A spokesperson for ex-Murder Inc. rapper Ja Rule has stepped forward to confirm his release from a New York correctional facility this week and revealed what the hip-hop artist has in store.

According to spokesperson Melanie A. Bonvicino, Rule will use his first taste of freedom with family and penning a memoir.

UPDATE: 1:59 AM PT -- Ja "s spokesperson, Melanie A. Bonvicino, tells TMZ ... "My client Jeffrey Atkins (aka Ja Rule) was released this morning from the Raybrook Correctional Facility in Upstate New York to serve out his federal time obligation due under the terms set forth in accordance with home confinement which were secured by his attorney Stacy Richman." "At present, he looks forward to spending some time with his family while he completes his memoir." (TMZ)

Tuesday reports claimed Rule "s wife came through to pick him up after serving time on a gun conviction.

Federal authorities say platinum-selling rapper Ja Rule has left federal prison. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says he left a correctional facility in New York "s Adirondacks on Tuesday, though time remains on his sentence. The bureau says the release date for the 36-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, technically remains July 28, with possible community-based supervision for the balance. TMZ reports his wife picked him up and that he "ll remain in home confinement until then. (Philly)

Fellow New York native N.O.R.E broke the news of his release early yesterday.

"Welcome home @Ruleyork," N.O.R.E. tweeted, referring to Ja Rule "s Twitter account.

"Just spoke to @Ruleyork everybody tell him welcome home!!!" (N.O.R.E. "s Twitter)

Recent reports suggested Rule would remain locked up through late July.

The 36-year-old rapper left a state prison in central New York last week after serving most of his two-year sentence for illegal gun possession and went straight into federal custody in a tax evasion case. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says he has since moved from an upstate jail to Brooklyn "s Metropolitan Detention Center, which houses prisoners awaiting court dates or having short terms left on their sentences. The bureau said Thursday his expected release date is July 28. Ja Rule admits he failed to pay taxes on more than $3 million earned between 2004 and 2006 while he lived in New Jersey. (SF Gate)

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