This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
What with his steely glare, filthy mouth and intimidating tattoos, Ja Rule likes to front all hard and thuggish. But the Queens rapper born Jeffrey Atkins is really just a big ole softie at heart on his fourth album The Last Temptation.
Jeffy — sorry, Ja — busts out of the gate growling and barking like DMX on most of these propulsive and percussive 13 tracks. But instead of building up into an explosive chorus, all that brash confidence usually gives way to a soulful, emotional refrain that blows his gangsta cover like a pair of baby booties hanging from the rearview of a low rider. He may be a thug, but he still wants a hug.
