Ja Rule Says He’s ‘Very Happy’ as He Prepares to Become a First-Time Grandfather

Ja Rule has a big new role on the way — and this time, it’s all about family.

The rapper and actor, 49, recently shared his excitement about becoming a grandfather for the first time. While speaking with PEOPLE at the Dream360 grand opening party in New Jersey, Ja Rule said he’s feeling nothing but joy as he waits to welcome a baby girl into the family.

“It’s a blessing. I’m very, very happy and excited,” he said. “My first child was my daughter, a girl, and my first grandchild is also going to be a girl.”

The “Put It on Me” rapper joked that becoming a grandparent will only make him even softer than he already is.

“If I wasn’t soft enough, we are going to take a second dose of it,” he laughed. “But I’m so happy. I can’t wait to see her.”

Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, reflected on how life seems to come full circle as you get older. With his own kids now grown, the idea of having a baby back in the house feels special.

“It’s weird — you get older, and then you get back into little people mode,” he explained. “You want a little person around again. All my kids are grown, so it’s been a long time. It’s going to be a lot of fun for me and the missus.”

The rapper first revealed the news in October during an appearance on Sherri, where he shared that his daughter Brittney Atkins, 30, is expecting her first child with her husband Tevin Aitken.

“I’m about to be a grandfather,” he said at the time, joking, “That don’t even sound right.”

When host Sherri Shepherd asked how he found out, Ja Rule recalled a heartfelt and memorable surprise. His daughter presented him and his wife with a box containing a sonogram and a card that read, “You’re now grandma and grandfather,” all while secretly recording their reaction.

“We thought it was a real gift,” he said. “And it was — just not what we expected. You can see our expressions on camera. It was an amazing moment.”

Already embracing his new title, Ja Rule has even picked out what he wants his granddaughter to call him. Drawing inspiration from The Notorious B.I.G., he joked, “I love it when they call me Big Poppa.”

After the announcement, Shepherd gifted him a custom cardigan embroidered with the words “Big Poppa,” which he proudly embraced.

“I love it,” he said with a grin. “Big Poppa is in the building.”

As he prepares to step into grandfatherhood, it’s clear Ja Rule is ready for this next chapter — and he’s enjoying every moment leading up to it.