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Without DMX, there would be no Ja Rule. When the gravelly voiced Dark Man X bum-rushed the rap world, he paved the path for a whole slew of next-generation leathernecks with flows to match. That being said, Rule is a worthy adversary for his oft-maligned peer, managing to combine DMX's signature stuttery, acerbic flow with just a hint of Jay-Z's flash and wit. The production, handled largely by Irv Gotti, is trademark New York thug style, suiting Rule's grumbles to a T. Yet amid the tales of "murda" (and there are many), there are some moments of insurgent sunshine. "Race Against Time" is the thug's lament, no less potent for its obligatory nature. And on "Let's Ride," Rule winks at the ladies, telling them "My style is so touching, it'll wipe your eye." To boot, he prints his lyrics in the booklet, an all-too-rare phenomenon in rap. Caesar he ain't, but emperor for a day? Certainly. --Jon Caramanica