It isn't always that we get to meet artists that were the soundtracks to our youths, but Lupe Fiasco received an opportunity. The rapper has amassed a wealth of success of his own, but when he came face to face with Ja Rule, he couldn't contain his excitement. It looks as if the two hitmakers were able to link backstage at a concert, and the encounter was shared on Instagram.
In the clip, Lupe was like a kid meeting his idol. “This all I need right here,” he told Ja. The Murder Inc rapper was all smiles. Then, Lupe addressed the camera directly. “Listen, I grew up on Ja Rule, you feel me? I don’t give a f*ck what no motherf*cka say. Ask me who’s my favorite rapper, who I was listening to when I was coming up. Even now!
Lupe Fiasco Praises Ja Rule's Catalog
"Give me Venni, Vetti, Vecci, n*gga," Lupe continued. "Give me motherf*ckin’ Pain Is Love over anything, n*gga. I don’t give a f*ck. Give me 3:36 over anything. F*ck these n*ggas, feel me? I’m bumpin’ Ja! N*gga, f*ck you!” Lupe followed up his praise by sharing stories of his youth, listening to Ja "on repeat." He said the New York star's music would be "hyping me up, charging me up."
To all of the attention, Ja Rule was in disbelief. "You know what? It's so ill to hear...that," he said, seemingly at a loss for words. "From a lyricist lyricist." The mutual respect was applauded by fans who were happy to see two rappers come together with compliments and not criticism. Hip Hop has made sure that artists are receiving their flowers these days, from Verzuz appearances to Drink Champs praise.
Ja Rule Made His Mark on the Industry
Meanwhile, Ja Rule has been a busy man. He has multiple businesses that he attends to while also hitting the road. The rapper has continued to tour since his inception into the mainstream, and he doesn't have plans to slow down anytime soon. Although he often makes headlines due to his long-standing beef with 50 Cent, Ja's career is much more than Rap beef. His time with Murder Inc helped define an era, so fans understand why Lupe Fiasco was excited to meet him. Check out the interaction above.