The Diplomats
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The Diplomats |
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The Diplomats (also known as Dipset) are a Harlem, New York-based rap group who previously signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, but now are signed to their own label, Diplomats Records, which is under Koch Records. The group was founded by rappers Cam'ron and Jim Jones. They are recognized for their hardcore multi-syllabic lyrics, anthemic sample-based production, and steadily growing roster of affiliates. While criticized for the alleged monotony of their music, they have gained a large cult following since their emergence.
Current members
New York-based Diplomat Records also distributes artist Cam'ron through Asylum Records. Cam'ron, Jim Jones (rapper), Juelz Santana, 40 Cal, Freeky Zeeky, J.R. Writer, Max B, Hell Rell, Bugs, and Jha Jha all appear as members of The Diplomats group, on a number of the clique's self-released hip hop mixtapes[1]. Purple City, another group, is also affiliated with the Diplomats. Additionally, the London-based duo, SAS (Streets All Salute/Strickly About Stackin'), are also part of The Diplomats. Another member, Jay Bezel, is signed to Sure Shot Records. Stack Bundles recently signed to the label during Jim Jones' tenure as Artists and Repertoire representative, and joins M.O.B. (Members of Byrdgang) as a tangential Diplomats project, associated with the core group through Jim Jones.
Juelz Santana was the only member of the group still signed to Def Jam Records as of mid 2005, but rumors circulate on hip hop message boards to the effect that he has been "dropped" from the roster as a result of fallout from Cam'ron's highly publicized "beef" with label executive Jay-Z[2]. Comedian Katt Williams is the latest addition to The Diplomats, as he signed to Diplomat Records, a joint venture with Universal Records.
Many of their members were signed performers, and were premiered in mixtapes, but the Diplomats did not become exclusive until 2003 with their CD Diplomatic Immunity. In previous music videos when Cam'ron was starting his career you could see fellow diplomats like Jim Jones or Freekey Zeekey. The group was under controversy for showcasing shirts that read "Stop Snitchin'" in some of their music videos. In 2005, the Diplomats won a Vibe Award for Group Of The Year.
Freeky Zeekey
Freeky Zeeky (born Ezikiel Giles in 1976) is an American rapper born in Harlem affiliated with Diplomat Records. He is currently in jail for running an ecstasy ring and according to fellow Diplomat Cam'ron, is slated for release in November, 2006. After that he plans to release an album and a movie. The rapper says his family will play a bigger role in his upcoming projects.
Other interests
The Diplomats also have their own brand of liquor, Sizzurp. Although "Sizzurp" as a term has its beginnings in a Three 6 Mafia song about codeine based Syrup, the two drinks are actually unrelated. In 2004, the Dipset and Three 6 Mafia collaboration, "Purple Punch" (also featuring Bun B), was to appear on Diplomatic Immunity II. "Purple Punch" did not include Project Pat or Pimp C due to the imprisonments of the two men at the time.
In addition to street cred from mixtapes and public events, The Diplomats' image also incorporates their take on the extravagant trappings of a rapper's lifestyle, with expensive jewelry, up to date fashion, and large entourages of beautiful women. Dipset, particularly Cam'ron, is also known for popularizing the use of the color pink, as well as purple in urban men's fashion.
In 2002, Dipset stirred up controversy when Juelz Santana recited lyrics during a track which appeared to support terrorism, particularly Mohamed Atta al-Sayed and his part in the 9/11 attacks. Although he sympathizes with their motives, Juelz has stated that the lyrics pay tribute to Atta's courage and dedication, rather than terrorism. [1]
Discography
Albums
- Diplomatic Immunity 1 (2003) [Certified: Gold]
- Diplomatic Immunity 2 (2004)
- More Than Music Vol.1 (2005)
- Cam'ron & Duke da God Present: The Movement Moves On (2006)
Dipset mixtapes
- The Purple Tape
- The Color Purple
- Incredible Piff
- The Purple City Matrix 2: Reloaded
- Propane Piff
- The Taj & Un Kasa Show Mixtape, pt. 2
- Purple Rain
- Purple City Matrix
Official Tapes that can be found on DipSetmixtapes.com
- Sippin' On Some Sizzurp Vol. 1- Gettin Drunk On Music
- Diplomats Vol. 1
- Diplomats Vol. 2
- Diplomats Vol. 3
- Diplomats Vol. 4
- Diplomats Vol. 5
- Dipset/Byrdgang Vol. 1: All Eyes on Zeke
- Dipset/Byrdgang Vol. 2: The New Season
- Dipset Memorial Day Mixtape 2005
- The Title Stays In Harlem, v.1
- The Instrumental Catalog Vol. 1
- The Diplomats Instrumentals, v.2
- J.R. Writer- Writer's Block Pt. 1
- J.R. Writer- Writer's Block Pt. 2
- J.R. Writer- Writer's Block Pt. 3
- Juelz Santana- Final Destination
- Juelz Santana- Back Like Coocked Crack Vol. 1
- Juelz Santana- Back Like Coocked Crack Vol. 2: More Crack
- Juelz Santana- Back Like Coocked Crack Vol. 3: Fiend Out
- Jim Jones- Ryder Muzik
- Jim Jones- Ambitionz of a Gangsta
- Jim Jones- City of God
- Jim Jones Presents-M.O.B. (Members Of Byrdgang)
- 40 Cal.- Trigger Happy
- Hell Rell- Streets Wanna Know