Rapper Jeffery “Ja Rule’ Atkins (pictured), who is serving time in upstate New York for a 2007 gun-possession charge, is long removed from his glory days of smash hits and hip-hop fame. Now the gruff-voiced rapper spends his days toiling with a new crew of fellow cons behind bars who offer him business and educational advice. The 35-year-old Queens native’s new homeboys, though, have nothing to do with the rap world where Ja Rule found his fortune, according to the NY Daily News.
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These days, Ja Rule names former New York comptroller Alan Hevesi and past Tyco International CEO Dennis Kozlowski as his running mates at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy.
“Outside, you don’t meet guys like this every day. This place is amazing,” said Ja Rule of Hevesi and Kozlowski in an exclusive interview with New York Daily News. Playfully referring to the pair as “Hevey D” and “Koz,” the trio is a curious mix on paper, but it appears they have forged a serious bond despite their differences.
“I was studying for my GED and Koz came in and talked to me and said, if you need any help, let me know,” Ja Rule shared after recently obtaining his degree and now enrolling in upcoming college courses per Kozlowski ‘s suggestion. Ja Rule also said that Kozlowski advised him on investment tips and to study up on business. Kozlowski is currently serving 8 to 25 years for a $81-million bonus scandal of which he maintains his innocence.
With Hevesi, who is serving one to four years on corruption charges, Ja Rule has found someone to chat with about politics as both men share similar philosophies. “Hevey’s a Democrat like me, so that helps,” Ja Rule said. “He told me how it’s like pulling teeth with the two parties trying to get bills passed.”
Ja Rule’s odd pairings with both men seemingly has the rapper on a path of greater success. When he is released, time will tell if he continues to apply himself on the outside.
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