Emerging in the wake of hip-hop's greatest loss--the deaths of Notorious B.I.G. and 2pac--Ja Rule traded narrative skill for photogenic presence, party-minded rhymes, and a DMX-influenced mode of volatile masculinity. Reflecting the political title of his 1999 debut VENNI VETTI VECCI, Ja Rule is affiliated with both Jay Z's Roc-A-Fella camp and DMX's Ruff Ryders clique. Having guested on both groups' singles, Ja Rule's was well set for solo success. His debut single "Holla Holla" became a national hip-hop anthem.