Released: 1999
Jamming to “Holla Holla” by Ja Rule requires you to step into a world where hustle and bravado reign supreme. The track, a prime example of late 90s hip-hop, is a vivid portrayal of Ja Rule’s confidence and defiance. It’s about his readiness to throw down for his respect, his pursuit of wealth, and his unquenchable thirst for living life on his own terms. It’s unabashedly about the game, where getting money and holding your own are paramount.
The theme of the song cycles around a few critical tenets of hip-hop: money (“dollars”), women (“bitches”), and loyalty (“follow”). The repetitive chorus echoes these elements, with Ja Rule inviting those who are on his wavelength to “holla” – to acknowledge and join him in this pursuit. There’s a clear us vs. them tonality to the lyrics that underscores Ja Rule’s street credibility; he’s from a world where talk is cheap and actions determine worth.
In the first verse, Ja Rule showcases his sexual prowess, an often celebrated aspect in hip-hop culture. It’s a bravado-filled verse, seamlessly switching between his swagger in handling women and his prowess in the streets. “Fucks plenty bitches, and dug ditches for petty niggas,” he boasts. He uses “dug ditches” as a metaphor for his dealings with inferior competition, implying that he metaphorically buries them with his superior skills.
The second verse, however, hones in on a trope that is very familiar in hip-hop: street credibility and retaliation. Ja Rule makes it clear that any beef or issues could escalate into serious violence, with him asserting, “If niggas want war, bust slugs”. The singer isn’t one to shy away from street violence or confrontations. “Bust slugs” is street parlance for firing bullets, and his readiness to engage shows his resilience and determination not to be messed with.
By the third verse, Ja Rule continues to express his bravado, weaving in the culture of wealth and luxury that are often romanticized elements of the hip-hop lifestyle. He speaks about “sipping Henny” (Hennessy, a luxury cognac), driving sports cars (“two-seaters, sitting on twenties,” referring to 20-inch rims), and living a fast-paced life. These elements alongside his declaration about handling anyone who undermines him, reinforce his image as a quintessential hip-hop figure, embodying strength, success, and fearlessness.
In essence, “Holla Holla” is a track that struts with late 90s hip-hop bravado, reflecting the gritty, survival-of-the-fittest mentality of the streets, while also glimmering with the allure of success and luxury. Ja Rule, with his distinctive raspy delivery, weaves a narrative that draws you into his world, a world where toughness and tenacity go hand in hand with fast living and high rolling.
