New York (Ja Rule song)

"New York" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Ja Rule, released October 27, 2004 as the second single from his sixth studio album R.U.L.E. (2004). The track, produced by Cool & Dre, features fellow New York rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss. The song's chorus is based on Boogie Down Productions' 1990 song, "100 Guns".

"New York"
Single by Ja Rule featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss
from the album R.U.L.E.
Released	October 27, 2004 (2004-10-27)
Recorded	2004
Genre	East Coast hip hop gangsta rap
Length	4:18
Label	The Inc. Def Jam
Songwriter(s)	Jeffrey Atkins Joseph Cartagena Andre Lyon Marcello Valenzano Lawrence Parker Jason Phillips
Producer(s)	Cool & Dre
Ja Rule singles chronology
"Wonderful" (2004) "New York" (2004) "Caught Up" (2005)
Fat Joe singles chronology
"Lean Back" (2004) "New York" (2004) "Hold You Down" (2005)
Jadakiss singles chronology
"U Make Me Wanna" (2004) "New York" (2004) "By My Side" (2008)

The music video was directed in New York City, and features cameo appearances by many local artists. The song peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 14 on US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 10 on Hot Rap Songs charts respectively.

Music video

The music video for "New York", directed by Juan Carlos, premiered via MTV Jams on November 15, 2004.^[1]

Background

Cool & Dre produced the track for rapper Fat Joe, who initially turned it down. Jadakiss was said to be interested in the track; however, Ja Rule grabbed it almost immediately. When Irv Gotti learned of the history behind who was to have the track, he mentioned it to Ja Rule, and then they offered for both Fat Joe and Jadakiss to be featured on the track.

The song contains a sample of Nkalakatha by Mandoza. Though not credited on the songs credit the song is a slowed down Mandoza's produced by Gabbie Lerroux.

The song, or at least Ja Rule's verse, is considered a subliminal diss track aimed at rival 50 Cent and his group G-Unit. In the song Rule raps: Apprentice you're fired, you're no longer desired/So take off them silly chains, put back on your wire/I'm on fire. 50 Cent later attacked Fat Joe and Jadakiss for being a part of the song in his 2005 song "Piggy Bank".

There is a sequel to the song, "New York Is Back" on DJ Khaled's album, We the Best (2007).

The song also features an official music video with numerous cameo appearances including Remy Ma, Jennifer Lopez, N.O.R.E., Havoc, Red Cafe, Lil Wayne, Cool and Dre, J.Prince, DJ Enuff, Styles P, Jim Jones, DJ Clue, Irv Gotti, Angie Martinez and more.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2004–05)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100^[2]	27
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[3]	14
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)^[4]	10
US Rhythmic (Billboard)^[5]	17

Year-end charts

Chart (2005)	Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)^[6]	84

References

1. "Watch Ja Rule's Video for "New York" f/ Fat Joe and Jadakiss". Complex. November 15, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
2. "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
3. "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
4. "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
5. "Ja Rule Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
6. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2005". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2021.