Holla Holla

This article is about the song by Ja Rule. For the song by Akon, see Holla Holla (Akon song).
"Holla Holla"
Single by Ja Rule
from the album Venni Vetti Vecci
Released March 2, 1999
Format CD single, Compact Cassette, 12" single
Recorded 1998
Genre East coast hip hop, gangsta rap
Length 4:24
Label Murder, Inc., Def Jam
Writer(s) Jeffrey Atkins
Producer(s) Irv Gotti, Mr Fingaz
Ja Rule singles chronology
"Holla Holla"
(1999)
"Between Me and You"
(2000)

"Holla Holla" is the debut single by American rapper Ja Rule from his debut studio album Venni Vetti Vecci. It was produced by Irv Gotti and Ty Fyffe and is the only single released from the album. The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Irv Gotti.[1]

A remix was also made featuring Jay-Z, Vita, Caddillac Tah, Black Child, Memphis Bleek and Busta Rhymes, the latter of which would later feud with Ja Rule.

Background and composition

After Ja Rule finalized the recording of his debut studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), Def Jam – Ja Rule's record label – did not consider any song on the album worthy of marketing as a single.[2] Despite Ja Rule's surprise at this proclamation, admitting in an interview with Complex magazine that he "didn’t grasp the idea of making a radio record", he resumed recording sessions to compose what would become "Holla Holla": it would transpire to be the final song recorded for Venni Vetti Vecci.[2] Ja Rule's rapping on "Holla Holla" employs what he described as his "stutter flow", with the repetition of certain words to increase the volume of lyrics.[2]

Reception

Writing for the Los Angeles Times, Soren Baker felt that "Holla Holla" demonstrates Ja Rule's ability to use "his edgy voice and the spectacular instrumentation that backs him".[3]

Track listing

  1. "Holla Holla" (Street Version)
  2. "Holla Holla" (Instrumental)
  3. "BJ Skit"
  4. "It's Murda" (Street Version)
  5. "It's Murda" (Instrumental)
  6. "Kill 'Em All" (Street Version)

Charts

Chart (1999) Peak
position
Canada (Canadian Singles Chart)[4] 15
scope="row" US Billboard Hot 100[5] 35
scope="row" US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] 11
US Hot Rap Singles (Billboard)[4] 2

Credits

In popular culture

References

  1. Ja Rule - "Holla Holla" - Music Videos MTV. Accessed October 15, 2008.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Gale, Alex (August 21, 2013). "Ja Rule "Holla Holla" (1999) / Ja Rule f/ Jay Z, Vita, Caddillac Tah, Memphis Bleek & Busta Rhymes "Holla Holla (Remix)" (1999) – Ja Rule Breaks Down His 25 Most Essential Songs". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  3. Baker, Soren (May 30, 1999). "Ja Rule; "Venni Vetti Vecci"; Def Jam; ** 1/2". Los Angeles Times. Tribune Company. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Ja Rule – Awards". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  5. "Ja Rule Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot 100 for Ja Rule. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  6. "Ja Rule Album & Song Chart History" Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for Ja Rule. Retrieved August 25, 2013.