Format CD single
12" Length 4:18 | Recorded 2004 Label Def Jam | |
Released October 27, 2004 (2004-10-27) Genre East Coast hip hop
gangsta rap | ||
"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". The song peaked at number 27 on the US Hot 100 chart, number 14 on US R&B and Hip-Hop, and number 10 on Hot Rap Tracks.
Background
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, or at least Ja Rule's verse, is a diss track aimed at gangster rapper 50 Cent and his group G-Unit. In the song Rule raps: Apprentice you're fired, you're no longer desired/So take off them silly chains, put back on your wire/I'm on fire. 50 Cent later attacked Fat Joe and Jadakiss for being a part of the song in his 2005 song "Piggy Bank".
There is a sequel to the song, "New York Us Back" on DJ Khaled's album, We the Best (2007).