Stanisland Magazine

Independent since 2018

For the aficionado who thinks differently

Ja Rule, the American rapper, pictured speaking into a microphone in 2016.

Zakaria Mafa

,

Where’s Your Spine, Ja Rule? Rapper in Israel for Limited Performance

LATEST



Sign up for honest takes & news that matters

Get the latest stories, interviews and independent takes delivered straight to your inbox.

Intuit Mailchimp

Opinion: Rapper Ja Rule performs in Tel Aviv to top up his bank account

So, Ja Rule is back at it again. The wet tissue paper rapper performed in Israel yesterday, and we have some thoughts. Like Cliff Richard, leaning on his historical catalogue, former hip-hop icon Jeffrey Atkins has become a parody of himself and continues to embark on a shameless pursuit of income. Having experienced a 99.1% decline in opening-week album sales, he’s got to get his money from somewhere, no matter who he does a deal with. His comments on Drake and DJ Khaled being “not obligated to speak on Israel” now make sense.

Ja Rule says Drake and DJ Khaled are not “obligated” to speak on Israel and Palestine.

Tel Aviv Performance

His performance at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv was no doubt a controversial move. His reasoning? To bring “Fun, peace and love. That’s what entertainment is for.” Yeah, at a cost of 349–799 Israeli shekels (approximately $112–$256 USD), that’s exactly what it is. And based on the terrible showmanship and pyrotechnics, I’m sure attendees got what they asked for from the 50-year-old rapper.

This excuse ignores the suffering of Palestinians whom Israel continues to slaughter without regret. But his Tel Aviv audience doesn’t care; they don’t share that sentiment, and you can bet your last dollar that Jeffrey doesn’t believe it either.

Like a dried-up boogie stuck to a radiator, the pop star continues to distance himself from hip-hop. Like other washed-up celebrities, Rule seeks capital from a state that engages in acts of genocide. Most musicians and actors without a career tend to embrace fascism and all it has to offer when they reach the limits of their talents. Atkins is no different, with a spine like a jellyfish. But that’s an insult to invertebrates.

More from the magazine

Zakaria Mafa

Zakaria Mafa is an acclaimed music journalist, writer, and hip-hop historian known for insightful takes on an ever-evolving music scene. From uncovering emerging artists, he has established himself as a trusted voice within the industry, and at the same time, isn’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. His interests lie in pursuing integrity within the production process and the streaming world’s impact on the quality of finished pieces.

Leave a Reply