Released: 1999
“E-Dub & Ja” is a hard-hitting track featuring Ja Rule and Erick Sermon, blending their distinctive styles into a cohesive narrative about dominance, street credibility, and an unyielding lifestyle. With both artists well-known in the hip-hop scene, this song stands as a proclamation of power and fearlessness. It delves into themes of survival, loyalty, and the rough realities of their worlds.
Right from the outset, the tone is set with an aggressive intro that prepares listeners for the energy and confidence both artists bring to the track. The collaboration is clear as they mention each other with respect and acknowledgement of their respective legacies in the game. It’s more than a mere name-drop; it’s a call for recognition of their place in hip-hop.
Ja Rule opens with verses that capture his bravado and no-nonsense approach to life and the music industry. The phrase “R-U-L-E” acts as a signature, asserting his presence and reminding listeners of his lyrical prowess. Ja uses vivid imagery to illustrate his airtight and compressed style, hinting that every word and action is calculated, leaving no room for error.
The line “pass the four 5th and load up the cartridge” speaks to the readiness for conflict and the serious nature of street life. Ja Rule presents an image of a life lived on the edge, one where readiness for confrontation is necessary, which adds a raw authenticity to his delivery.
When Erick Sermon steps in, there’s an undeniable shift in energy. Sermon’s verse contributes a polished but still raw intensity, painting him and Ja as untouchable “top Dogs.” He makes cultural references, likening their collaboration to the impact of figures like Big Daddy Kane, signaling that their artistry should be taken seriously, and isn’t easily forgotten.
Sermon’s use of “ain’t shit this raw since big daddy Kane” taps into the history of hip-hop, suggesting that their music reaches the untouchable and almost mythical level of early hip-hop pioneers. This line is a nod to fans of hip-hop history, suggesting a return to foundational authenticity.
The chorus reinforces the narrative of survival and self-preservation with phrases like “livin’ life, thug style,” showing the combination of bravado and everyday hustle. They weave tales of a lifestyle involving “Hennessey, blazin’ trees, and gettin’ G’s,” cementing their ties to street culture while declaring an intention to live on their own terms.
Ja Rule and Erick Sermon masterfully illustrate the dangers and choices in their world, whether it’s by “fuckin’ hoes and bustin’ slugs” or “cutting off the air that you breathe.” These graphic descriptions show an unapologetic embrace of a lifestyle marked by struggle and power, driven by the raw necessity to thrive in a harsh environment.
Erick Sermon’s mention of agility juxtaposed with the fragility of opponents likened to “glass and UPS boxes” gives listeners an insight into the delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, further deepening the song’s message. It implies an understanding of how fleeting power can be in their reality.
In sum, “E-Dub & Ja” is a robust expression of Ja Rule and Erick Sermon’s talent and dominance in hip-hop. It’s a tribute to their past, present, and enduring legacy. This song stands as a marker of their craft and artistry while nodding to their inspirations and staking their claim as modern torchbearers of an ever-evolving genre. The repeated phrase “by any means” reflects the relentless drive both artists have in making sure their voices remain heard, embodying the defiance and determination that defines hip-hop.
