Pain Is Love
by Ja Rule
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Rolling Stone
    60
    Ja Rule seems to be more interested in movin' on up (to the pop side) than keeping grounded on the gangsta grid.
  2. Sonicnet
    60
    Rule's scattered third album mixes love and war with uneven results, as his simple lyrics and unimaginative storytelling outweigh the stellar musical moments on this 16-cut collection.
  3. PopMatters
    60
    The tracks on this album contain the right beats to make listeners' heads bounce. But more thoughtful music lovers will simply shake their heads at the profuse profanity and misogynistic philosophies Ja Rule perpetuates with Pain Is Love.
  5. The A.V. Club
    40
    Ja Rule's only real gift is for crafting undeniable pop hooks. That talent is underrated, but it still does little to cover up the rapper's derivative lyrics and crassly recycled 2Pacisms.
  6. Q Magazine
    40
    The prepetually gruff Rule, a second division DMX or Redman, and producer Irv Gotti leave no cliche unturned. [Dec 2001, p.124]
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  7. Uncut
    40
    Rule's raw, worn vocal recalls 2Pac, a style perfect for the title track's state-of-the-nation address but wasted on fodder like "Smokin' And Ridin.'" [Jan 2002, p.140]
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Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed Album of 2001
86
#86 Most Shared Album of 2001

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 6 out of 20
  1. foro1030
    May 8, 2023
    10
    Ja Rule is very underrated and Pain Is Love is one of the great albums of 2001.
  2. ChunkDump
    Dec 25, 2020
    9
    The breakout album well at least until i started listening and paying attention. it had the hits like "livin it up" and "Im Real ( MurderThe breakout album well at least until i started listening and paying attention. it had the hits like "livin it up" and "Im Real ( Murder remix)" he was on top of the world until that fateful diss track he released...oh what could of been.… Full Review »
  3. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 4, 2012
    7
    His lyrics were "Aight" but he needs to stop trying to be 2pac. He cant imitate a legend. Hopefully Pain is love 2 is good cuz ive beenHis lyrics were "Aight" but he needs to stop trying to be 2pac. He cant imitate a legend. Hopefully Pain is love 2 is good cuz ive been waiting for a awhile… Full Review »
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