Ja Rule: I’ve made prison pals

Ja Rule says prison is "amazing" and he has formed strong friendships with fellow inmates.

The rap star is currently serving two years for attempted criminal possession of a weapon and an additional sentence for tax evasion. However, Ja Rule hasn't been idle during his time at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida, New York.

He has been preparing for the release of his new album Pain is Love 2, which will be available later this month. The star has also made friends with two other convicts and the trio enjoy watching television together or studying.

"Outside, you don't meet guys like this every day. This place is amazing," Ja Rule told New York Daily News. "I was studying for my GED and Koz came in and talked to me and said, 'If you need any help, let me know.'"

The music star has now decided to take college-level courses after former CEO of Tyco International Dennis Kozlowski advised him to study business.

Kozlowski is serving eight to 25 years for crimes relating to his receipt of unauthorised bonuses.

"Koz just got out on work release. Not to say I wish he was still here," Ja Rule explained. "But they're both great, smart guys."

The rapper's other source of support during his sentence has been disgraced politician Alan Hevesi.

Ja Rule – renowned for his feuds with fellow rappers 50 Cent and Eminem - realises his fans will be surprised by the friendships he has forged in jail. However, the 35-year-old star insists they have a great deal in common.

"Hevey's a Democrat like me, so that helps," he smiled. "It's funny. We're from totally different walks of life. But when you're here, you're here."

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