"Holla Holla" is the first single by the American rapper Ja Rule from his first studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci (1999). It was produced by Taiwan "Tai" Green and Irv Gotti. The music video was directed by Hype Williams and Irv Gotti.
A remix and the album's third single featured Jay-Z, Vita, Caddillac Tah, Black Child, Memphis Bleek and Busta Rhymes, the latter of which would later feud with Ja Rule.
Background and composition
After Ja Rule finalized the recording of the album, Ja Rule's record label Def Jam, did not consider any song on the album worthy of marketing as a single. Despite his surprise at this, admitting in an interview with Complex magazine that he "didn’t grasp the idea of making a radio record", he resumed recording sessions to compose what became "Holla Holla". It transpired to be the final song recorded for Venni Vetti Vecci. Ja Rule's rapping on "Holla Holla" employs what he described as his "stutter flow", with the repetition of certain words to increase the volume of lyrics.
Reception
Writing for the Los Angeles Times, Soren Baker felt that "Holla Holla" demonstrated Ja Rule's ability to use "his edgy voice and the spectacular instrumentation that backs him".
Track listing
"Holla Holla" (Street Version) "Holla Holla" (Instrumental) "BJ Skit" "It's Murda" (Street Version) "It's Murda" (Instrumental) "Kill 'Em All" (Street Version)
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Credits
Taiwan Green– producer
Irv Gotti – producer, mixing
Ken Ifill – mixing
Ja Rule – vocals, rap
Patrick Viala – engineer
In popular culture
The song is played in The Sopranos season 2 episode "Toodle Fucking-Oo" when Tony arrives at the scene of Livia's house where Meadow threw a party.