"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" | ||||
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| SinglebyJa Rule featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss | ||||
| from the album R.U.L.E. | ||||
| Released | October 27, 2004 (2004-10-27) | |||
| Recorded | 2004 | |||
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| Length | 4:18 | |||
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| Producer(s) | Cool & Dre | |||
| Ja Rule singles chronology | ||||
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| Fat Joe singles chronology | ||||
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| Jadakiss singles chronology | ||||
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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.
The music video for "New York", directed by Juan Carlos, premiered via MTV Jams on November 15, 2004.[1]
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.
| Chart (2004–05) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| USBillboard Hot 100[2] | 27 |
| USHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[3] | 14 |
| USHot Rap Songs (Billboard)[4] | 10 |
| USRhythmic (Billboard)[5] | 17 |
| Chart (2005) | Position |
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| US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[6] | 84 |