Cam'ron
Encyclopedia
Cameron Giles better known by his stage name Cam'ron or "Killa Cam", is a Grammy-nominated American actor. He is the founder of the hip-hop group The Diplomats
(also known as Dipset), and also of The U.N.
(Us Now) group.
and Jim Jones
. He was a promising basketball player alongside Mase, however, he was unable to take advantage of various scholarship offers due to a poor academic record. He instead enrolled in a college in Texas, even without graduating from high school, but soon dropped out and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. He began his musical career in the mid 1990s, rapping alongside Big L
, Mase
and his cousin Bloodshed in a group called Children Of The Corn
. However, after Bloodshed's death in a car accident in 1997, the group disbanded and the remaining members continued solo careers.
by Mase who was signed to Bad Boy Records
at the time. Biggie was so impressed by Cam'ron that he introduced him to his partner Lance "Un" Rivera who signed Cam'ron to his Untertainment label, distributed by Epic Records
. His debut album, Confessions of Fire
was released in July 1998 and included singles such as "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie Woo
), and "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase which reached the R&B Top Ten and just missed out on reaching the pop Top 40. The album achieved gold status and made the Top 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.
and released his second album S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment)
on Sony/Epic Records. With features from Destiny's Child
, Juelz Santana
, Jim Jones
, N.O.R.E.
, and producer Digga, it included the relatively successful singles, "Let Me Know" and "What Means The World To You". The album reached Number 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and Number 14 on the Billboard 200.
to Roc-A-Fella Records
in 2001, alongside artists such as Jay-Z
, Beanie Sigel
, Freeway
and Memphis Bleek
. A reported $4.5 million record deal was agreed upon with and Damon Dash and his Roc-A-Fella partners Kareem Biggs and Jay-Z in the form of a record advance. His third and most successful album Come Home With Me
was released in 2002 featuring guests such as Jay-Z
, Beanie Sigel
, and Memphis Bleek
, and production from Just Blaze
, Kanye West
and The Heatmakerz
. It included the hit singles Oh Boy
and Hey Ma
which both featured The Dipmomats newest member and protégé; Juelz Santana
. The album achieved platinum status and served as a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group The Diplomats
to sign with Roc-A-Fella.
, Juelz Santana
, and Freekey Zeeky to release the Diplomats
' debut double disc album, Diplomatic Immunity
, in 2003 under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified gold by the RIAA
. The album featured the lead single "Dipset Anthem," a remix to Cam'rons hit "Hey Ma" and the (street anthem) single "I Really Mean It," as well as boasting production from Kanye West
, Just Blaze
, and The Heatmakerz
. A year later, the Diplomats released their second album, Diplomatic Immunity 2. Although not as successful as their debut, it still was boosted to gold status. Around this time in the height of his mainstream fame, Cam'ron was known for popularizing the color pink. During this period, Cam'ron was always seen wearing pink clothing and even bought an all pink Range Rover
which can be seen in his video for "Killa Cam". Cam'ron's fourth studio album, Purple Haze
, was released on December 7, 2004 on Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records
. It featured collaborations with Kanye West
, Jaheim
, Twista
, Juelz Santana
, and various other artists and ultimately reached gold status. The album was also a critical success, being ranked 114th on Pitchfork Media
's Top 200 Albums of the first decade of the 21st century List, and 10th on Rhapsody
's Hip Hop's Best Albums Of The Decade List. However, after feeling that the album was poorly promoted and that his projects were not receiving the attention they deserved, Cam'ron requested his release from Roc-A-Fella Records
.
under the Asylum Records
imprint. He began work on what would be his first project for the new label. Cam'ron's fifth studio album, entitled Killa Season
, was released on May 16, 2006 featuring production from long term collaborators The Heatmakerz
, Charlmagne and Ty Fyffe
, as well as others such as Alchemist
and I.N.F.O.. Along with the album, Cam'ron released his first film, in which he wrote, directed and starred in, also titled "Killa Season." Despite selling 112,000 units in the first week and debuting at #2 on the charts, Killa Season failed to have the same sales strength as his two previous releases, failing to reach gold or platinum status. As of now, however, Killa Season has been certified Gold by the gold
, and his infamous beef with 50 Cent
in 2007, Cam'ron took a three year hiatus from music after his mother suffered 3 strokes, leaving her paralyzed on her left side. He moved to Florida with her to set up her rehabilitation and therapy, and stayed there until she had fully recovered.Cam'ron's 2009 album, Crime Pays
was released on Asylum
/Diplomat Records
, featuring the majority of the production handled by Skitzo
and AraabMuzik
. Although none of the singles managed to chart, the album still reached Number 3 on the Billboard 200 but only sold 150,000 units, making this the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed his new label Dipset West & his new group The U.N.
.
called "Boss of All Boses" which featured his new upcoming artist Vado
. He has also released an album with Vado
entitled Cam'ron & The U.N. Presents: "Heat in Here" Vol. 1 the first single off the album was "Speaking Tongues" which peaked at number 82 on the U.S. R&B
charts. Cam'ron announced that he would be releasing a joint album with his new group The U.N.
called "Gunz n' Butta
". After 3 years Cam'ron & Jim Jones
have decided to start working on a third installment of the Diplomatic Immunity album along with other Diplomat artists such as Juelz Santana
& Freekey Zekey. Cam'ron announced that the Diplomat album's release will take place around Christmas 2010. The first single featuring the reunited Diplomat members is called "Salute". Produced by upcoming Diplomat producer AraabMuzik, the track is rumored to appear on Jim Jones
next album Capo
.
produced film, Paid in Full
, in which he played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer
and Wood Harris
. In 2006 started shooting his movie for his album entitled Killa Season, the film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD on April 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.
.
In the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z
's age, his biting and his current girlfriend. On Jay-Z
using The Notorious B.I.G rhymes, "You ain't the only one with big wallets got it my shit's brolick but ya publishing should go to Miss Wallace."
He then uses another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" to highlight the many songs Jay-Z
has borrowed lines from to claim it's no wonder Jay-Z
is no longer in the game. In the next issue of XXL
, Cam'ron explained the reason why the beef originated began when Jay-Z
went away Dame Dash was talking about making him the CEO & President of Roc A Fella Records. But when Jay-Z
came back & Got the positions he did not like it. But in 2010 Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z
because he respects his hustle.
had a live argument on The Angie Martinez
Show on Hot 97 radio. Jackson commented that Koch Entertainment
was a "graveyard", meaning major record labels would not work with their artists. Cam'ron then ridiculed the record sales of G-Unit
members Lloyd Banks
and Mobb Deep
by stating that Jim Jones
outsold their albums despite being signed to an independent label and that his group, The Diplomats
, had a distribution deal from several labels. Both rappers released "diss" songs with videos on YouTube. 50 Cent
suggested in "Funeral Music" that Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats
and that Jim Jones
should take his place. Cam'ron responded with "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes fun of 50 Cent
's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with rabbit teeth". 50 Cent
responded by releasing "Hold On" with Young Buck
. Since 2009, the beef between the two has seemed to calm down.
members Juelz Santana
and Jim Jones
, leading to speculation that the group had broken up. However, despite admitting that he did not want to contact Jim Jones
, he said that he had no hard feelings towards him. In an interview with Miss Info, Cam'ron said: "I still haven't spoken to Jim. But Jim ran with me for over 10 years, he worked hard, and I wish him the best of luck. Everybody thinks I'm mad at Jim. Why am I mad? I told people for years that Jimmy was gonna be a star. So its better on my resume. I wish him the best." But After 3 years of not speaking, Cam'ron & Jim Jones
mended their differences in April 2010.
had separated and were no longer on speaking terms, Cam'ron explained in an interview that he was scared for Juelz Santana
stating he was "addicted to the drink Sizzurp
" and even talked to his mother about his possible "addiction". Juelz responded back by asking why Cam would say false accusations. Additionally, with Dipset seeming to be broken up and diminished, Cam'ron decided to sell Juelz Santana's contract from Diplomat Records
to Def Jam Records for $2,000,000. However, Juelz said there were no hard feelings between the two and have since reconciled.
took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West
in defense of former CEO Dame Dash by releasing a song entitled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West
's song "Runaway
". Saying "And Kanye, you a sucker nigga / Dissed Dame, so my attitude is "fuck a nigga" / Sucka Jigga how you gone live with that / Took ya beat now come get it back". Despite this diss-track, when asked in an interview on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex
of his take on the subject, Kanye responded by saying "Man, you don't understand how much I love Dipset. But it's so necessary; Dipset is so necessary." Additionally, Kanye said he understands that people do not agree with the way he does certain things and he, himself, does not even agree with some of the stuff he's done. Currently, neither Cam nor Jim have responded back. The feud has later ended, since Cam'ron, Jones, and West collaborated on a song called "Christmas in Harlem"
. Whilst stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey Avenue shortly after midnight, a passenger of a nearby car threatened Cam'ron to "give up" his 2006 Lamborghini
. Cam'ron resisted, and the man then shot him. Cam'ron was struck at least once as he was holding the steering wheel, but he was able to drive, going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, until a fan drove him to Howard University Hospital. The gunman and passenger fled and crashed into a parked car and fled the scene. D.C. Metro Police recovered a cell phone from the scene of the crash, which they tried to use to trace the suspects. He stated that he does not know who shot him.
On April 22, 2007, Cam'ron was interviewed on 60 Minutes
as part of a piece on the Stop Snitchin'
movement. He also stated that he would "not help the police" try to locate the shooter saying he is "not a snitch" and helping the police would probably hurt his record sales. He stated in the interview, "Because with the type of business I'm in, it would definitely hurt my business. And the way that I was raised, I just don't do that. I was raised differently, not to tell...It's about business but it's still also a code of ethics"" When asked by Anderson Cooper
if he would tell the police if a serial killer
was living next to him, Cam'ron replied "I would probably move," but would not inform the police.
After the 60 Minutes interview aired, Cam'ron received a lot of media criticism for his statements.
Cam'ron received criticism from fellow hip hop artist Pumpkinhead, who attacked Cam'ron in the song "Stupid People" with the line "Matter fact, it's a fact that stupid people slippin' / Don't know the difference between savin' lives and bein' a snitch / Anderson Cooper asked Cam'ron if he'd tell on a serial killer / He said no, he'd move / That's one stupid-ass nigga."
He later issued an apology for his comments, calling it an "error in judgement": "Where I come from, once word gets out that you've cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I'm not saying its right, but its reality. And it's not unfounded. here's a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner cities." Cam'ron has had contact with the police in the past. According to The Smoking Gun
, New York Police Department records indicate that Giles filed a police report with police after he was assaulted at a Harlem playground in 1999.
Collaboration albums
The Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
(also known as Dipset), and also of The U.N.
U.N. (group)
U.N. is a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron in 2009. The group came to formation after Cam'ron had a falling-out with fellow Harlem rapper and co-founder of The Diplomats , Jim Jones in 2007.-Currently:...
(Us Now) group.
Early life
Cameron Giles was born and raised in Harlem, New York. He went to school at Manhattan Center High School, where he would meet his long time friends MaseMase
Mason Durell Betha , better known by stage name Mase who was previously known as Murda Ma$e, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and inspirational speaker...
and Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
. He was a promising basketball player alongside Mase, however, he was unable to take advantage of various scholarship offers due to a poor academic record. He instead enrolled in a college in Texas, even without graduating from high school, but soon dropped out and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. He began his musical career in the mid 1990s, rapping alongside Big L
Big L (rapper)
Lamont Coleman , better known by his stage name Big L, was an American rapper. Coleman was born and raised in Harlem, New York, where he started his rap career with Three the Hard Way. He founded the group Children of the Corn and was a member of the Diggin' in the Crates Crew before pursuing a...
, Mase
Mase
Mason Durell Betha , better known by stage name Mase who was previously known as Murda Ma$e, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and inspirational speaker...
and his cousin Bloodshed in a group called Children Of The Corn
Children of the Corn (band)
Children of the Corn was a hip-hop group formed in the early 1990s consisting of neighborhood friends/Harlem rappers Mase , Big L, Cam'ron , Herb McGruff and Bloodshed...
. However, after Bloodshed's death in a car accident in 1997, the group disbanded and the remaining members continued solo careers.
1998: Confessions of Fire
A year before Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to The Notorious B.I.G.The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
by Mase who was signed to Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records
Bad Boy Records is a record label founded in 1993 by producer/rapper/entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Warner Music Group, and is distributed by Atlantic Records.-Beginnings:...
at the time. Biggie was so impressed by Cam'ron that he introduced him to his partner Lance "Un" Rivera who signed Cam'ron to his Untertainment label, distributed by Epic Records
Epic Records
Epic Records is an American record label, owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Though it was originally conceived as a jazz imprint, it has since expanded to represent various genres. L.A...
. His debut album, Confessions of Fire
Confessions of Fire
Confessions Of Fire is the debut album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on July 21, 1998. Its singles were "Horse & Carriage," featuring Mase, "357" and "Feels Good" featuring Usher. The album was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 copies sold.-Track...
was released in July 1998 and included singles such as "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie Woo
Woo (film)
Woo is a 1998 romantic comedy film, directed by Daisy V.S. Mayer, and starring Jada Pinkett Smith in the title role. Tommy Davidson co-stars.-Plot:...
), and "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase which reached the R&B Top Ten and just missed out on reaching the pop Top 40. The album achieved gold status and made the Top 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.
2000: S.D.E. (Sports, Drugs & Entertainment)
In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive Tommy MottolaTommy Mottola
Thomas Daniel "Tommy" Mottola is an American music executive, co-owner of Casablanca Records in a joint venture with the Universal Music Group. He is the ex-husband of Mariah Carey and is married to Mexican singer Thalía...
and released his second album S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment)
S.D.E. (album)
S.D.E. is the second studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on September 19, 2000. It features guest appearances from Destiny Child, Noreaga, Dutch & Spade from the rap group Major Figgas, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Prodigy , and his Diplomats group members Freekey Zekey, Juelz Santana,...
on Sony/Epic Records. With features from Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American R&B girl group whose final line-up comprised lead singer Beyoncé Knowles alongside Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Formed in 1997 in Houston, Texas, Destiny's Child members began their musical endeavors in their pre-teens under the name Girl's Tyme...
, Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
, Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
, N.O.R.E.
N.O.R.E.
Victor Santiago, Jr., best known by his stage name N.O.R.E. or Noreaga , is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent...
, and producer Digga, it included the relatively successful singles, "Let Me Know" and "What Means The World To You". The album reached Number 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and Number 14 on the Billboard 200.
2001-02: Come Home With Me
After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood friend and new manager Damon DashDamon Dash
__NOINDEX__...
to Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Island Def Jam Motown Music Group.-Formation and Early Years:...
in 2001, alongside artists such as Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Beanie Sigel
Beanie Sigel
Dwight Grant , also known as Beanie Sigel, is a American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,most recently he was in talks with 50 Cent to sign with G-Unit Records and is a former member/artist of Dame Dash Music Group and Roc-A-Fella Records where he had formed a close association with rappers...
, Freeway
Freeway (rapper)
Leslie Edward Pridgen , better known by his stage name Freeway, is an American rapper. Best known for his tenure on Roc-A-Fella Records and his affiliation with Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, he is recognized by his high-pitched delivery and for the long beard he keeps due to his Muslim faith...
and Memphis Bleek
Memphis Bleek
Malik Thuston Patrick Cox , better known by his rap persona of Memphis Bleek or "Bleek", is a New York rapper mainly known for his tenure with Roc-a-Fella Records and CEO of his own label Get Low Records...
. A reported $4.5 million record deal was agreed upon with and Damon Dash and his Roc-A-Fella partners Kareem Biggs and Jay-Z in the form of a record advance. His third and most successful album Come Home With Me
Come Home with Me
Come Home with Me is the third studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron, it is also his debut on Roc-A-Fella Records. It served as an introduction of the Cam'ron-fronted rap group, The Diplomats, to the general public. There are featured guest appearances from The Diplomats, DJ Kay Slay, Daz...
was released in 2002 featuring guests such as Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
, Beanie Sigel
Beanie Sigel
Dwight Grant , also known as Beanie Sigel, is a American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,most recently he was in talks with 50 Cent to sign with G-Unit Records and is a former member/artist of Dame Dash Music Group and Roc-A-Fella Records where he had formed a close association with rappers...
, and Memphis Bleek
Memphis Bleek
Malik Thuston Patrick Cox , better known by his rap persona of Memphis Bleek or "Bleek", is a New York rapper mainly known for his tenure with Roc-a-Fella Records and CEO of his own label Get Low Records...
, and production from Just Blaze
Just Blaze
Justin Smith, better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer from Paterson, New Jersey. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment. He is most well known for producing Jay-Z songs on the albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album. He is also known for...
, Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
and The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz is a hip-hop production duo, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, now living in New York. The duo, consisting of Rsonist and Thrilla , rose to fame after providing beats to various releases of The Diplomats. The bulk of albums like Diplomatic Immunity and Juelz Santana's debut From Me...
. It included the hit singles Oh Boy
Oh Boy (song)
"Oh Boy" is the title of a number-one, Grammy nominated Hip hop single by rapper Cam'ron from his album Come Home with Me. It features rapper Juelz Santana....
and Hey Ma
Hey Ma (song)
"Hey Ma" was the second single released from Cam'ron's third album Come Home with Me. The song featured Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey and Toya and was produced by the Tuneheadz, who used a sample of The Commodores 1977 hit, "Easy"....
which both featured The Dipmomats newest member and protégé; Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
. The album achieved platinum status and served as a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group The Diplomats
The Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
to sign with Roc-A-Fella.
2003-04: Purple Haze
In 2003 Cam'ron teamed up with his fellow Diplomats Members Jim JonesJim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
, Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
, and Freekey Zeeky to release the Diplomats
The Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
' debut double disc album, Diplomatic Immunity
Diplomatic Immunity (album)
Diplomatic Immunity is the debut album by The Diplomats, released on March 25, 2003. After the release of group leader Cam'ron's third album, Come Home With Me, the quartet teamed up to release their first collaborative effort...
, in 2003 under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified gold by the RIAA
Recording Industry Association of America
The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States...
. The album featured the lead single "Dipset Anthem," a remix to Cam'rons hit "Hey Ma" and the (street anthem) single "I Really Mean It," as well as boasting production from Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, Just Blaze
Just Blaze
Justin Smith, better known as Just Blaze, is an American hip hop music producer from Paterson, New Jersey. Blaze is also the CEO of Fort Knocks Entertainment. He is most well known for producing Jay-Z songs on the albums The Blueprint, The Blueprint 2, and The Black Album. He is also known for...
, and The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz is a hip-hop production duo, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, now living in New York. The duo, consisting of Rsonist and Thrilla , rose to fame after providing beats to various releases of The Diplomats. The bulk of albums like Diplomatic Immunity and Juelz Santana's debut From Me...
. A year later, the Diplomats released their second album, Diplomatic Immunity 2. Although not as successful as their debut, it still was boosted to gold status. Around this time in the height of his mainstream fame, Cam'ron was known for popularizing the color pink. During this period, Cam'ron was always seen wearing pink clothing and even bought an all pink Range Rover
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a large luxury four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle produced by British car maker Land Rover. The model, launched in 1970, is now in its third generation...
which can be seen in his video for "Killa Cam". Cam'ron's fourth studio album, Purple Haze
Purple Haze (album)
Purple Haze is the fourth studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on December 7, 2004. The release of this album was delayed several times from November 2003, the first single "Get Em Girls" was released a year prior to the actual album release...
, was released on December 7, 2004 on Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Island Def Jam Motown Music Group.-Formation and Early Years:...
. It featured collaborations with Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, Jaheim
Jaheim
Jaheim Hoagland is an American R&B singer and formerly a rapper performing under the mononymous name of Jaheim. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000, and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto, was released a year later,...
, Twista
Twista
Carl Terrell Mitchell , better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is known for once holding the title of fastest rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds...
, Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
, and various other artists and ultimately reached gold status. The album was also a critical success, being ranked 114th on Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media
Pitchfork Media, usually known simply as Pitchfork or P4k, is a Chicago-based daily Internet publication established in 1995 that is devoted to music criticism and commentary, music news, and artist interviews. Its focus is on underground and independent music, especially indie rock...
's Top 200 Albums of the first decade of the 21st century List, and 10th on Rhapsody
Rhapsody
Rhapsody may refer to:* Rhapsody , an enthusiastic instrumental composition of indefinite form* A work of epic poetry, or part of one, that is suitable for recitation at one time...
's Hip Hop's Best Albums Of The Decade List. However, after feeling that the album was poorly promoted and that his projects were not receiving the attention they deserved, Cam'ron requested his release from Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Damon "Dame" Dash, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Today it operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, and is distributed by Island Def Jam Motown Music Group.-Formation and Early Years:...
.
2005-06: Killa Season
On April 28, 2005, Cam'Ron officially joined the Warner Music GroupWarner Music Group
Warner Music Group is the third largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry, making it one of the big four record companies...
under the Asylum Records
Asylum Records
Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell...
imprint. He began work on what would be his first project for the new label. Cam'ron's fifth studio album, entitled Killa Season
Killa Season
Killa Season is the fifth studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on May 16, 2006. Cam'ron was also the executive producer of the album...
, was released on May 16, 2006 featuring production from long term collaborators The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz
The Heatmakerz is a hip-hop production duo, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, now living in New York. The duo, consisting of Rsonist and Thrilla , rose to fame after providing beats to various releases of The Diplomats. The bulk of albums like Diplomatic Immunity and Juelz Santana's debut From Me...
, Charlmagne and Ty Fyffe
Ty Fyffe
Tyrone "Ty" Fyffe, also known as Sugarless, is a Hip hop music producer from Queens, New York and currently president of Tybu Productions....
, as well as others such as Alchemist
Alchemist
An alchemist is a person who practices alchemy. Alchemist may also refer to:-People and groups:*The Alchemist , a hip hop music producer and rapper*Alchemist , an Australian progressive metal band...
and I.N.F.O.. Along with the album, Cam'ron released his first film, in which he wrote, directed and starred in, also titled "Killa Season." Despite selling 112,000 units in the first week and debuting at #2 on the charts, Killa Season failed to have the same sales strength as his two previous releases, failing to reach gold or platinum status. As of now, however, Killa Season has been certified Gold by the gold
2007-09: Crime Pays
After the release of Killa SeasonKilla Season
Killa Season is the fifth studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on May 16, 2006. Cam'ron was also the executive producer of the album...
, and his infamous beef with 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
in 2007, Cam'ron took a three year hiatus from music after his mother suffered 3 strokes, leaving her paralyzed on her left side. He moved to Florida with her to set up her rehabilitation and therapy, and stayed there until she had fully recovered.Cam'ron's 2009 album, Crime Pays
Crime Pays (Cam'ron album)
-Samples:*"Silky "**"Groove Me" by King Floyd*"Curve"**"For You" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band*"Spend the Night"**"Escape" by Kay Cee*"My Job"**"Just A Little Misunderstanding" by The Contours...
was released on Asylum
Asylum Records
Asylum Records is an American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, and partner Elliot Roberts, who had previously worked as agents at the William Morris Agency. Founded specifically to provide a record contract for Jackson Browne, the label signed Tom Waits, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell...
/Diplomat Records
Diplomat Records
Diplomat Records is an American record label founded by Harlem rappers Cam'ron and Jim Jones. Dipset currently released music under the independent label E1 music. In the early 2000's Dipset was very popular for having star rappers with radio hits like Juelz Santana and Cam'Ron and for their...
, featuring the majority of the production handled by Skitzo
Skitzo
Dario Rodriguez better known by his stage name Skitzo and various other names including "Frenyc", "Rod Rhaspy", "Odd One" and "Justin Zaine", is a hip hop record producer/rapper of Puerto Rican descent and CEO of Frenyc Entertainment...
and AraabMuzik
AraabMUZIK
Abraham Orellana, better known as "araabMuzik" is an American hip hop record producer of Dominican and Guatemalan descent. From Providence, Rhode Island, he first rose to fame after showcasing his skills of making live beats and instrumentals on a MPC drum machine on the internet...
. Although none of the singles managed to chart, the album still reached Number 3 on the Billboard 200 but only sold 150,000 units, making this the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed his new label Dipset West & his new group The U.N.
U.N. (group)
U.N. is a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron in 2009. The group came to formation after Cam'ron had a falling-out with fellow Harlem rapper and co-founder of The Diplomats , Jim Jones in 2007.-Currently:...
.
2010-Present: Killa Season 2
In late 2009/early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted by DJ DramaDJ Drama
Tyree Cinque Simmons better known as DJ Drama is an American hip hop artist and the official DJ for Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I.....
called "Boss of All Boses" which featured his new upcoming artist Vado
Vado
Teeyon Winfree, or best known as Vado, born on March 13, 1985, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. Vado is of Jamaican, St.Vincent and African American descent.-Career:...
. He has also released an album with Vado
Vado
Teeyon Winfree, or best known as Vado, born on March 13, 1985, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. Vado is of Jamaican, St.Vincent and African American descent.-Career:...
entitled Cam'ron & The U.N. Presents: "Heat in Here" Vol. 1 the first single off the album was "Speaking Tongues" which peaked at number 82 on the U.S. R&B
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
charts. Cam'ron announced that he would be releasing a joint album with his new group The U.N.
U.N. (group)
U.N. is a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron in 2009. The group came to formation after Cam'ron had a falling-out with fellow Harlem rapper and co-founder of The Diplomats , Jim Jones in 2007.-Currently:...
called "Gunz n' Butta
Gunz n' Butta
Gunz n' Butta is a collaborative album by Cam'ron and Vado, released on April 19, 2011 through E1 Music. The album debuted at No. 78 on the Billboard 200 with 7,500 copies sold.-Track listing:#"Killa"- 3:18#"American Greed"- 3:53#"Heat in Here"- 2:31...
". After 3 years Cam'ron & Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
have decided to start working on a third installment of the Diplomatic Immunity album along with other Diplomat artists such as Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
& Freekey Zekey. Cam'ron announced that the Diplomat album's release will take place around Christmas 2010. The first single featuring the reunited Diplomat members is called "Salute". Produced by upcoming Diplomat producer AraabMuzik, the track is rumored to appear on Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
next album Capo
Capo (album)
-Chart positions:...
.
Film/Acting Career
In 2003, Cam'ron went on to appear in the Damon DashDamon Dash
__NOINDEX__...
produced film, Paid in Full
Paid in Full (film)
Paid in Full is a 2002 American criminal drama film that was produced by Roc-A-Fella Films and directed by Charles Stone III. It takes place in Harlem just before the Crack Epidemic that hit during the 1980s. The title of the film is taken from the 1987 album by Eric B. and Rakim."Paid in Full" is...
, in which he played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer
Mekhi Phifer
Mekhi Thira Phifer is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his multi-year role as Dr. Greg Pratt on NBC's long-running medical drama ER and his co-starring role opposite Eminem in the feature film 8 Mile...
and Wood Harris
Wood Harris
Sherwin David "Wood" Harris is an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his roles as drug kingpin Avon Barksdale on the HBO television drama The Wire, and as high-school football player Julius Campbell in the 2000 motion picture Remember the Titans.-Life and career:Harris was born in...
. In 2006 started shooting his movie for his album entitled Killa Season, the film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD on April 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.
Jay-Z
Although there were rumors of a beef between the two emcees, Cam set this off in a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member Max BMax B
Charly Wingate , better known as Max B, is an American rapper and songwriter from Harlem and is known for his original rap style of mumbled delivery, catchy sing-song choruses & hooks, and his energetic personality in interviews and videos.In 2009, Max B began serving a 75-year prison sentence for...
.
In the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
's age, his biting and his current girlfriend. On Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
using The Notorious B.I.G rhymes, "You ain't the only one with big wallets got it my shit's brolick but ya publishing should go to Miss Wallace."
He then uses another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" to highlight the many songs Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
has borrowed lines from to claim it's no wonder Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
is no longer in the game. In the next issue of XXL
XXL
XXL may refer to:* XXL , in London, UK* XXL , an American hip-hop magazine* Penny Market XXL, a Romanian hypermarket chain-Film and television:* XXL , a French comedy* XXL , an adult TV station-Music:...
, Cam'ron explained the reason why the beef originated began when Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
went away Dame Dash was talking about making him the CEO & President of Roc A Fella Records. But when Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
came back & Got the positions he did not like it. But in 2010 Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter , better known by his stage name Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and occasional actor. He is one of the most financially successful hip hop artists and entrepreneurs in America, having a net worth of over $450 million as of 2010...
because he respects his hustle.
50 Cent
On February 1, 2007, Cam'ron & 50 Cent50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
had a live argument on The Angie Martinez
Angie Martinez
Angela "Angie" Martinez is an American radio personality and occasional rapper.-Radio career:Angie Martinez got her first break in radio at the age of 16 answering hot lines at the urban radio station WQHT . There she met popular DJ Funkmaster Flex, and began working as his protégé...
Show on Hot 97 radio. Jackson commented that Koch Entertainment
Koch Entertainment
Koch Entertainment was a music, film and television distribution company. It was purchased by E1 Entertainment in 2005 and now operates under the name E1 Entertainment.-History:The company began in 1975 as Koch International...
was a "graveyard", meaning major record labels would not work with their artists. Cam'ron then ridiculed the record sales of G-Unit
G-Unit
G-Unit is an American hip hop group originating from New York City formed by 50 Cents. G-Unit emerged on the New York scene by independently releasing several mix tapes...
members Lloyd Banks
Lloyd Banks
Christopher Charles Lloyd , better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper and member of the rap group G-Unit. Raised in South Jamaica, Queens, he dropped out of high school in 1998. G-Unit released two albums, Beg for Mercy in 2003 and T.O.S. in 2008...
and Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep
Mobb Deep is an American hip hop duo from Queensbridge, Queens, New York, U.S., that consists of Havoc and Prodigy. The duo is "one of the most critically acclaimed hardcore East Coast hip-hop groups." The group is best known for its dark, hardcore delivery, as exemplified by the single "Shook Ones...
by stating that Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
outsold their albums despite being signed to an independent label and that his group, The Diplomats
The Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
, had a distribution deal from several labels. Both rappers released "diss" songs with videos on YouTube. 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
suggested in "Funeral Music" that Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats
The Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
and that Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
should take his place. Cam'ron responded with "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes fun of 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with rabbit teeth". 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
responded by releasing "Hold On" with Young Buck
Young Buck
David Darnell Brown , also known as Young Buck, is an American Southern rapper. Buck is a former member of the New York City Hip-Hop group G-Unit, also a former artist of G-Unit Records as of Nov 26, 2011...
. Since 2009, the beef between the two has seemed to calm down.
Jim Jones
During this time Cam'ron was not speaking to his fellow DiplomatThe Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
members Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
and Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
, leading to speculation that the group had broken up. However, despite admitting that he did not want to contact Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
, he said that he had no hard feelings towards him. In an interview with Miss Info, Cam'ron said: "I still haven't spoken to Jim. But Jim ran with me for over 10 years, he worked hard, and I wish him the best of luck. Everybody thinks I'm mad at Jim. Why am I mad? I told people for years that Jimmy was gonna be a star. So its better on my resume. I wish him the best." But After 3 years of not speaking, Cam'ron & Jim Jones
Jim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
mended their differences in April 2010.
Juelz Santana
After it was evident to the fans that The DiplomatsThe Diplomats
The Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
had separated and were no longer on speaking terms, Cam'ron explained in an interview that he was scared for Juelz Santana
Juelz Santana
LaRon Louis James , better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer, and actor. He appeared on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma"...
stating he was "addicted to the drink Sizzurp
Purple drank
Purple drank is a slang term for a recreational drug popular in the hip hop community in the southern United States, originating in Houston, Texas. Its main ingredient is prescription-strength cough syrup containing codeine and promethazine. Cough syrup is typically mixed with ingredients such as...
" and even talked to his mother about his possible "addiction". Juelz responded back by asking why Cam would say false accusations. Additionally, with Dipset seeming to be broken up and diminished, Cam'ron decided to sell Juelz Santana's contract from Diplomat Records
Diplomat Records
Diplomat Records is an American record label founded by Harlem rappers Cam'ron and Jim Jones. Dipset currently released music under the independent label E1 music. In the early 2000's Dipset was very popular for having star rappers with radio hits like Juelz Santana and Cam'Ron and for their...
to Def Jam Records for $2,000,000. However, Juelz said there were no hard feelings between the two and have since reconciled.
Kanye West
Both Cam'ron & Jim JonesJim Jones (rapper)
Joseph Guillermo Jones II , better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and original member of The Diplomats, also known as Dipset. He is Co-CEO of Diplomat Records...
took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
in defense of former CEO Dame Dash by releasing a song entitled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
's song "Runaway
Runaway (Kanye West song)
"Runaway" is a single by American recording artist Kanye West, released as the second single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. It features a guest verse from rapper Pusha T of Clipse. The single debuted at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100.A 35-minute short film...
". Saying "And Kanye, you a sucker nigga / Dissed Dame, so my attitude is "fuck a nigga" / Sucka Jigga how you gone live with that / Took ya beat now come get it back". Despite this diss-track, when asked in an interview on Hot 97 with Funkmaster Flex
Funkmaster Flex
Aston George Taylor, Jr. better known as Funkmaster Flex is an American hip hop DJ, rapper, musician and producer on New York City's Hot 97 radio station and host of the hit MTV show Funk Flex Full Throttle....
of his take on the subject, Kanye responded by saying "Man, you don't understand how much I love Dipset. But it's so necessary; Dipset is so necessary." Additionally, Kanye said he understands that people do not agree with the way he does certain things and he, himself, does not even agree with some of the stuff he's done. Currently, neither Cam nor Jim have responded back. The feud has later ended, since Cam'ron, Jones, and West collaborated on a song called "Christmas in Harlem"
Carjacking/Stop Snitching Campaign
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a nightclub in Washington D.C., having performed the day before at Howard UniversityHoward University
Howard University is a federally chartered, non-profit, private, coeducational, nonsectarian, historically black university located in Washington, D.C., United States...
. Whilst stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey Avenue shortly after midnight, a passenger of a nearby car threatened Cam'ron to "give up" his 2006 Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
. Cam'ron resisted, and the man then shot him. Cam'ron was struck at least once as he was holding the steering wheel, but he was able to drive, going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, until a fan drove him to Howard University Hospital. The gunman and passenger fled and crashed into a parked car and fled the scene. D.C. Metro Police recovered a cell phone from the scene of the crash, which they tried to use to trace the suspects. He stated that he does not know who shot him.
On April 22, 2007, Cam'ron was interviewed on 60 Minutes
60 Minutes
60 Minutes is an American television news magazine, which has run on CBS since 1968. The program was created by producer Don Hewitt who set it apart by using a unique style of reporter-centered investigation....
as part of a piece on the Stop Snitchin'
Stop Snitchin'
Stop Snitchin' refers to a controversial 2004 campaign launched in Baltimore, United States to persuade criminal informants to stop "snitching," or informing, to law enforcement...
movement. He also stated that he would "not help the police" try to locate the shooter saying he is "not a snitch" and helping the police would probably hurt his record sales. He stated in the interview, "Because with the type of business I'm in, it would definitely hurt my business. And the way that I was raised, I just don't do that. I was raised differently, not to tell...It's about business but it's still also a code of ethics"" When asked by Anderson Cooper
Anderson Cooper
Anderson Hays Cooper is an American journalist, author, and television personality. He is the primary anchor of the CNN news show Anderson Cooper 360°. The program is normally broadcast live from a New York City studio; however, Cooper often broadcasts live on location for breaking news stories...
if he would tell the police if a serial killer
Serial killer
A serial killer, as typically defined, is an individual who has murdered three or more people over a period of more than a month, with down time between the murders, and whose motivation for killing is usually based on psychological gratification...
was living next to him, Cam'ron replied "I would probably move," but would not inform the police.
After the 60 Minutes interview aired, Cam'ron received a lot of media criticism for his statements.
Cam'ron received criticism from fellow hip hop artist Pumpkinhead, who attacked Cam'ron in the song "Stupid People" with the line "Matter fact, it's a fact that stupid people slippin' / Don't know the difference between savin' lives and bein' a snitch / Anderson Cooper asked Cam'ron if he'd tell on a serial killer / He said no, he'd move / That's one stupid-ass nigga."
He later issued an apology for his comments, calling it an "error in judgement": "Where I come from, once word gets out that you've cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I'm not saying its right, but its reality. And it's not unfounded. here's a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner cities." Cam'ron has had contact with the police in the past. According to The Smoking Gun
The Smoking Gun
The Smoking Gun is a website that posts legal documents, arrest records, and police mugshots on a daily basis. The intent is to bring to the public light information that is damning, shocking, outrageous, or amazing, yet also somewhat obscure or unreported by more mainstream media sources...
, New York Police Department records indicate that Giles filed a police report with police after he was assaulted at a Harlem playground in 1999.
Discography
Studio albums- Confessions of FireConfessions of FireConfessions Of Fire is the debut album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on July 21, 1998. Its singles were "Horse & Carriage," featuring Mase, "357" and "Feels Good" featuring Usher. The album was certified gold by the RIAA with over 500,000 copies sold.-Track...
(1998) - S.D.E.S.D.E. (album)S.D.E. is the second studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on September 19, 2000. It features guest appearances from Destiny Child, Noreaga, Dutch & Spade from the rap group Major Figgas, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Prodigy , and his Diplomats group members Freekey Zekey, Juelz Santana,...
(2000) - Come Home with MeCome Home with MeCome Home with Me is the third studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron, it is also his debut on Roc-A-Fella Records. It served as an introduction of the Cam'ron-fronted rap group, The Diplomats, to the general public. There are featured guest appearances from The Diplomats, DJ Kay Slay, Daz...
(2002) - Purple HazePurple Haze (album)Purple Haze is the fourth studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on December 7, 2004. The release of this album was delayed several times from November 2003, the first single "Get Em Girls" was released a year prior to the actual album release...
(2004) - Killa SeasonKilla SeasonKilla Season is the fifth studio album by Harlem rapper Cam'ron. It was released on May 16, 2006. Cam'ron was also the executive producer of the album...
(2006) - Crime PaysCrime Pays (Cam'ron album)-Samples:*"Silky "**"Groove Me" by King Floyd*"Curve"**"For You" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band*"Spend the Night"**"Escape" by Kay Cee*"My Job"**"Just A Little Misunderstanding" by The Contours...
(2009) - Killa Season 2 (2011)
Collaboration albums
- 2003: Diplomatic ImmunityDiplomatic Immunity (album)Diplomatic Immunity is the debut album by The Diplomats, released on March 25, 2003. After the release of group leader Cam'ron's third album, Come Home With Me, the quartet teamed up to release their first collaborative effort...
(with The DiplomatsThe DiplomatsThe Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
) - 2004: Diplomatic Immunity 2Diplomatic Immunity 2-Charts:...
(with The DiplomatsThe DiplomatsThe Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
) - 2010: "Heat In Here" Vol. 1 (with The U.N.U.N. (group)U.N. is a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron in 2009. The group came to formation after Cam'ron had a falling-out with fellow Harlem rapper and co-founder of The Diplomats , Jim Jones in 2007.-Currently:...
) - 2011: Gunz n' ButtaGunz n' ButtaGunz n' Butta is a collaborative album by Cam'ron and Vado, released on April 19, 2011 through E1 Music. The album debuted at No. 78 on the Billboard 200 with 7,500 copies sold.-Track listing:#"Killa"- 3:18#"American Greed"- 3:53#"Heat in Here"- 2:31...
(with VadoVadoTeeyon Winfree, or best known as Vado, born on March 13, 1985, is an American rapper from Harlem, New York City. Vado is of Jamaican, St.Vincent and African American descent.-Career:...
) - 2011: Diplomatic Immunity 3 (with The DiplomatsThe DiplomatsThe Diplomats, also popularly known as Dipset, are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 1997. The original members of the group were Cam'ron, Freekey Zekey, and Jim Jones ; who all grew up together in Harlem...
)
Filmography
- Paper SoldiersPaper SoldiersPaper Soldiers is an urban crime comedy released in 2002. It stars Kevin Hart, Beanie Sigel, Stacey Dash, Kamal Ahmed, and rapper Jay-Z appears in a cameo role...
(2002) - Paid in FullPaid in Full (film)Paid in Full is a 2002 American criminal drama film that was produced by Roc-A-Fella Films and directed by Charles Stone III. It takes place in Harlem just before the Crack Epidemic that hit during the 1980s. The title of the film is taken from the 1987 album by Eric B. and Rakim."Paid in Full" is...
(2002) - State Property 2State Property 2State Property 2 is a 2005 American crime film directed by Damon Dash and produced and distributed by Lions Gate Entertainment. A sequel to 2002's State Property, the film stars rap artists and other musicians such as Cam'ron, The Diplomats, Beanie Sigel, N.O.R.E., Kanye West, Mariah Carey and...
(2005) - Killa Season (2006)
- Cousin Bang (TBA)
- Killa Season Pt. 2 (TBA)
External links
- Cam'ron Official Website
- Cam'ron on TwitterTwitterTwitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
- Diplomat Records