While intended as a city tribute, the song became a "lightning rod" for the feud between Ja Rule and 50 Cent . Ja Rule’s verse contained subliminal disses toward 50 Cent, including a reference to Lloyd Banks' "On Fire".
released on October 27, 2004, is a defining East Coast hip-hop anthem that served as a street-centric tribute to the city and a pivotal moment in mid-2000s rap rivalries. As the second single from Ja Rule's sixth studio album, R.U.L.E. , the track features powerhouse collaborations with Fat Joe and Jadakiss, representing the Bronx and Yonkers respectively. Production and Musical Style
50 Cent viewed Fat Joe and Jadakiss’s participation as siding with Ja Rule, leading him to release the retaliatory diss track "Piggy Bank" in 2005, which targeted all three artists.
It is well-known for featuring an extensive list of local hip-hop icons and celebrities, including: Jennifer Lopez Styles P and members of The Lox Remy Ma , Jim Jones , and Lil Wayne Havoc (of Mobb Deep), N.O.R.E. , and Irv Gotti Chart Performance and Critical Reception
A spiritual successor titled "New York Is Back" appeared on DJ Khaled's 2007 album, We the Best .
The single peaked at #27 on the US Billboard Hot 100 . It reached #10 on the Hot Rap Songs and #14 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
Many critics view this as one of the last major hits of Ja Rule's career before his legal issues and the federal investigation into Murder Inc.. Controversy and Cultural Impact
While intended as a city tribute, the song became a "lightning rod" for the feud between Ja Rule and 50 Cent . Ja Rule’s verse contained subliminal disses toward 50 Cent, including a reference to Lloyd Banks' "On Fire".
released on October 27, 2004, is a defining East Coast hip-hop anthem that served as a street-centric tribute to the city and a pivotal moment in mid-2000s rap rivalries. As the second single from Ja Rule's sixth studio album, R.U.L.E. , the track features powerhouse collaborations with Fat Joe and Jadakiss, representing the Bronx and Yonkers respectively. Production and Musical Style
50 Cent viewed Fat Joe and Jadakiss’s participation as siding with Ja Rule, leading him to release the retaliatory diss track "Piggy Bank" in 2005, which targeted all three artists.
It is well-known for featuring an extensive list of local hip-hop icons and celebrities, including: Jennifer Lopez Styles P and members of The Lox Remy Ma , Jim Jones , and Lil Wayne Havoc (of Mobb Deep), N.O.R.E. , and Irv Gotti Chart Performance and Critical Reception
A spiritual successor titled "New York Is Back" appeared on DJ Khaled's 2007 album, We the Best .
The single peaked at #27 on the US Billboard Hot 100 . It reached #10 on the Hot Rap Songs and #14 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts.
Many critics view this as one of the last major hits of Ja Rule's career before his legal issues and the federal investigation into Murder Inc.. Controversy and Cultural Impact