Always On Time (feat. Ashanti) - Ja Rule (Single) > Reviews (1)

'Always on Time', by Ja Rule featuring Ashanti, was released in 2001 by Murder Inc/Def Jam records. It was produced by Irv Gotti, and written by 7 Aurelius, Ja Rule and Irving Lorenzo. When it was first released, it didn't take long for it to become a worldwide sensation, and unsurprisingly spent 8 weeks on top of the Billboard Hot 100. Over 10 years later, the song is still played with the same vigour as in the early 2000's, its popularity ceasing to ebb away.

Personally, I have a love/hate relationship with this song. I don't really like Ja Rule because I think that in comparison to his contemporary rappers (at the time), he wasn't producing records that were as original. Ashanti is another hit and miss artist for me - I like her on some tracks, and I do recognise her talent, but she's not an artist I consistently listen to. Despite this, I have to say that I really like her vocals on this track. She doesn't over-do it on the chorus, allowing it to remain simplistic and catchy, and I doubt the song would have been half as successful without her on it. Ja Rule's verse is ok - it fits the purpose of the song and doesn't go off on a random tangent. It is clear, easy to understand, and works with the beat instead of clashing consistently, but I do think it could have been more inventive lyrically. This isn't the first song the duo have done together - they are famous for their collaborations, and I think this song is a key example of why they somehow work. Ja Rule's voice is rough and quite unique, and Ashanti's vocals somehow manage to flow well with his, making the song softer.

I don't think this song is ever going to get old. The light, simple melody is perfect for summer, and it's perfect to dance or chill out to. It's a good song and was successful for the right reasons, but I think it's important to bare in mind its faults too.