In probably one of the most surprising statements he’s ever made, Ja Rule spoke out about life in jail and he says it’s “amazing”.
The rapper, real name Jeffrey Atkins has been behind bars since June serving a two year sentence for being in possession of a deadly weapon and tax evasion. Since then he’s created himself a family, and insists that jail has opened his eyes to the wonders of the world, including education.
The Queens-raised rapper has said that upon his arrival he was taken under the wings of disgraced pol Alan “Hevy” Hevesi and Dennis Kozlowski, 65, whom he affectionately nicknamed as “Koz”.
Ja Rule received stock tips from Koz, and has learned about the perennial impasse in Albany. The three watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert together.
“Outside, you don’t meet guys like this every day. This place is amazing,” Ja Rule told the Daily News during an exclusive interview at Mid-State Correctional Facility in upstate Oneida, N.Y.
Koz is serving an 8 to 25-year prison sentence over using Coffers for Tyco Inc as a piggy bank. The sidekick recently just got out and Rule had some words about his release stating, “Koz just got out on work release. Not to say I wish he was still here,” he said. “But they’re both great, smart guys.”
In addition to networking for his new album “Pain is Love 2” which drops later this month, Ja Rule has decided to earn his GED, since he never graduated from high school. Hevesi, the former state’s controller, who’s serving 1 to 4 years for “pay to play” corruption scheme, has a PhD from Columbia University. Koz is cheering Ja Rule on for completing his higher education.
“I was studying for my GED and Koz came in and talked to me and said, if you need any help, let me know,” he said, two weeks after getting the degree.
The ex-CEO told him to buy airline stock and study business. He starts taking college-level courses this month.
“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.”
Hevesi’s lawyer Bradley Simon has confirmed the two get along, but has also said that his client gets along with everyone as well.
“It’s funny,” Rule said. “We’re from totally different walks of life. But when you’re here, you’re here.”
