(AllHipHop News) At one point, there was a lot of talk that Def Jam recording artists Jay Z, Ja Rule, and DMX would join forces as a supergroup known as Murder Inc. The three New Yorkers even appeared on the cover of XXL under the name, but a full album from the trio never happened.

[ALSO READ: Ja Rule Explains Why Joint Album With Jay Z & DMX Never Took Place]

Not only was Ja and Jay close to teaming up as a group, but they were also close to teaming up under the same imprint. Ja Rule sat down with The Breakfast Club and talked about why he chose not to sign with Jigga’s Roc-A-Fella Records.

“I’m like, ‘Jay, you’re on top of the game right now. I’m ready to come for that spot. You’re not going to let me get that spot.’ So, I can’t be under you if I’m trying to be above you,” said Ja. “Dame [Dash] looked at me and said, ‘You think you can sell more records than Jay?… He said, ‘You think you can be as big or as hot as Jay?’ I’m like, ‘Of course.'”

Ja went on to release platinum albums such as Venni Vetti Vecci, Rule 3:36, Pain Is Love, and The Last Temptation with Murder Inc Records. The Queens rapper also had the Top 10 singles “Put It On Me,” “Always on Time,’ “Mesmerize,” and “Wonderful.”