"New York" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Ja Rule, released October 27, 2004 as the second single from his sixth studio album R.U.L.E. (2004). The track, produced by Cool & Dre, features fellow New York rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss. The song's chorus is based on Boogie Down Productions' 1990 song, "100 Guns".

"New York"
Single by Ja Rule featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss
from the album R.U.L.E.
ReleasedOctober 27, 2004 (2004-10-27)
Recorded2004
Genre
Length4:18
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Cool & Dre
Ja Rule singles chronology
"Wonderful"
(2004)
"New York"
(2004)
"Caught Up"
(2005)
Fat Joe singles chronology
"Lean Back"
(2004)
"New York"
(2004)
"Hold You Down"
(2005)
Jadakiss singles chronology
"U Make Me Wanna"
(2004)
"New York"
(2004)
"By My Side"
(2008)

The music video was directed in New York City, and features cameo appearances by many local artists. The song peaked at number 27 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, number 14 on US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and number 10 on Hot Rap Songs charts respectively.

Music video

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The music video for "New York", directed by Juan Carlos, premiered via MTV Jams on November 15, 2004.[1]

Background

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Cool & Dre produced the track for rapper Fat Joe, who initially turned it down. Jadakiss was said to be interested in the track; however, Ja Rule grabbed it almost immediately. When Irv Gotti learned of the history behind who was to have the track, he mentioned it to Ja Rule, and then they offered for both Fat Joe and Jadakiss to be featured on the track.

The song contains a sample of Nkalakatha by Mandoza. Though not credited on the songs credit the song is a slowed down Mandoza's produced by Gabbie Lerroux.

Ja Rule's verse is a subliminal diss aimed at rival 50 Cent and his group G-Unit. In the song Ja Rule raps: "Y'all niggas is pussy, punani, vagina, your monologue's gettin' tired now it's time to ride, Apprentice, you're fired, you're no longer desired, so take off them silly chains, put back on your wire, I'm on fire" making a reference to G-Unit member Lloyd Banks's song On Fire. 50 Cent responded the next year with his 2005 song "Piggy Bank" where he also dissed Fat Joe and Jadakiss for featuring on this song.

There is a sequel to this song which is also titled "New York" and it's on DJ Khaled's 2007 album, We the Best.

The song also features an official music video with numerous cameo appearances including Remy Ma, Jennifer Lopez, N.O.R.E., Havoc, Red Cafe, Lil Wayne, Cool and Dre, J.Prince, DJ Enuff, Styles P, Jim Jones, DJ Clue, Irv Gotti, Angie Martinez and more.

Charts

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Weekly charts

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Chart (2004–05) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[2] 27
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[3] 14
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard)[4] 10
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[5] 17

Year-end charts

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Chart (2005) Position
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] 84

References

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  1. ^ "Watch Ja Rule's Video for "New York" f/ Fat Joe and Jadakiss". Complex. November 15, 2010. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
  2. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  3. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  4. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved June 29, 2015.
  5. ^ "Ja Rule Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2021.
  6. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2005". Billboard. Retrieved March 27, 2021.