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. ~ Jason Birchmeier