The album was successful, moving 237,000 units in its first week,[10] but less than his previous Pain Is Love. On December 13, 2002 the album was certified Platinum. "Mesmerize" is ranked at #45 on
Blender's list of the "50 Worst Songs Ever",[11] but was the most successful single from the album, reaching number 2 on the US
Billboard Hot 100 and number 12 on the
UK Singles Chart. The album also received criticism from fans, saying that the album sounded too commercial, and that Ja Rule was selling out: in addition, many artists that Ja Rule was feuding with, such as
Daz Dillinger,
Eminem,
50 Cent,
Dr. Dre,
G-Unit,
Obie Trice,
D12,
Busta Rhymes, and
DMX said that Ja Rule was trying to be just like
Tupac Shakur, which fueled the rivalries even more.[citation needed] Though neither its debut nor lifetime sales ever matched those of Pain Is Love, The Last Temptation is Ja Rule's third highest-selling album to date.
Background
Originally scheduled for a Fall 2002 release (as found in the booklet for
Pain Is Love), the album was delayed to 2003 (as found in the booklet for
Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc.), but was ultimately released on November 19, 2002.
This album contained singles such as "Thug Lovin'" (featuring
Bobby Brown), "
Mesmerize" (featuring
Ashanti) and "The Pledge (Remix)" (by Ashanti featuring
Nas, Ja Rule and
2Pac). "Murder Reigns" was also released as a single titled "
Reign" in select territories outside of North America, such as
Europe and
Australasia. The song "Pop Niggas" gained some attention after it was reported to be talking in part about
50 Cent.
Pharrell was featured in the song, but not credited. Other guests featured on the album include: Bobby Brown, Ashanti, Nas, Alexi,
Charli Baltimore, 2Pac, Caddillac Tah, Celeste, Eastwood,
Crooked I, Young Life &
Chink Santana.