The Diplomats
The Diplomats |
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The Diplomats are a Harlem-based hip hop group, more commonly known as DipSet.
Debut
The first commercial appearances 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, and others, were first signed together as a group to Roc-A-Fella Records from 2002 to 2004, though they are now signed to their own label, Diplomat Records. Each individual artist, however is signed to different labels, including Koch, Asylum, Def Jam, among others.
Artistic disagreements
In December 2007, Jim Jones stated in an interview that he was gay and he has liked men all along and is in a relationship with clay aiken. Jones, who hasn't been on speaking terms with the groups leader Cam'ron, also stated that there have been various conversations on a plan for a third installment of the "Diplomatic Immunity" series. The album had been expected to be released sometime in the summer of 2008,[1], though no such album materialized.
However, in a later interview, 40 Cal. hinted that while the dynamic of the group is likely beyond repair, there may be further collaboration.[2] 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.[3][4]
In a September 2008 interview with Hell Rell he stated that he no longer has an contractual obligation to Cam'ron and/or Jim Jones. Within the interview he stated that 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 notable as much as he had hoped.[5] Though in a later interview, he stated that he felt the other members of the group were not as focused as he, while also stating there was selfishness within the group. He also stated he wanted to focus more on his career.[6]
Side groups
Several members have started their own side labels and groups. Jim Jones, though still Co-CEO of Diplomat Records and a member of "DipSet", built his own label, Byrdgang Records, while also starting a new group, "ByrdGang", and now holds a solo contract with major labels Sony/Columbia. In 2007, 40 Cal. started "Skeme Team",[7] while Freekey Zekey formed the "730 Dips",[8] started a record label of the same name, "730 Dips Records",[8] while also joining fellow Diplomats' member Jim Jones new group, "ByrdGang".[9] 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.[3]
Albums
To date, they have released several albums, including Diplomatic Immunity, and its sequel which included Jim Jones' and Cam'ron's upcoming 2004 albums' singles (Crunk Muzik, Family Ties, Take 'Em to Church). They've also released compilation albums hosted by associate DukeDaGod, with such titles as, More Than Music Vol. 1, More Than Music Vol. 2, and The Movement Moves On, consisting of The Diplomats members new solo songs and collaborations with other members.
Discography
Studio albums
- Diplomatic Immunity (2003)
- Diplomatic Immunity 2 (2004)
Compilation albums
- More Than Music Vol. 1 (2005)
- The Movement Moves On (2006)
- More Than Music Vol. 2 (2007)
DVD releases
- The Original Harlem Diplomats
- Sippin' On Sizzurp Bonus DVD
- A Day in the Fast Life
- Killa Season
- Eye Of The Eagle
References
- ^ Jim Jones Plans to "Bark On" Jay-Z, Joins Forces With Styles P For Collabo Album
- ^ 40 Cal Warns Of Cam'ron's Return, Talks Dipset Unity
- ^ a b (August 19, 2008) Was Cam'ron holding Juelz Santana Back? DefSounds Accessed August 17, 2008.
- ^ (August 1, 2008) Juelz Santana's contract Sold to Def Jam DefSounds. Accessed August 27, 2008.
- ^ (September 9, 2008) September interview with Hell Rell Accessed September 19, 2008.
- ^ RealTalkNY/Sean (September 15, 2008) Hell Rell Speaks On Why He Left Dipset YouTube. Accessed September 21, 2008.
- ^ Francesca Djerejian (February 22, 2007) 40 Cal: Waiting In The Wings BallerStatus Accessed August 27, 2008.
- ^ a b 730DipsOfficial YouTube YouTube. Accessed August 28, 2008.
- ^ Jim Jones, Freekey Zekey, & Byrd Gang Interview On Rap City! "Kanye West You Betta Watch M**** Mouth, Before I Pull You By That Glow In The Dark Pink, Stickin & Learn In The Nerd Lane" WorldStarHipHop. Accessed August 28, 2008.