- published: 19 Nov 2014
- views: 1060013
Jeffrey Atkins (born February 29, 1976), better known by his stage name Ja Rule or Mockaveli, is an American rapper, singer, and actor from Queens, New York City.
Born in Hollis, Queens, he began his career in the group Cash Money Click and debuted in 1999 with Venni Vetti Vecci and its single "Holla Holla". From 2000 to 2004, Ja Rule had several hits that made the top 20 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, including "Between Me and You" with Christina Milian, "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" with Jennifer Lopez, "Always on Time" with Ashanti, "Mesmerize" also with Ashanti, and "Wonderful" with R. Kelly and Ashanti. During the 2000s, Ja Rule was signed to The Inc. Records, which was formerly known as Murder Inc. and was led by Irv Gotti. Ja Rule has sold over 30 million records worldwide and was the fastest selling rapper in 2001[citation needed]. He is also known for some well-publicized feuds with other rappers (in-particular 50 Cent and Eminem).
Atkins was born in the Queens borough of New York City. He was raised as a Jehovah's Witness by his mother, health care worker Debra Atkins, and grandparents. At the age of five his sister died from breathing complications, leaving him as an only child. He attended Public School 134 in Hollis, a school he has described as having a predominantly black student body. He has said got into many fights at the school because of his small size, so his mother transferred him to Middle School 172 in Glen Oaks, which he has described as a "white school".
Mr. downtown mr. downtown
darkness falls and the night's begun
the river of light burns as bright as the sun
under the waning moon is danger to be found
for the man with the badge in the night
the man with the badge in the night
what's his name?
mr. downtown mr. downtown
mr. downtown mr. downtown
oh you can't run away when you can't run away
when you're walking a lonely beat
but there's love to be found
yes there's love to be found
on the shadowy side of the street
morning comes and you toss and turn
the night's now a memory ceasing to burn
up from the streets below
a haunting daunting sound
for the man with the badge in the night
for the man with the badge in the fight
for the man with the badge in the night
the man with the badge in the night
mr. downtown mr. downtown
mr. downtown mr. downtown