Ja Rule at The Emporium
Musician Ja Rule. The MC will be headlining a concert at The Emporium in Patchogue on Saturday, June 14. Credit: Keith Estep Photography
If you're a fan of (not quite yet) old school hip-hop and pop, chances are you have at least an awareness of -- if not a downright fondness for -- the music of Ja Rule.
Between the years 2000-2005, Rule (aka Jeffrey Atkins) was one of rap music’s biggest stars, as he was either the main artist on -- or a guest contributor toward -- more than a dozen songs that registered successfully on the Billboard “Hot 100” music popularity chart (billboard.com), even reaching the top position three times (once with the 2002 track “Always On Time,” featuring Long Island’s own Ashanti). In addition, the MC has appeared on TV shows and in movies (including the first of the current “Fast and The Furious” film series) and was nominated for four Grammy Awards, among several other high-profile accolades.
However, the rapper followed that steady period of success with a significant career slowdown that saw little in the way of successful new music and was further interrupted by a two-year prison sentence. Nonetheless, since his 2013 release from incarceration, Rule has actively returned to his hip-hop profession, with his most recent highlight a guest appearance at a June 4 Jennifer Lopez concert in the Bronx (the two performed their hit duets “Ain't It Funny” and “I'm Real”) -- and on Saturday, June 14, he'll be headlining a show at The Emporium in Patchogue.
Starting at 8 p.m., the event will also feature several Long Island-based artists (such as Boonie Goons, Tony Slippaz, Odel Young, DEPO and DJ Smooth City). Age of admission is 21 for gentlemen, 18 for ladies; dress to impress. General admission tickets are $22, to purchase or for more information, visit The Emporium online at theemporiumny.com. (VIP table reservations are also available; call 631-275-6200 to RSVP.)
The Emporium: 9 Railroad Ave., Patchogue, 631-627-8787
