"I Cry" is the fourth and final single from
Ja Rule's second studio album, ''
Rule 3:36''. The song samples "Cry Together" by
The O'Jays
The O'Jays are an American R&B group from Canton, Ohio, formed in 1958 and originally consisting of Eddie Levert, Walter Lee Williams, William Powell, Bobby Massey, and Bill Isles. The O'Jays made their first chart appearance with the minor hi ...
. This was also the final collaborative single by Ja Rule and former associate,
Lil' Mo
Cynthia Karen Loving (born November 19, 1978), known professionally as Lil' Mo, is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, television and radio personality. She is best known for her 2001 single " Superwoman Pt. II", featuring then-unknown rapper ...
. It was after this release that
Irv Gotti
Irving Domingo Lorenzo Jr. (born June 26, 1970), professionally known as Irv Gotti, is an American DJ, music producer, record executive, and the CEO and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records. He is best known for producing multiple number-one rec ...
decided that Ja Rule should work with
Ashanti.
This song became an urban hit during the late spring of 2001, peaking at number 40 on the
''Billboard'' Hot 100, number 25 on the
Rap Charts, and number 11 on the
''Billboard'' Hot R&B charts.
In 2008, the song was used as a sample in
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith (born January 14, 1968), known professionally as LL Cool J (short for Ladies Love Cool James), is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor. He is one of the earliest rappers to achieve commercial success, along ...
's record, "
Cry
Crying is the dropping of tears (or welling of tears in the eyes) in response to an emotional state, or pain. Emotions that can lead to crying include sadness, anger, and even happiness. The act of crying has been defined as "a complex secreto ...
", which also happened to feature Lil' Mo.
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
References
2000 songs
2001 singles
Ja Rule songs
Lil' Mo songs
Song recordings produced by Irv Gotti
Songs written by Irv Gotti
Songs written by Kenny Gamble
Songs written by Leon Huff
Songs written by Lil' Mo
Songs written by Ja Rule
Def Jam Recordings singles
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