The rapper has single-handedly brought Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. label into the musical spotlight. He also is responsible for breaking Ashanti, who collaborated with him on the chart hit "Always On Time."

2001 was a big year for Ja Rule. In addition to all of his musical success, he found himself starring in one of the sleeper movie hits of the year, The Fast and the Furious. He garnered good reviews for his performance and is expected to appear in the sequel. Last year, Ja also found himself in the middle of a battle between J. Lo and Carey. "I'm Real" became a huge radio hit and this hit came at the same time that he was working on Glitter.

In the past few years, he has worked with Metallica, Brandy, TLC, and completed remixes for Enrique Iglesias, and Macy Gray. "I'm just now getting the feel for what each artist wants," he said. "I know the style Brandy wants, but with artists like Macy Gray or Enrique Iglesias, I gotta get their albums and listen to their sh--. I'm hip-hop; now I have to tap into their worlds." Tapping in their worlds might seem difficult to Ja Rule, but it should not be; he has already done a great job tapping into ours.