erik hopes to, one day, continue in the acting field. Right now, however, his only concern is the Iron Butterfly, turtleneck sweaters, bananas and the fairer sex.”
After 1969 Brann disappeared from view, apparently an ex-rock star at 19. In 1974, he reunited with Ron Bushy to form a new version of Iron Butterfly. The 1975 LP “Scorching Beauty” featured Brann on lead guitar and vocals, Bushy on drums, Philip Taylor Kramer on bass and Howard Reitzes on keyboards. A year later, the band released “Sun and Steel” early 1976 with Bill DeMartines replacing Reitzes on keyboards. Neither album sold well, and the band disbanded shortly afterward (around summer 1977).
Brann occasionally reunited with Iron Butterfly for concerts, and was working diligently on his solo debut when he died of a heart attack in 2003. This followed an ongoing struggle with complications from a birth defect that Braunn had battled for years.
2003 – Ja Rule becomes the first high-profile international artist to tour South Africa.
Jeffrey Atkins (born February 29, 1976), better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper and actor signed to The Inc. and Universal Records formerly of Def Jam Recordings. A Hollis, New York native best-known for hits such as “Put It On Me,” “Between Me And You,” “I’m Real” and “Wonderful,” Ja Rule has released seven albums to date and sold over 20 million albums worldwide.
Biography
Early years
Born and raised in a Hollis, Queens, New York housing project, he attended Junior High School in Floral Park where he met his future wife Aisha Murray, graduating with her in 1991. They attended Martin Van Buren High School together, but he did not graduate.
When Atkins was five years old, his sister died from respiratory problems. His parents were Jehovah’s Witnesses. Growing up in a strict religious home, Atkin’s family did not celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and as a child, was not allowed to listen to rap music. When he first heard it, he decided to be a rapper. He would sneak the music into his house and played it on his CD player when his mother wasn’t around. Ja Rule allegedly stated that although he had previously attended a school in Queens, he transferred to a private school in Manhattan because of bullying about his small height. During his interview with Louis Farrakahn, he stated that he was the only black student at the school and said that because of his race, the other kids didn’t bother him.
At age 15, Atkins appeared with 0-1 and Chris Black as part of Cash Money Click which would lead to him being signed by TVT Records. Atkins was heard by a young DJ who called himself DJ Irv, and later Irv Gotti. Gotti was a friend of Jay-Z and a DJ for Def Jam Recordings . During the mid 90′s, Gotti was intent on meeting Ja Rule and helping him land a solo deal, eventually scoring one at Def Jam. Shortly after Def Jam decided to launch his career through the success of Jay-Z. Ja would appear on Jay-Z’s hit single Can I Get A… alongside Amil . Soon after we would quickly become one of the more popular rappers in the game as well as one of Def Jam’s premier acts.
Music career
Venni Vetti Vecci (1999)
On June 1, 1999, Ja Rule released his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci. The album marked not only Ja’s debut, but the debut album from his label, Murder Inc. Records. Venni Vetti Vecci instantly launched Ja Rule’s career as he became a staple on hip hop and pop networks like MTV, VH1, and BET. The album featured “Holla Holla” along with “Its Murda” with Jay-Z and DMX. The final single was “Daddy’s Little Baby,” a duet with Ronald Isley. These three singles and the production coming from Irv Gotti along with performances from Memphis Bleek, Erick Sermon, Case, Black Child, Nemesis, and Caddillac Tah, then known as Tah Murdah, along with a notable performance from his mentor, Jay-Z led to the album going platinum.
Rule 3:36 (2000)
Ja Rule would return during the summer of 2000, with his new single “Between Me and You,” which featured Def Soul act Christina Milian. The single was quickly followed by Ja’s second effort, Rule 3:36, which was released on October 10, 2000. 3:36 also featured singles “Put It On Me,” and “I Cry.” The album featured guest appearances from Lil Mo, Vita, Christina Milian, label mates Jayo Felony, and Black Child. The album received mixed responses from critics due to its more commercial sound, abandoning a bit the darker street sound of his debut. Despite this, the album fared extremely well and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts, eventually going 3x Platinum. The release of this album marked a huge turn in Ja Rule’s style of music from a more hardcore edge to a pop crossover oriented sound.
Pain Is Love (2001)
Soon after the release of Rule 3:36, Irv Gotti would sign R&B singer Ashanti to the label, which led to Lil Mo ending her collaborations with the label. During the late summer of 2001, Ja Rule released the lead single from his third studio album, Pain Is Love, which was “Livin’ It Up.” The second single was the “I’m Real (remix),” and the third was “Always On Time,” and the last was “Down Ass Bitch.” This album is noted for two things the first is introducing a young Ashanti to the music business and the second is bringing Charli Baltimore back to the music business. Pain Is Love featured guest appearances from Case, The Murder Inc. Family, Missy Elliott, Jodie Mack, Tweet, Jennifer Lopez and a recording from the late Tupac Shakur. Along with its critical success it was also a commercial success it, like its predecessor went 3x Platinum.
The Last Temptation (2002)
Ja Rule would shave his head during the promotion of his fourth studio album, The Last Temptation. His fourth album was released on November 19, 2002. Although the album was fairly successful, certified platinum, it failed to carry the momentum brought by his previous album, criticized for being too commercial. It seemed that Ja’s popularity was starting to fade, due to many fan’s perceived notion that he was now catering exclusively to pop audiences.
Blood In My Eye (2003)
Blood In My Eye is the fifth album from Ja Rule. The content of this album led to a dramatic fall in his popularity. This album is also noted as the last Ja Rule album released by The Inc. Records under the moniker Murder Inc. This was partially due to Ja’s disses and death threats to adversaries, 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes (a former associate), Eminem, Dr. Dre, DMX, and G-Unit. The album was originally planned to be a mixtape, but former label Def Jam Recordings forced him to release an album in 2003 to honor the contract, where he released an album every year. Blood In My Eye peaked at #6, but became his first album not to go gold or platinum, making it his lowest selling to date. On this album, Ja sparked rivalries with many artists on the Interscope Records roster. In October 2003, Ja Rule met with Minster Louis Farrakhan, who wanted to intervene and prevent escalating violence in the feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule.
R.U.L.E. (2004)
Ja Rule returned to form on his sixth studio album, R.U.L.E. released on November 9, 2004. This album was considered a comeback of sorts for Ja as he attempted a return to mainstream success. The lead single was “Wonderful” which was followed by the street anthem, “New York,” the third and last single was “Caught Up”. The album featured guest appearances from Ashanti, Lloyd, Trick Daddy, R. Kelly, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Claudette Ortiz, Black Child, Caddillac Tah and many more. Despite not having the staying power of his earlier albums R.U.L.E. still managed to go gold, a feat he hadn’t accomplished since 2002 with The Last Temptation.
Exodus (2005)
On December 6, 2005, Ja Rule released his seventh album, which is nothing more than a greatest hits album. It featured only one new song “Exodus (Intro)” which was produced by Irv Gotti. The album was released to honor the contract with Def Jam so that The Inc. could get a fresh start with a new distributor. After the release of this compilation, Ja Rule took a hiatus from recording music.
Departure from Def Jam (2005-2006)
In 2005, The Inc. Records would come under investigation because of the drug trades by Kenneth “Supreme” Mc Griff, who is associated with Irv Gotti. This would all lead to Def Jam Recordings refusing to renew The Inc.’s contract. From 2005 to 2006, Irv would search for other labels, until finally reaching a deal with Universal Records.
The Mirror (2008)
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In March, 2008, Ja Rule planned to release his Universal Records debut and eighth studio album, The Mirror. The first single, “Uh Oh” was released on July 31, 2007 and premiered on music video shows the following day. This second single, “Body” was released in September. The album contains a collaboration with former G-Unit artist, The Game , whom he had once had a lyrical altercation with, called “Sunset.” The album was originally supposed to be titled Love Is Pain as a sequel to his album Pain Is Love. The album eventually was pushed back a second time with no definitive release date.
Personal life
Criminal charges
In 1999, he along with the rest of Murder Inc. were brought up on charges for assaulting 50 Cent, which led to a restraining order against them for 50. Also in 2003, he punched a man in Toronto for shouting at him in a crowd because of the 50 Cent feud. He would end up suing Ja Rule, but they settled out of court. In 2004, police investigated whether a feud involving The Inc. led to fatal shooting outside a nightclub party hosted by Ja Rule. In July 2007, Ja Rule was arrested for gun and drug possession charges along with Lil Wayne.
Romantic life
Ja Rule met his future wife, Aisha while attending middle school and they married when they were eighteen.
Homophobia
In the September 2007 issue of Complex magazine, Ja Rule was mistakenly reported to have expressed that homosexuals are to be blamed for the problems and destruction in the United States, and was disgusted at MTV’s promotion of LGBT television shows. He also spoke out about how hip hop is being blamed for more issues than homosexuality, and perpetuated the belief that gays are evil and corrupting music and television.
“ “And if it is, then we need to go step to Paramount, and fucking MGM, and all of these other motherfuckers that’s making all of these movies and we need to go step to MTV and Viacom, and lets talk about all these fucking shows that they have on MTV that is promoting homosexuality, that my kids can’t watch this shit,” he continued. “Dating shows that’s showing two guys or two girls in mid-afternoon. Let’s talk about shit like that! If that’s not fucking up America, I don’t know what is.” ”
His comments prompted a strong rebuke from GLAAD, who issued a public statement stating, “No fair-minded person can look at Ja Rule’s interview with Complex Magazine and believe for one second that his children could be more harmed by what they might see on television than by the vulgarity and prejudice that comes out of their father’s mouth. Now that media have seen Ja Rule’s intolerance unmasked by his own words, they have a responsibility not to provide in the future a platform for his ugly, vulgar displays of prejudice.”
It was later revealed that GLAAD had been mistaken and that he was actually mis-quoted in an interview with online MySpace interview channel The Hook Up on October 24, 2007. He went on in a January 2008 issue of XXL Magazine to state his words were taken out of context. He is quote as stating:
“ “What I was saying in that article is everyone has that same responsibility. They’re absolutely right: Rappers have a responsibility to the kids. But don’t just pin it on the hip-hop. If I gotta curb my lyrics or censor what I say, no problem. But if you gonna show sexual images during the daytime for children, that should be censored as well … And I’m not just talking about homosexuality. I’m talking about any sexuality. If it’s too sexy for kids, its too sexy for kids …” ”
Hip Hop entrepreneur
Aside from being president of The Inc. Records, Ja Rule is the owner and founder of Rule Global Media. This consists of Mpire Records, ErvingGeoffrey, and Stars On Poker.net.
The Inc. Records
Ja Rule co-founded The Inc. Records along with Irv Gotti in 1997. When it was formed, because of it being a vanity label, Def Jam owned a 50% stake in the label.
In 2002, Irv Gotti granted Ja Rule 50% of his share of the label due to his recent success on the charts. The next year, Ja Rule was named label president while Irv is the primary owner and the label CEO.
Mpire Records
In 2006, Ja Rule formed his own label to be distributed by The Inc., Mpire Records. To the label, he has signed Young Merc, Ashley Joi, D. Gift, Boxie, Tre, Newz, and Thunderkatz. He owns 100 percent of this label, which is a subsidiary of The Inc. Also signed to the label are his group Cash Money Click.
ErvingGeoffrey
In 2004, Ja Rule teamed up with Irv Gotti to create their own clothing line, ErvingGeoffrey, which is an urban wear clothing line. It is prominently featured in various Inc-associated videos and on their artists various albums.
Philanthropy
Atkins teamed up with associates of Tupac Shakur’s organization and founded L.I.F.E Foundation, which opens its doors to underprivileged kids. The foundation has various programs which include art, music, poetry and sports.
Discography
Main article: Ja Rule discography
* 1999: Venni Vetti Vecci
* 2000: The Murderers
* 2000: Rule 3:36
* 2001: Pain Is Love
* 2002: The Inc.
* 2002: The Remixes
* 2002: The Last Temptation
* 2003: Blood in My Eye
* 2004: R.U.L.E.
* 2005: Exodus
* 2008: The Mirror
Awards history
Award Category Genre Song/Album Year Result
Source Hip-Hop Music Award Single of the Year Rap/Hip-Hop “Put It On Me” 2001 Won
Source Award R&B/Rap Collboration of the Year R&B/Rap “Thug Lovin’” 2003 Won
Source Award Fat Tape Song of the Year Rap/Hip-Hop “Clap Back” 2004 Won
MTV Video Music Award Best Rap Video Rap “Put It On Me” 2001 Nominated
MTV Video Music Award Best Hip-Hop Video Hip-Hop “Im Real (Murder Remix)” 2002 Won
MTV Video Music Award Best Hip-Hop Video Hip-Hop “Always On Time” 2002 Nominated
American Music Award Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Rap/Hip-Hop – 2002 Nominated
American Music Award Favorite Hip-Hop/R&B Male Artist Hip-Hop/R&B – 2003 Nominated
Grammy Award Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group Rap/Hip-Hop “Put It On Me” 2002 Nominated
Grammy Award Best Rap Album Rap “Pain Is Love” 2002 Nominated
Grammy Award Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Rap/Sung “Livin’ It Up” 2002 Nominated
Grammy Award Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Rap/Sung “Always On Time” 2003 Nominated
World Music Award World’s Best-Selling Rap Artist Rap/Hip-Hop – 2002 Won
BET Award Best Male Hip-Hop Artist Artist Hip-Hop – 2002 Won
GQ Men of the Year Award Musician of the Year Rap/Hip-Hop – 2002 Won
Teen Choice Award Male Artist of the Year Rap/Hip-Hop – 2002 Won
NAACP Image Award Best Rap/Hip-Hop Artist Rap/Hip-Hop – 2002 Won
Soul Train Award Best Rap/Soul or Rap Album of the Year Rap “Pain Is Love” 2002 Nominated
Acting career
During his break from rapping, Ja Rule co-starred in the movie The Fast and the Furious with Vin Diesel. He appeared on the 2004 movie Back in The Day along with Ving Rhames and Pam Grier. He was also starred in the movie The Cookout with Queen Latifah. He is working on his bio-pic and on Saw IV.
Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
2000 Da Hip Hop Witch Himself
2000 Turn it Up David ‘Gage’ Williams
2001 Crime Partners 2000
2001 The Fast and the Furious Edwin
2002 Half Past Dead Nicolas ‘Nick’ Frazier
2003 Scary Movie 3 Agent Thompson
2003 Pauly Shore Is Dead Himself
2004 The Cookout Bling Bling
2004 Shall We Dance? Hip Hop Bar Performer
2005 Back in the Day Reggie Cooper
2005 Assault on Precinct 13 Smiley
2007 Kenny TBA post-production
2007 Furnace TBA post-production
2007 Don’t Fade Away TBA post-production
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