Baller Alert’s Today in Hip-Hop: Ja Rule Released “Pain Is Love” 17 Years Ago

On October 2, 2001, 17 years ago today, Ja Rule released his third studio album, “Pain Is Love,” on Murder Inc and Def Jam Recordings. 

The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200, with the help of four singles, including, “Livin’ It Up” featuring Case, “I’m Real” featuring Jennifer Lopez, “Always On Time” featuring Ashanti and “Down Ass Bitch” featuring Charli Baltimore. 

Praised for its R&B crossover singles combined with the album’s rap tracks, the album became certified triple platinum after selling more than 3,000,000 copies. It also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in 2002  but lost to “Stankonia” by Outkast. 

What is your favorite song from this album?

MsJennyb

Jen is a Writer and Content Curator for Baller Alert, who writes under the alias “MsJennyb.” In this role, Jen develops and contributes relevant special-themed content to attract readers. Before joining the Entertainment Industry via Baller Alert, Jen spent one year as a Freelance Writer and two years as a Human Resources assistant in a corporate office. Jen has a degree in Criminal Justice from Rutgers University with a concentration in Africana Studies.

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