"Foolish"

In the sample-reliant world of hip-hop, artists are rarely criticized for cribbing beats. But on her debut single, Ja Rule backup singer Ashanti borrows the exact El DeBarge sample that Notorious B.I.G. used on 1995's ''One More Chance,'' reminding fans of a superior artist who employed the delicate piano arpeggio to far greater effect. With her forgettable vocals and cliched lyrics, the best Ashanti can hope for is that some of Biggie's notoriety will rub off on her.