The Diplomats

For the record label, see Diplomat Records.

The Diplomats
Also known as	Dipset
Origin	Harlem, New York, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Years active	1997–present
Labels	Roc-A-Fella (2001–2004) Diplomat (2002–Present) E1 (2004–2006) Interscope Records (2010–present)
Associated acts	Vado, U.N., araabMUZIK, Byrd Gang, Purple City
Website	dipinthemix.com
Members
Cam'ron Jim Jones Juelz Santana Freekey Zekey Hell Rell 40 Cal. J.R. Writer Un Kasa

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- whom Cam'ron was engaged in a dispute with at the time- it seemed as if the group had ultimately broken up and went their separate ways. 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, Juelz Santana 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 coming sometime 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.

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

• 2001: Diplomats Volume 1
• 2002: Diplomats Volume 2
• 2003: Diplomats Volume 3
• 2004: Diplomats Volume 4
• 2005: 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

References

1. ^ Strong, Nolan (December 23, 2002). "Cam'ron Strikes Platinum". AllHipHop.com. Archived from the original on October 20, 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20061020053746/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1447. Retrieved October 4, 2006. 
2. ^ Billboard.com
3. ^ RIAA.com
4. ^ 40 Cal Warns Of Cam'ron's Return, Talks Dipset Unity
5. ^ ^{a b} (August 19, 2008) Was Cam'ron holding Juelz Santana Back? DefSounds Accessed August 17, 2008.
6. ^ (August 1, 2008) Juelz Santana's contract Sold to Def Jam DefSounds. Accessed August 27, 2008.
7. ^ (September 9, 2008) September interview with Hell Rell Accessed September 19, 2008.
8. ^ RealTalkNY/Sean (September 15, 2008) Hell Rell Speaks On Why He Left Dipset YouTube. Accessed September 21, 2008.
9. ^ Francesca Djerejian (February 22, 2007) 40 Cal: Waiting In The Wings BallerStatus Accessed August 27, 2008.
10. ^ ^{a b} 730DipsOfficial YouTube YouTube. Accessed August 28, 2008.
11. ^ All those clicks are real gangs.v=wshh9yXQPBp7Q3ziL420Jim 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.
12. ^ Miss Info Exclusive: Cam’ron and Jim Jones rebuild friendship, Jimmy issues public apology

External links

• Official website
• The Diplomats at MTV