Unruly: The Highs and Lows of Becoming a Man

Ja Rule

Jul 2014 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

Ja Rule, actor, singer, songwriter, and one of the most multi-dimensional rap artists of his time, tells his compelling story—from his youth to his rise to international fame to his transformative two years in Federal prison—and reveals the man beneath the legend.

Unruly is two stories that offer one complete picture of a man and his world: the angry, fatherless rapper, Ja Rule who was “raised by the streets”; and Jeffrey Atkins, the insightful, reflective father and loyal husband who learned the hard way how to be a good man.

Filled with never-before-revealed anecdotes and sixteen pages of black-and-white photos, Unruly shows the determination that it takes to become a man in today’s society. Ja Rule considers the lack of role models for many young black men today—a void that leads to bad choices and the wrong paths. Recalling his youth, he illuminates the seductive pull of the streets and the drug dealers who were his earliest role models.

Jeffrey Atkins offers practical wisdom—reflection, growth and hope learned first-hand as an inmate, father, husband, and community role model. He speaks fondly of men who inspired Unruly—the inmates he met in prison whose misguided ideas of masculinity landed them behind bars—and Louis Farrakhan who mediated the televised encounter with Ja Rule’s adversary, 50 Cent.

Unruly is a compelling, personal look at the duality and conflicts that arise in the African-American male psyche from a man who has enjoyed breathtaking fame and suffered heartbreaking misfortune.

Ratings and reviews

Thank you, J. Atkins, for writing this important book. There are lessons and metaphors for life tucked in the pages like hidden treasures, for those who are paying attention. You gave me a glimpse into the reality of growing up in the city with little resources and huge responsibility as a young man. I respect that you did what you had to do to help your mom! You had the drive to grow from that place and not only realized you had talent and a dream, but you took action by carrying your notebook and jotting down you genius rhymes! Thank you for your honesty in telling the hard truth. I will read your book again and recommend it to my network. I wish you and your family all the best! Renee V.

I have been a Ja Rule fans since i heard Holla Holla for the first time. This book made me see him differently. Not as a rap star but a man. A person that goes through life and its harsh times just like the rest of us. Wonderful read.

This book blows my mind I knew there was a reason why Ja Rule is my favorite rapper he's honestly passionate about everything he does two thumbs up Mr. Atkins!!!

About the author

Ja Rule is a rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor from Queens. He has released seven albums and has sold more than 30 million records worldwide. He is a Grammy and American Music Award nominee, and has won several MTV Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and GQ's Man of the Year Award.