Synopsis

Ja Rule takes over Rio de Janeiro for a flashy, street-level celebration built around the energy of his debut single. The video moves between city streets, waterfront settings, cars, crowded parties, and sun-soaked scenes featuring dancers and models, including Gloria Velez. Ja Rule performs directly to the camera while surrounded by friends and a lively crowd, presenting "Holla, Holla" as an introduction to his swagger-heavy persona and the Murder Inc. sound.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, giving the clip an unusually international backdrop for Ja Rule's 1999 debut campaign.

• Gloria Velez appears in the video. Her presence became one of the better-remembered details associated with the original clip.

• "Holla Holla" was Ja Rule's debut single and the first single from his album "Venni Vetti Vecci," released in 1999.

• The track was recorded after Def Jam initially felt that none of the completed album material was strong enough to serve as a lead single. It became the final song recorded for the album.

• Ja Rule later described the repeated phrasing in the hook and verses as his "stutter flow," a vocal approach that became part of his early signature.

• The original solo video is distinct from the later remix video, which features Jay-Z, Vita, Cadillac Tah, Black Child, Memphis Bleek, and Busta Rhymes.

• The song became Ja Rule's breakthrough hit, reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helping "Venni Vetti Vecci" reach number three on the Billboard 200.

• The video was later included in the compilation "Hype Williams: The Videos, Vol. 1."