Friday Showdown – Artist Review – Diplomats

The Diplomats

Also known as – Dipset
Origin – Harlem, New York, U.S.
Genres – Hip hop, East Coast hip hop
Years active – 1997–present
Labels – Roc-A-Fella (2000–2004)
Diplomat (2002–Present)
E1 (2004–2006)
Interscope Records – (2010–2012)
Associated acts – U.N., ByrdGang, Skull Gang, Purple City, State Property, Dame Grease, AraabMuzik, Jay-Z, D-Block, Vado
Websitedipinthemix.com
MembersCam’ron
Jim Jones
Juelz Santana
Freekey Zekey
Hell Rell
40 Cal.
J.R. Writer
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. Juelz Santana would later be added to the group in 1999.

Music career

The first commercial appearance of the group was on Cam’ron’s 2000 album S.D.E., released on Epic Records. During this period, various members of the original group consisting of Cam’ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey, and others, were first signed together as a group to Roc-A-Fella Records from 2001 to 2004, though they are now signed to their own label, Diplomat Records. Each individual artist, however is signed to a different label, including E1 Music, Asylum, and Def Jam, among others.

The group came to further popularity in 2002 with the release of Cam’ron’s third album, Come Home With Me. The lead singles were platinum hits “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma”, which both featured group mate Juelz Santana.[1] The group followed Cam’ron’s solo album shortly after with their debut album Diplomatic Immunity released in 2003, which featured a remix of “Hey Ma”, as well as lead single “Dipset Anthem” which peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[2] The double-disc album was a success and quickly became certified gold by RIAA under two months after its release.[3] By the time of the release of their 2004 followup, Diplomatic Immunity 2, additional members Hell Rell, 40 Cal., and J. R. Writer had joined the group.

Artistic disagreements (2007–2009)

In mid-2007 rumors began to spread that the Diplomats have had many rifts and disagreements amongst each other, specifically Cam’ron and Jim Jones. When Jones and Juelz Santana appeared on stage at a concert with 50 Cent — with whom Cam’ron was engaged in a dispute at the time — it seemed as if the group had split. However, in a later interview, 40 Cal. hinted that while the dynamic of the group is likely beyond repair, there may be further collaboration.[4]Juelz Santana also spoke on a future collaboration, but stated that at the moment, Cam’ron seems to be the only obstacle, while also stating that though his contract was sold to Def Jam, he has no hard feelings towards his former boss.[5][6]

In a September 2008 interview, Hell Rell stated that he no longer has a contractual obligation to Cam’ron or Jim Jones. Within the interview, Juelz also stated that he is still on speaking terms with the members of the group, and didn’t feel that they were holding him back, but he did feel the “mainstream” wasn’t crediting him as notably as he had hoped.[7] In a later interview, he stated that he felt the other members of the group were not as focused as him, while also stating there was selfishness within the group. He also stated he wanted to focus more on his career.[8]

In 2007, 40 Cal. started “Skeme Team”,[9] while Freekey Zekey formed the “730 Dips”,[10] started a record label of the same name, “730 Dips Records”,[10] while also joining fellow Diplomats’ member Jim Jones new group, “ByrdGang”.[11]

Before 2009, those cliques started to form into real gangs. In 2008, Juelz Santana started the “Skull Gang” which, when his contract was sold to Def Jam, also secured a deal that included the solo members.[5] In 2009, Cam’ron started a new group called the U.N and Dipset West. In 2008, Hell Rell started Top Gunnas and J.R started Thundabyrdz.

In 2009, Cam’ron created The U.N. (Us Now), featuring himself and Vado (Violence and Drugs Only). The group has a debut album released in 2011, Gunz n’ Butta’.

Diplomats Reunion (2010–present)

In April 2010, Cam’ron and Jim Jones announced the end of their feud.[12] In June 2010, the Dipset reunion began with a teaser titled “Under Construction” and a street single, “Salute” produced by AraabMuzik. The song features Jim Jones, Cam’ron, and Juelz Santana. The remix features new Diplomat artist Vado with a verse added. Dr. Dre will produce on their upcoming album. In January 2013 Juelz Santana indicated that the album was still coming.[13] He would later promise a new Diplomats single would be coming soon.[14] The group hosted a reunion concert in New York on March 25, 2013 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Diplomatic Immunity’s release. Waka Flocka Flame would also perform at the concert.[15] In May 2013 Freekey Zekey revealed that the group was no longer signed to Interscope Records.[16]

Discography

Main article: The Diplomats discography
Studio albums
2003: Diplomatic Immunity
2004: Diplomatic Immunity 2
TBA: Diplomatic Immunity 3
Compilation albums
2005: More Than Music Vol. 1
2006: The Movement Moves On
2007: More Than Music Vol. 2
Mixtapes

2002: Diplomats Volume 1
2002: Diplomats Volume 2
2002: Diplomats Volume 3
2003: Diplomats Volume 4
2003: Diplomats Volume 5
Filmography

The Original Harlem Diplomats
Sippin’ On Sizzurp Bonus DVD
A Day in the Fast Life
Killa Season
Eye Of The Eagle
State Property 2

Red Everything Movement