Born: February
29, 1976
Birthplace:
Hollis, Queens, New York
Zodiac Sign:
Pisces
Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, aka Ja Rule, is an
American rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor.
Atkins debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci
and its single "Holla Holla.”
From 1999 to 2005, Ja Rule had multiple hits
that made the top 20 of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, including
"Between Me and You,” "I'm Real," and Ain't It Funny"
with Jennifer Lopez, which both topped the US Billboard Hot 100.
His Grammy-nominated #1 hit "Always on
Time," "Mesmerize,” and "Wonderful" with R. Kelly and
Ashanti, respectively.
During the 2000s, Atkins was signed to Murder
Inc. Records, formerly The Inc. Records.
Atkins has been nominated for two American
Music Awards and four Grammy Awards with his fellow collaborators Lil' Mo,
Vita, Ashanti, and Case.
His second and third albums, Rule 3:36 (2000)
and Pain Is Love (2001), topped the US Billboard 200 album chart.
The album sold over a combined 15 million
records.
In addition, it attained triple platinum
status from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). As a result,
this was his best-selling album to date.
As of 2019, Rule has sold 11.4 million US
units and over 30 million records worldwide.
Atkins earned his GED while in prison in
February 2012.
Although raised as a Jehovah's Witnesses during
his childhood, Atkins identifies as a Christian. In 2013, Atkins and his wife
were baptized.