AMG Review of Rule 3:36

Jason Birchmeier
All Music Guide

On his second album, Rule 3:36, Ja Rule includes a few radio-friendly rap-R&B hybrids ("Between You and Me," "Put It on Me," "I Cry"), which are then filled out with the same style of Ruff Ryder-style hardcore rap that characterized his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999). Whereas that album had featured some prominent guests from the Def Jam stable (Jay-Z, DMX, Erick Sermon, Memphis Bleek), Rule 3:36 is primarily an in-house affair, featuring the extended Murder Inc. roster. The result is an uneven album comprised of crossover-R&B singles and hardcore rap filler; even though the commercial prospects are improved, Rule 3:36 isn't any more satisfying than Venni Vetti Vecci had been.