Ja Rule Lights Up Rise Up NYC With Salute to Hip Hop Performance

Ja Rule, a cornerstone of early 2000s hip hop, brought back the nostalgia at the 2023 Salute to Hip Hop held as part of the Rise Up NYC Concert Series. The energy crackled through the crowd as Ja Rule hit the stage, proving that even after all these years, he can still command the stage.

Dressed to impress and with his signature smooth delivery, Ja Rule took the audience on a trip down memory lane. He performed his biggest hits, from the catchy singalong of “Always on Time” featuring Ashanti (who was noticeably absent) to the streetwise swagger of “Holla Holla.” The crowd erupted with every familiar beat, rapping along and raising their phones high in the air.

This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of an era. Ja Rule’s performance wasn’t just about him – it was a tribute to the golden age of New York hip hop that he helped define. He threw it back to some of his early influences, giving a shoutout to pioneers like Run DMC and LL Cool J.

The Salute to Hip Hop at Rise Up NYC wasn’t just about Ja Rule, though. The concert series is known for showcasing a variety of artists who have helped shape hip hop culture. It’s likely there were other legendary acts on the bill, ensuring a night that paid homage to the genre’s rich history.

Whether you were a teenager bumping Ja Rule in your car back in the day or a new generation discovering his music, there’s no denying the impact he’s had. The Rise Up NYC Salute to Hip Hop was a night to remember, proving that Ja Rule’s reign as a king of catchy hooks and smooth lyricism is far from over.

Rise Up NYC: Celebrating Music and Community

The Rise Up NYC Concert Series is dedicated to celebrating the power of music to bring people together and uplift communities. This summer, the series will feature a diverse lineup of artists, each bringing their unique sound and style to stages across the city. The inclusion of Keith Sweat in this year’s lineup underscores the series’ commitment to showcasing artists who have made a significant impact on the music industry and continue to inspire new generations of fans.

Throwback Photos

A man in a white shirt smiles and gives a thumbs-up gesture while standing on a stage at night, emblazoned with the bright lights of Rise Up NYC behind him. The large crowd in the background appears engaged, with many individuals looking towards the stage. Rise Up NYC
A performer with short, red-tipped hair and sunglasses sings into a microphone on an outdoor stage at night. The crowd of spectators in the background is illuminated by stage lights, creating a vibrant atmosphere at Rise Up NYC. Rise Up NYC
Close-up of two hands holding a bucket filled with round buttons that have "SUP NYC" printed on them. The background features blurred buildings and trees, giving an impression of an outdoor setting. One person is wearing a smartwatch with "Rise Up NYC" etched on the band. Rise Up NYC
A crowd of people at an outdoor nighttime event. Two women in the foreground are raising their arms enthusiastically, embodying the spirit of Rise Up NYC. The woman on the left wears a leather cap, and the other woman has braided hair and a cap. Several other people are visible in the dim background. Rise Up NYC
A performer dressed in a colorful shirt and white shorts is on stage at night for Rise Up NYC, holding a microphone and raising one arm toward the audience. Several speakers surround the stage, and the background is dark, illuminated slightly by city lights. Rise Up NYC
A young child with braided hair wearing an orange shirt sits on an adult's shoulders, also with braided hair, during the Rise Up NYC evening event. The background features blurred lights and greenery under the night sky. Both are viewing something intently off-frame. Rise Up NYC
A close-up of a person operating a sound mixing console labeled "DiGiCo SD12 96" at a live concert. In the background, the stage is visible with colorful lighting and a blurry audience, focused on the live performance happening on stage during Rise Up NYC. Rise Up NYC
A large crowd enjoys a nighttime outdoor event, with hands raised and phones recording under the banner of Rise Up NYC. A woman with braided hair stands in the foreground, smiling. Tents and several buildings, illuminated by lights, serve as the vibrant backdrop to this lively celebration. Rise Up NYC
A person holding a young child on their shoulders at Rise Up NYC. The child is pointing with one hand towards a brightly lit stage, illuminated by blue and white lights. The background features blurred performers and a large illuminated screen. Rise Up NYC
A singer performs live on stage, illuminated by colorful lights, while a band plays in the background. The large LED screen behind them displays "Rise Up NYC" with an image of the Statue of Liberty's torch. The audience is enveloped in the vibrant atmosphere. Rise Up NYC
A band performs on stage with a large backdrop displaying "Rise Up NYC" and the Statue of Liberty silhouette. The lead singer, dressed in a dark blazer, sings into a microphone, while the drummer and guitarist, both in white attire, play behind him. Rise Up NYC