Always on Time

"Always on Time" is a song by American rapper Ja Rule from his third studio album, Pain Is Love (2001). Produced by Irv Gotti, it was written by Ja Rule, 7 Aurelius, and Gotti. Originally set to feature Brandy, it features guest vocals from singer-songwriter and labelmate Ashanti. The song was released as the album's second single on November 27, 2001, through Island Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam Recordings and Gotti's Murder Inc. Records.

"Always on Time" spent two weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in February and March of 2002, becoming Ja Rule's highest-charting single as lead artist. It was Ashanti's first mainstream #1, and Ja Rule's second after he was featured on Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" from her sophomore album J. Lo (2001). Coincidentally, the lyrics of "I'm Real (Murder Remix)" were penned by Ashanti, with the track featuring her background vocals as well. Several months later, Ja Rule and Lopez would appear on another song penned by Ashanti, "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)".

In 2009, "Always on Time" was named the 33rd most-successful song of the 2000s on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and the 82nd most-successful song of the 2000s on the mainstream Hot 100.

Track listings
UK CD1
 * 1) "Always on Time" (LP version)
 * 2) "Always on Time" (radio version)
 * 3) "I Cry" (LP version featuring Lil' Mo)
 * 4) "Always on Time" (full length video)

UK CD2 and European CD single
 * 1) "Always on Time" (radio edit)
 * 2) "Always on Time" (explicit album version)

UK cassette single
 * 1) "Always on Time" (radio version)
 * 2) "I Cry" (LP version featuring Lil' Mo)

UK 12-inch single
 * A1. "Always on Time" (LP version)
 * B1. "I Cry" (LP version featuring Lil' Mo)
 * B2. "Always on Time" (radio version)

Australasian CD single
 * 1) "Always on Time" (radio edit)
 * 2) "Always on Time" (explicit album version)
 * 3) "Always on Time" (instrumental)
 * 4) "Always on Time" (video)

Credits and personnel
Credits are taken from the Pain Is Love album booklet.

Studios
 * Recorded at The Crackhouse (New York City)
 * Mixed at The Hit Factory (New York City)
 * Mastered at Bernie Grundman Mastering (Hollywood, California)

Personnel


 * Ja Rule – writing (as Jeffrey Atkins)
 * 7 Aurelius – writing, all instruments, mixing
 * Irv Gotti – writing (as Irving Lorenzo), production, mixing
 * Ashanti – featured vocals, additional vocals
 * Milwaukee Buck – recording
 * Glen Marchese – mix engineering
 * Brian Gardner – mastering