Before even releasing his debut album Venni Vetti Vecci, Ja Rule had made a name for himself appearing on cuts by Mic Geronimo, DMX, and Jay-Z, which naturally increased expectations for his first effort. Perhaps the expectations were raised a little bit too much, since Venni isn't the stunner some may have expected, but it nevertheless is a strong opening salvo. Ja Rule doesn't bend the rules of East Coast hardcore hip-hop enough to truly distinguish himself, but he does deliver a solid record, filled with tough party jams and good straight-ahead gangsta. If the record runs a little long, it nevertheless has enough fine moments to make this a promising debut.