Revision as of 21:10, 13 November 2006 edit205.188.117.74 (talk) →Discography← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 14:58, 9 January 2025 edit undo162 etc. (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Page movers40,567 editsmNo edit summary | ||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{short description|American rapper}} | |||
{{pp-pc1}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| |
| name = Cam'ron | ||
| image = Cam'ron 2014 (portrait crop).JPG | |||
|Img = Camron.jpg | |||
| caption = Cam'ron performing in 2014 | |||
|Background = solo_singer | |||
| |
| birth_name = Cameron Giles | ||
| |
| alias = Killa Cam | ||
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|2|4}} | |||
|Origin = ], ] | |||
| |
| birth_place = ], ], U.S. | ||
| genre = {{flatlist| | |||
|Genre = ] | |||
* ] | |||
|Years_active = 1996–Present | |||
* ] | |||
|Label = ]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>]<br>] | |||
* ] | |||
|Associated_acts = ]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>] | |||
}} | |||
| occupation = {{flatlist| | |||
* Rapper | |||
* songwriter | |||
* actor | |||
* record executive | |||
* entrepreneur | |||
* sports analyst | |||
}} | |||
| discography = ] | |||
| years_active = 1994–present | |||
| label = {{flatlist| | |||
* ]• (current) | |||
* Killa | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] (former) | |||
}} | |||
| current_member_of = {{flatlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
| website = {{URL|purplehaze2.com}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Cameron Giles''' (born on ] ]) better known as '''Cam'ron''' or '''Killa Cam''', is a popular ] from ], ], ], ], ]. Cam'ron is the head of the musical group ] also known as "Dipset". | |||
'''Cameron Ezike Giles''' (born February 4, 1976),<ref name="Curr Bio">{{cite book|title=Current Biography Yearbook 2011|year=2011|publisher=H.W. Wilson|location=Ipswich, MA|isbn=9780824211219|pages=|chapter=Cam'ron|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/currentbiography0000unse_z0h6/page/109}}</ref> known ] as '''Cam'ron''', is an American rapper. Beginning his career in the early-1990s as '''Killa Cam''', Giles signed with ]'s ], an imprint of ] to release his first two studio albums '']'' (1998) and '']'' (2000); the former received ] certification by the ]. After leaving Epic, Giles signed with ] in 2001 to release his third studio album, '']'', the following year. It received ] certification by the RIAA and spawned the singles "]" (featuring ]) and "]" (featuring Juelz Santana, ] and ]), which peaked at numbers four and three on the ], respectively. His fourth studio album, '']'' (2004) was met with similar success and likewise received gold certification by the RIAA. | |||
== Biography == | |||
=== 1990-1998: Early life and career === | |||
Cam'ron was born and raised in Harlem, attending Manhattan Center High School, where one of his basketball teammates was Mason "Mase" Betha, who also became a successful rapper. Though his playing earned him scholarship offers from top colleges, Cam'ron was unable to take advantage of them because of his poor academic record, and he enrolled at a small college in Texas instead. He quickly dropped out and returned to Harlem, where he became a drug dealer before turning to rap<ref name="VH1">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/cam_ron/artist.jhtml | |||
| work = Camron: Interview | |||
| title = Camron | |||
| accessdate = 12 November | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| date = 2002 | |||
| publisher = vh1.com | |||
}}</ref>. Cam'ron began his musical career in the late ], rapping alongside ], ] and his cousin ] in a group called "]." The group dissolved after Bloodshed's death in a car accident in ]. However, Cam'ron continued to rap, and he eventually was introduced to ] by ]<ref name="askmen">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.askmen.com/toys/interview_60/75_camron_interview.html | |||
| work = Camron: Interview | |||
| title = Camron.. He Shoots, He Scores | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| date = 2002 | |||
| publisher = AskMen.com | |||
}}</ref>, who was so impressed with his skills that Biggie introduced him to his manager, Lance "Un" Rivera. Cam'ron signed to Rivera's Untertainment label distributed by ]/], releasing his first solo album, '']'', in July ]. The album featured songs like "357" and "Horse And Carriage," featuring his former friend, Ma$e. Unfortunately, Untertainment folded in ]<ref name"untertainment">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1365/is_5_30/ai_57943422/pg_6 | |||
| title = Hip-Hop Moguls: Beyond The Hype | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Muhammad, Tariq K. | |||
| date = 1999, December | |||
| publisher = Black Enterprise | |||
}}</ref>, and Cam'ron was absorbed into ] (his distribution label). | |||
Due to personal disagreements with ], Giles and his label parted ways with Roc-A-Fella in 2005 in favor of ]. In 2006, Giles released his fifth studio album '']'', accompanied by a ] in which Giles starred and made his director-screenwriter debut. In 2009, after taking a hiatus due to his mother's health, Giles returned to music and released his sixth studio album '']'' (2009), which peaked at number three on the ]. A decade later, he released his seventh album, '']'' (2019), which narrowly entered the chart. | |||
=== 2000: ''Sports, Drugs, and Entertainment'' === | |||
Cam'ron achieved notoriety for his ] release from Epic Records under ]. Reportedly using unconventional methods such as physically assaulting and threatening numerous Sony Records (]'s parent label) employees, Cam'ron sought an end to his contract due to his ]'s lack of promotion for his second album released in ], entitled '']'' (Sports, Drugs, and Entertainment). It featured songs such as "Let Me Know" and "What Means the World to You." The remix of the latter featured an all-star line-up of Southern rappers such as ], ], and ]. ] also made his first appearance ever on S.D.E. | |||
Aside from his solo career, Giles formed the short-lived hip hop group ] alongside ] and ] in 1993; they disbanded in 1997. He subsequently formed the hip hop collective ] (also known as Dipset) in the latter year, alongside his longtime affiliate ] and cousin ]. He later performed as one half of the duo ] (Us Now) with fellow Harlem native ]; the duo released two collaborative projects. In addition to the ''Killa Season'' film, Giles has acted in other works including the ] films '']'' and '']'' in 2002. | |||
=== 2002-2004: Roc-A-Fella === | |||
With his release from Sony Records, Cam'ron moved on to sign with his childhood friend<ref name="askmen" /> ] in ], who had already been managing him and ]. In ], he released his third and most successful album, '']'', along with the biggest hits of his career, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma," both featuring Juelz Santana. These hits catapulted Cam'ron to a ] album and in the process, he became the highest selling Roc-A-Fella artist outside of Jay-Z.<ref name"comeplat">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1447 | |||
| title = Cam'ron Strikes Platinum | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Strong, Nolan | |||
| date = 2002-12-23 | |||
| publisher = AllHipHop.com | |||
}}</ref> | |||
==Biography== | |||
Due to his unexpected success, Dash even went as far as to propose naming Cam'ron Vice President of Roc-a-fella, but ] rejected the idea. He went on to star in the Damon Dash produced film, ''Paid In Full'' in 2002. Cam'ron then teamed up with his fellow Diplomats: Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zeekey, to release the Diplomats' debut, ''Diplomatic Immunity'', in ]. | |||
===1976–1997: Early life and career beginnings=== | |||
By this time Cam'ron was was credited with starting the trend of men wearing pink. He claims that it was already popular in urban New York. In early 2004, Cam'ron announced plans to work with scientists to develop a new color and patent it for his trademark use. This eventually manifested as a purplish color that he used to design a hat in conjunction with the baseball cap company New Era. | |||
Giles was born and raised in the ] neighborhood of ].<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0SUEAAAAMBAJ | magazine = Vibe | title = Harlem Knight | last = Meadows-Ingram | first = Benjamin | date = August 2002 | access-date = March 20, 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was raised by his mother, Fredericka Giles (July 10, 1955 – February 9, 2023). He went to school at the ], where he met his longtime friends ] and ]. He was a promising basketball player alongside Mase; however, he was unable to take advantage of scholarship offers due to his poor academic standing. Instead, he enrolled in a college in Texas, without even graduating from high school, but was expelled and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. Giles was eventually introduced to ] through his childhood friend Mase. B.I.G. introduced Giles to ], who signed him to his label, Untertainment.<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLFPmnL6H0 |title=Cam'ron StreetHeat Interview|website=]|date=May 7, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1004112/bio|title=Cam'ron|website=IMDb|access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref> | |||
He began his musical career in the mid-1990s, rapping alongside ], Mase, and his cousin Bloodshed, in a group called ]. After Bloodshed's death in a car accident on March 2, 1997, the group disbanded and the remaining members pursued solo careers. | |||
=== 2004-Present: ''Purple Haze'' and ''Killa Season'' === | |||
The follow-up from Cam'ron's group, The Diplomats, ''Diplomatic Immunity 2'' was released on ], 2004. Cam'ron's frequently stalled fourth album, '']'', was released on ], 2004. | |||
===1998–2002: ''Confessions of Fire'', ''S.D.E.'' and ''Come Home with Me''=== | |||
In December of 2004, Cam'ron requested his release from Def Jam/Roc-a-fella Records, feeling his projects weren't receiving the attention they deserved.<ref name"leavesdef">{{cite web | |||
Two years before Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to ] by Mase who was signed to ] 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 a year later in July 1998 and included singles such as "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie ]), and "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase, which reached the R&B Top Ten. The album achieved gold status and made the Top 10 of both the pop and R&B charts. | |||
| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3847 | |||
| title = Cam'ron Lensing Shootout Scene For "Killa Season" | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Kye, Stephenson | |||
| date = 2004-12-11 | |||
| publisher = AllHipHop.com | |||
}}</ref> | |||
Regardless of business setbacks '']'' still managed to reach Gold status due to the support of many Dipset loyalists. Many critics and fans believe this is arguably Cam'rons best solo effort as of yet. '']'' was not a commercial success like his last album but it had received a lot of critical acclaim to the extent that ] named it as a top-ten overall album and second best rap album of 2005. | |||
In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive ] and released his second album '']'' on Sony/Epic Records. With features from ], ], Jim Jones, ], 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. | |||
As of ], ], Cam'ron joined the ] under the ] where he would receive $8.50 per/album imprint.<ref name"asylum">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4341 | |||
| title = Cam'ron Leaves Roc-A-Fella For Asylum/Warner | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Strong, Nolan | |||
| date = 2005-04-29 | |||
| publisher = AllHipHop.com}}</ref> | |||
In August of 2005<ref name"filming">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4764 | |||
| title = Cam'ron Lensing Shootout Scene For "Killa Season" | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Stephenson, Kye | |||
| date = 2005-08-25 | |||
| publisher = AllHipHop.com | |||
}}</ref>, Cam'ron began work on what would be his first project for Asylum, shooting a ] movie titled ]. The film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released on ] ], ], after a special two-day theatrical release.<ref name"theatre">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=823 | |||
| title = Cam’ron’s Killa Season Hits Big Screens in Limited Engagement | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| date = 2006-03-30 | |||
| publisher = XXL | |||
}}</ref> | |||
Cam'rons fifth studio album, also titled ] was released on ], 2006, opening successfully at #2 on the ].<ref name"kschart">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/redhotchilipeppers/articles/story/10379018/chili_peppers_camron_top_the_chart | |||
| title = Chili Peppers, Cam'ron Top the Chart | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Rogulewski, Charley | |||
| date = 2006-05-24 | |||
| publisher = Rolling Stone | |||
}}</ref> Several tracks off of Cam's new album include the first single "Touch It Or Not" aka "Suck it or not" (feat ]), "Do Your Thing" as well as "I Love My Life," "Something New", and "Wet Wipes". | |||
After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood friend and new manager ] to ] in December 2001, alongside artists such as ], ], ] and ]. A reported $4.5 million record deal was agreed upon with Damon Dash and his Roc-A-Fella partners Kareem Biggs and Jay-Z in the form of a record advance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.straferight.com/forums/general-chit-chat/176296-what-who-where-dipset.html |title=Cam'ron Signs to Rocafella |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331195753/http://www.straferight.com/forums/general-chit-chat/176296-what-who-where-dipset.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> His third and most successful album ''Come Home with Me'' was released in 2002 featuring guests such as Jay-Z, ], and ], and production from ], ] and ]. It included the hit singles "]" and "]", which both featured ] newest member ]. The album achieved platinum status and served as a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group the Diplomats to sign with Roc-A-Fella.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/3520578/a/Come+Home+With+Me.htm |title = Cam'ron - Come Home With Me Album}}</ref> | |||
In April 2006, Cam’ron announced that he will also be releasing a DVD in the 2006/2007 season warning against the dangers of child molestation by predators that stalk via the Internet. | |||
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in the ] produced film, '']'', in which he played one of three main characters alongside ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kimble |first=Julian |date=2021-01-29 |title=How Cam’ron Turned ‘Paid in Full’ Into a Cult Legend |url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/1/29/22255661/paid-in-full-camron-history-charles-stone-making-of |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref> In 2006 he started shooting his movie for his album titled '']''; 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.<ref name="theatre">{{cite web| url = http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=823| title = Cam'ron's Killa Season Hits Big Screens in Limited Engagement| access-date = October 4, 2006| date = March 30, 2006| publisher = XXL| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060829013252/http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=823| archive-date = August 29, 2006| url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
== Shooting == | |||
In the early morning of Sunday, ], ], Cam'ron was shot three times after a botched ] in ].<ref name"shooting">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/23/AR2005102301334.html | |||
| title = Rapper Shot in Alleged Carjacking in D.C. | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Schulte, Brigid and Harris, Hamil R. | |||
| date = 2005-10-24 | |||
| publisher = Washington Post | |||
}}</ref> Cam'ron was leaving a popular nightclub after performing earlier Saturday at ] and stopped at a ] at the intersection of Kenyon and Warder streets in ] D.C. Shortly after midnight, a passenger of a nearby car threatened Cam'ron to "give up" his 2006 ]. Cam'ron resisted and the gunman then shot him. Cam'ron was struck twice in his right arm and once in his left as he was holding the steering wheel, but he was able to drive himself around going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, trying to get a police officer's attention because he didn't know where he was at or how to get to the hospital, until a fan finally drove him to Howard University Hospital for treatment. He caught a plane back home the next day. | |||
===2003–2009: ''Purple Haze'', ''Killa Season'' and ''Crime Pays''=== | |||
The gunman and passenger sped off in and crashed into a parked car and a home and then fled the scene. D.C. Metro Police also recovered a cell phone from the scene of the crash, which they are trying to use to trace the suspects. Cam'ron continually refuses to cooperate with police with helping to identify his assailants who are presently still unidentified. | |||
In March 2003, Cam'ron teamed up with his fellow Diplomats Members ], ], and ] to release the ]' debut double disc album, '']'', under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified ] by the ]. 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 featuring production from ], ], and ]. A year later, the Diplomats released their second album, ''Diplomatic Immunity 2''. | |||
On December 7, 2004, Cam'ron's fourth studio album, '']'', was released on ]/]. It featured collaborations with Kanye West, ], ], Juelz Santana, and various other artists and ultimately reached gold status.<ref name=RIAA> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |date=June 26, 2007 }}. RIAA</ref> The album was also a critical success, being ranked 114th on ]'s Top 200 Albums of the first decade of the 21st century List, and 10th on ]'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 enough attention, Cam'ron requested his release from ]. | |||
== Feuds == | |||
=== Feud with Ma$e=== | |||
In ], Cam'ron came into headlines after a dispute with his former friend Ma$e. After returning to the music industry after a five year religious hiatus, Ma$e conducted an interview on the ] ] ] where he described his falling out with Cam'ron and the current status of their relationship. Ma$e claimed that confusion over $50,000 he asked to receive for an appearance in the "Horse and Carriage" music video caused the demise of their relationship. This fueled a heated on-air debate between Cam'ron's right-hand man Jim Jones and Ma$e. <ref name"shooting">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mase/news_feature_040913/ | |||
| title = Mase, The Fine Line Between Preacher and Playa | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Reid, Shaheim and Steible, Chris | |||
| date = 2004-09-13 | |||
| publisher = MTV | |||
}}</ref>Jim Jones declared that Ma$e was "fabricating" in the autobiography he wrote in 2001. Also, Jim Jones was upset that Ma$e used people's real names in his book, exposing them without giving them their proper publishing fees. Furthermore, Jones said "you wasn't giving us no money, so we went out and got money" when Jim Jones and Cam'ron went on tour with Ma$e, and that now they don't need Ma$e anymore because they are the "Sizzurp boys, quarter billion, ya ain't heard?", in reference to The Diplomats Purple ] ] business. Jim Jones went on to reveal that Ma$e actually left Harlem not because he was answering a higher calling to become a reverend, but because he was scared out of town by the murder of his two friends, Pop Lotti and Baby Mane. Jones claimed Ma$e was "ran up out of Harlem" because there was "money on him," meaning someone had put a bounty on Ma$e's head. Jones goes on to tell Ma$e that "you need to be nervous to be in Harlem still, cuz I'm here" and threatens that Ma$e better "have them boys with the badges on them" (police) with him when he next encounters him, because "I will do it to you, Duke." Jim Jones informs the audience that he never liked Ma$e, as he crudely refers to him as "Betha," Ma$e's last name. Subsequently, Ma$e and Cam'ron engaged in a verbal debate that ended in Cam'ron hanging up the phone, disgusted by Ma$e's alleged lies and insincerity. | |||
On April 28, 2005, Cam'ron officially joined the ] under the Asylum Records imprint.<ref name="asylum">{{cite web| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4341| title = Cam'ron Leaves Roc-A-Fella For Asylum/Warner| access-date = October 4, 2006| author = Strong, Nolan| date = April 29, 2005| publisher = AllHipHop.com |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060422205213/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4341 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = April 22, 2006}}</ref> He began work on what would be his first project for the new label. Cam'ron's fifth studio album, titled '']'', was released on May 16, 2006, featuring production from long-term collaborators The Heatmakerz, Charlmagne and ], as well as others such as ] and ] 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 number 2 on the charts, ''Killa Season'' failed to have the same sales strength as his two previous releases, but ''Killa Season'' became certified gold. | |||
===Feud with Jay-Z=== | |||
] also has a current feud with Jay-Z. In ], Cam'ron released a diss track called "You Gotta Love It"<ref name"jaydiss">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1521141/20060118/story.jhtml | |||
| title = Cam'ron Attacks Jay-Z With Dis Track 'You Got It' | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Reid, Shaheem | |||
| date = 2006/1/18 | |||
| publisher = MTV | |||
}}</ref>, in which Cam accused ] of stealing ] records and Rocawear clothing from ]. He also claims Jay stole ] from Dame, since Kanye left Dame to follow Jay. In addition to this, he also claims that his shooter was an associate of Roc-A-Fella, and that Jay-Z was in love with female rapper ]. He also ridicules ] for wearing ] with jeans in a ] newspaper. In the March issue of ] magazine, which features Cam'ron on the cover, the ] native sheds light on where things began to fall apart with ]. "The real problems began when Jay went away and Dame was talking about making me president. When Jay came back, he had an attitude," Cam told the publication. "He said to ] something to the effect that he didn't feel comfortable with what Dame was trying to do." | |||
Released simultaneously with "You Got To Love It" was a second track, "Swagger Jacker." In this track created originally by ] of the ], Cam'ron outlines numerous instances where Jay-Z has performed lyrics originally recorded by a bevy of other rappers, most notably the late ] In the song "What More Can I Say," Jay-Z states, "I'm not a biter, I'm a writer/ For myself, and others/ I say a Big verse, I'm only bigging up my brotha." He is referring to the fact that he has referenced several lines from deceased rapper ] (I say a Big verse), and that he is not trying to copy or emulate Biggie's style, but rather to just glorify his admiration for one of his favorite rappers and one of his closest friends, Biggie (I'm only biggin up my brotha). However, there have been moments where Jay-Z has mimicking Biggie's (including his famous I'm A Hustler line) or once good friend Big L style on many tracks and has even used rhymes once spoken by his former nemesis Tupac. | |||
After the release of ''Killa Season'' and his feud with ] in 2007, Cam'ron took a three-year hiatus from music after his mother suffered three strokes which left 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sohh.com/camron-breaks-silence-on-absence-my-mom-had-three-strokes-in-one-day/|title=Cam'ron Breaks Silence On Absence, "My Mom Had Three Strokes In One Day"|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> Cam'ron's 2009 album, '']'' was released on Asylum/Diplomat Records, featuring the majority of the production handled by ] and ]. Although none of the singles from the album managed to chart, the album still reached number 3 on the ] but only sold 150,000 units, making it the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed a new label, Dipset West and new group the ] | |||
In 2006, Cam'ron held a press conference to discuss his possible jail term and addressed the Jay-Z beef.<ref name"pressconf">{{cite web | |||
| url = http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1521634/20060125/story.jhtml | |||
| title = Cam'ron Says Attack On 'Old Man' Jay-Z Wasn't Unprovoked | |||
| accessdate = 04 October | |||
| accessyear = 2006 | |||
| author = Reid, Shaheem | |||
| date = 2006/1/25 | |||
| publisher = MTV | |||
}}</ref> Since he was convicted on a weapons possession in 2002, he needed permission to leave the state. Cam stated that he always gets permission but his trip to D.C. was a last minute decision. When asked about the reason behind the whole Jay-Z beef, he said the final straw was the Jay-Z "I Declare War" concert. He went on to say that Jay was attempting to find Jim Jones's Catholic school pictures and footage of Cam and Jones getting jumped. He also went on saying that part of his agreement from being released from Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam, was that he could not talk badly about the label or its employees or he would be fined $100,000. | |||
===2010–present: Mixtapes, EPs and collaborations=== | |||
It is said that Jay-Z responded to Cam'ron, although he never mentions his name, in the remix of the ]' song "Hustlin", which also features ]. In the "Hustlin" remix, Jay-Z refers to his style of dress on island resorts as well as mentioning the circumstances in which Cam'ron was injured in the car jacking. Cam'ron responded with a verse from an unofficial remix of ]'s "It's Goin' Down". Rumor has it that Cam'ron will address Jay-Z's decision to pull ] from the ] track, ] (for which Blige invented an "alter ego", ]) on a future track. | |||
In late 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted by ] called ''Boss of All Boses'' which featured his new upcoming artist ]. Cam'ron also released a collaboration album with his new group the ] which included himself and fellow ] rapper Vado titled '']''; the first single off the album was "Speaking Tongues" which peaked at No. 82 on the ] charts. Cam'ron announced that he would be releasing a joint album with rapper Vado called '']''; on April 19, 2011, the album was released on ]. In 2013, Vado signed with ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22737/title.vado-confirms-signing-to-dj-khaled-s-we-the-best-imprint|title=Vado Confirms Signing To DJ Khaled's We The Best Imprint|author=HipHopDX|date=January 30, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111051954/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22737/title.vado-confirms-signing-to-dj-khaled-s-we-the-best-imprint|archive-date=January 11, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> after his personal friendship with Cam'ron eroded, although Vado maintained at the time that they still worked on a business level and had no animosity towards him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/vado-discusses-cam-ron-s-reaction-to-him-leaving-dip-set-news.4406.html|title=Vado Discusses Cam'Ron's Reaction To Him Leaving Dip Set|website=HNHH|date=February 9, 2013}}</ref> After three years Cam'ron and Jim Jones decided to mend their differences and start working together again for the third installment of the ''Diplomatic Immunity'' album along with fellow Diplomat members ] and ]. Cam'ron announced that ] album's release would take place around Christmas 2010. The first promotional single featuring the reunited Diplomat members was titled "Salute"; it was produced by ] and would later appear on ] album '']''. | |||
In 2012 Cam'ron was featured on rapper/singer ]'s second studio album '']'' on a song titled "The Bluff". Also In 2012 Cam'ron would be featured on rapper/singer ]'s second studio album '']'' on a song titled "I Am Your Leader" along with rapper ]. | |||
===Feud with Lil Cease and Junior Mafia=== | |||
In 1998, Cam'ron and Jim Jones were involved in an altercation with Brooklyn emcee Lil' Cease, a friend of the late Notorious BIG, and members of his crew at the Rucker Basketball Park in Harlem, NY. For unknown reasons, a scuffle between Jones and Junior Mafia erupted during a ] televised basketball game. In 2005, Lil Cease later released the video footage of the altercation. It depicted Jim Jones being savagley beaten while Cam'ron wisely stayed out of harm's way. | |||
In 2013 during an interview Cam'ron discussed his seventh upcoming studio album ''Killa Season 2'' stating that it will feature guest appearances from ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2013/01/xxl-presents-the-35-most-anticipated-albums-of-2013-3/#5 |title=XXL Presents... The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 14, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2013}}</ref> On October 1, 2013, Cam'ron released his promotional mixtape for the album titled ''Ghetto Heaven Vol 1''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datpiff.com/Camron-Ghetto-Heaven-Vol-1-mixtape.494468.html |title=Cam'ron - Ghetto Heaven Vol 1 // Free Mixtape @ |publisher=Datpiff.com |access-date=September 4, 2013 |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811105058/http://www.datpiff.com/Camron-Ghetto-Heaven-Vol-1-mixtape.494468.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
== Awards and Nominations == | |||
=== Grammys === | |||
2003: Nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Oh Boy" with Juelz Santana).<br>2004: Nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group ("Dipset (Santana's Town)" with Juelz Santana). | |||
In January 2014, according to '']'', Cam'ron and ] were to team up for a collaborative EP to be titled ''Federal Reserve'' which would be executive-produced by ] and have featured appearances by ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/cam-ron-a-trak-federal-reserve-ep-announcement|title=Exclusive: Cam'ron and A-Trak Announce "Federal Reserve" EP|author=Dharmic X|work=Complex|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> In May, they put out the first single from the album, titled "Dipsh*ts", featuring commentary from ] and ] on the hook and an accompanying official video. On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron along with fashion designer ] revealed their "] line" during New York fashion week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-s-cape-line-with-mark-mcnairy-hits-ny-fashion-week-news.9300.html|title=Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week|first=Rose|last=Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=February 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram Cam'ron revealed and released his "] mask" stating on the caption "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/camron-ebola-masks_n_6015118.html|title=Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For|work=The Huffington Post|date=October 20, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Diplomat Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|title=Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com|work=Karmaloop|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325022141/http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his '']'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-1-ep/id890630799|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=July 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On August 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his '']'' EP, it included the single "So Bad" featuring ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-2-ep/id899632683|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 2 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=August 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/so-bad-feat.-nicki-minaj-yummy/id899263822|title=iTunes - Music - So Bad (feat. Nicki Minaj & Yummy) - Single by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On September 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his '']'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-3-ep/id911888083|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 3 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=September 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On October 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his '']'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-4-ep/id921822831|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 4 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=October 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On November 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his '']'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-5-ep/id935437075|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 5 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=November 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''1st of the Month, Vol. 6'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol.-6-ep/id947478144|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=December 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 11, 2014, Cam'ron announced that his next studio album will not be a sequel to his fifth album ] but will be a sequel to his critically acclaimed fourth studio album '']'' titled ''Purple Haze 2''; Cam'ron also announced that this would be his final album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-to-retire-after-purple-haze-2-drops-news.13198.html|title=Cam'ron To Retire After "Purple Haze 2" Drops?|first=Jessie|last=Schiewe|work=HotNewHipHop|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 16, 2014, Cam'ron would release his compilation ''1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition)''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/1st-month-box-set-deluxe-edition/id948975052|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition) by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> | |||
=== Other === | |||
2005: ] names '']'' 9th Best Overall Album, 2nd Best Hip-Hop Album of 2005.<br>2005: ]'s 2005 Best Group of the year. | |||
On January 1, 2015, well known DJ ] announced via his Instagram that he had spoken to fellow ] members Cam'ron, ] and ] about an upcoming Diplomat's mixtape which included fellow member ]. He also confirmed and stated that he will be hosting the mixtape along with DJ's/Rappers/Producers ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dipset-reportedly-reuniting-for-new-mixtape-news.13438.html|title=Dipset Reportedly Reuniting For New Mixtape|first=Rose|last=Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=January 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> | |||
== Discography == | |||
''For more information see ] & RIAA.com. | |||
In July 2016, he announced that he will release an album called Killa Pink and he promoted his line of signature the Reebok Flea 2's, and announced that the shoe will be released in combination with the album.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/camron-announces-new-album-killa-pink-news.22778.html? |title=Cam ron to release album in conjunction with sneaker line |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |website=HNHH |date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref> | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!align="left"|Album cover | |||
!align="left"|Album information | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: #6 US | |||
*Last ]: '''Gold''' | |||
*US Sales: 600,000 | |||
*Singles: "Horse & Carriage", "Feels Good", "357" | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: #14 US | |||
*Last ]: '''Gold''' | |||
*US Sales: 500,000 | |||
*Singles: "My Hood", "What Means The World To You", "Let Me Know" | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: #2 US | |||
*Last ]: '''Platinum''' | |||
*US Sales: 1 million | |||
*Singles: "Oh Boy", "Hey Ma", "Daydreaming", Welcome To New York City", "The Roc (Just Fire)" | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: #20 US | |||
*Last ]: '''Gold''' | |||
*US Sales: 500,000 | |||
*Singles: "Get 'Em Girls/Killa Cam", "Girls/Family Ties", "Down And Out/Get 'Em Daddy" | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: #2 US | |||
*Last ]: Gold | |||
*US Sales: 4200,000 | |||
*Singles: "Touch It Or Not/Wet Wipes", "Get 'Em Daddy (Remix)", "Love My Life" | |||
|- | |||
|align="left"|] | |||
|align="left"|''''']''''' | |||
*Released: ], ] | |||
*Chart position: | |||
*Last ]: | |||
*US Sales: | |||
*Singles: "Weekend Love" | |||
|} | |||
== |
==Other ventures== | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;" | |||
! width="28" rowspan="2"| Year | |||
! width="257" rowspan="2"| Title | |||
! colspan="3"| Chart Positions | |||
! width="220" rowspan="2"| Album | |||
|- | |||
! width="86"| <small>]</small> | |||
! width="86"| <small>]</small> | |||
! width="86"| <small>]</small> | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Horse & Carriage" <small>(feat. ])</small> | |||
! #41 | |||
! #9 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Feels Good" <small>(feat. ])</small> | |||
! - | |||
! #54 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "357" | |||
! - | |||
! #88 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Let Me Know" | |||
! #99 | |||
! #22 | |||
! #2 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "What Means The World To You" | |||
! #83 | |||
! #30 | |||
! #34 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "My Hood" | |||
! - | |||
! - | |||
! #44 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Welcome To New York City" <small>(feat. ] & ])</small> | |||
! - | |||
! #55 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "The Roc (Just Fire)" <small>(feat. ] & ])</small> | |||
! - | |||
! #77 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "]" <small>(feat. ])</small> | |||
! #4 | |||
! #1 | |||
! #1 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Hey Ma" <small>(feat. ])</small> | |||
! #3 | |||
! #7 | |||
! #4 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "]" <small>(] feat. Cam'ron)</small> | |||
! - | |||
! #68 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Girls" | |||
! - | |||
! #77 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Get 'Em Girls" | |||
! - | |||
! #99 | |||
! - | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Down And Out" <small>(feat. ] & ])</small> | |||
! #94 | |||
! #29 | |||
! #20 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Suck It Or Not" <small>(feat. ])</small> | |||
! - | |||
! #62 | |||
! #25 | |||
| '']'' | |||
|- | |||
| ] | |||
| "Weekend Love" | |||
! TBR | |||
! TBR | |||
! TBR | |||
| '']'' | |||
|} | |||
== |
===Directing and acting=== | ||
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in the ] produced film, '']'', in which he played one of three main characters alongside ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Paid In Full |url=https://www.miramax.com/movie/paid-in-full/ |website=Miramax |access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> In 2006, started shooting his movie for his album titled '']'', 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.<ref name="theatre"/> | |||
*2002: ''']''' | |||
*2002: ''']''' | |||
===Fashion designing=== | |||
*2005: ''']''' | |||
On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron, along with fashion designer ], revealed their "] line" during the New York fashion week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-s-cape-line-with-mark-mcnairy-hits-ny-fashion-week-news.9300.html|title=Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week|first=Rose|last=Lilah|date=February 11, 2014|work=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram, Cam'ron revealed and released his "] mask", stating on the caption: "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/camron-ebola-masks_n_6015118.html|title=Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For|date=October 20, 2014|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|title=Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com|work=Karmaloop|access-date=January 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325022141/http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> | |||
*2006: ''']''' | |||
*2007: ''']''' | |||
===Sports commentary=== | |||
In 2023, Cam'ron launched an independently produced sports' news talk show, called ''It is What It is.'' Cam'ron's co-host on the show is rapper, ]. The show's first episode premiered on February 27, 2023, on YouTube. In the months proceeding the show's launch, it has achieved viral success on the internet. According to Cam'ron, he has already turned down several multi-million dollar offers from buyers looking to purchase the show.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.complex.com/music/camron-getting-offers-to-buy-sports-talk-show-it-is-what-it-is | title=Cam'ron Says He's Already Getting Offers to Buy His Newly Launched Sports Talk Show | website=] }}</ref> In August 2023, it was officially announced that the show has partnered with ].<ref></ref> | |||
==Controversies== | |||
===Jay-Z=== | |||
Although there had been rumors of a feud between the two emcees, Cam'ron went public first with a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member ]. In the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z's age, his alleged "biting" (stealing) of lyrics, and his current girlfriend. He references Jay-Z using ]'s rhymes, rapping "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 released another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" to highlight the many songs Jay-Z has borrowed lines from. In the next issue of ], Cam'ron explained the beef originated when Jay-Z became CEO and President of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nahright.com/news/2006/01/18/cam-finally-disses-hov/|title=Cam Finally Disses Hov - Nah Right|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> In 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z anymore. | |||
In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song by ], Jay-Z mentioned Cam'ron again by rapping (in the middle of a verse): | |||
{{cquote|Now here's the icing on the cake/ Cake, cake-cake, cake-cake, uhh/ I'm just getting started, oh, yeah, we got it bitch/ I've done made more millionaires than the lotto did/ ] made millions, Bigg made millions/ ] made millions, ] made millions/ ] made millions, Cam made millions/ ] would tell you if he wasn't in his feelins<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25626/title.cam-ron-refutes-jay-z-s-pound-cake-claims|title=Cam'ron Refutes Jay Z's "Pound Cake" Claims|author=HipHopDX|date=2 October 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=11 March 2015}}</ref>}} | |||
Cam replied briefly on "Come and Talk to Me" off of ''Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1'': | |||
{{cquote|She said Jay made you a millionaire? and looked me in the eyes/ Said cake, cake, cake, got that from the pies/ We made each other millions, that was my reply/ had a mill before I met him, baby, that ain't no lie/ See he named some Harlem cats and the ] / but my thing, he ain't name nobody from the ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddotomen.com/2013/09/30/camron-come-and-talk-to-me-jay-z-response/|title=New Music: Cam'Ron 'Come And Talk To Me' (Jay Z Response) - DDotOmen|access-date=11 March 2015}}</ref> | |||
}} | |||
On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their feud at the re-opened ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jay-z-brings-out-nas-camron-jim-jones-at-iconic-webster-hall-re-opening-news.78514.html|title=Jay-Z Brings Out Nas, Cam'ron, Jim Jones At Iconic Webster Hall Re-Opening|website=HotNewHipHop|date=April 27, 2019|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref> | |||
===50 Cent=== | |||
On February 1, 2007, Cam'ron and ] had a live argument on ''The ] Show'' on ] radio. 50 Cent commented that he felt ] was a "graveyard", meaning major record labels would not work with their artists.<ref name=NYT>Sanneh, Kelefa (February 27, 2007). Rappers Find That a Small Label Can Have Its Uses. ''The New York Times''. Accessed May 22, 2007.</ref> Cam'ron then ridiculed the record sales of ] members ] and ] by pointing out that ] member ] outsold both of their albums despite not being signed to a major label, and also went on to clarify that his group, The Diplomats, had a distribution deal from several labels.<ref name="NYT"/> Both rappers released diss songs with videos on ]. 50 Cent released "Funeral Music", and suggested in the song 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 "]" with ]. Since 2009, the feud slowly died down, and they eventually reconciled in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BI50XSmAoci/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BI50XSmAoci |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=50 Cent on Instagram: "I said Cam I would talk to you like you ain't got money, if I didn't see them big ass knot's in ya pockets."|website=Instagram|access-date=May 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref> | |||
===Jim Jones=== | |||
Cam'ron revealed in 2007 that he was no longer speaking to his fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Jim Jones, leading to speculation that the group had officially 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 it's better on my resume. I wish him the best."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5911/title.camron-addresses-jim-jones-50-cent-his-hiatus-more |title=Cam Speaks on Hiatus|date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> After three years of not speaking, Cam'ron and Jim Jones mended their differences in April 2010. In late 2011, both appeared together on ]'s album '']'', on the track "Circus Freaks". | |||
===Stop Snitchin'=== | |||
On April 22, 2007, Cam'ron was interviewed on '']'' as part of a piece on the ] movement.<ref name="60min">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/19/60minutes/main2704565.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422115833/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/19/60minutes/main2704565.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 22, 2007 |title=Stop Snitchin' - 60 Minutes |work=CBS News |date=August 12, 2007 |access-date=February 27, 2011}}</ref> 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 ] 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. | |||
Cam'ron later issued an apology for his comments, calling them an "error in judgement":<ref name="60min" /> "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. There'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 ], New York Police Department records indicate that Giles filed a report with police after he was assaulted at a park in Harlem in 1999.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0419072giles1.html|title=Rapper's Change Of Face|work=The Smoking Gun|date=October 20, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> | |||
===Kanye West=== | |||
Both Cam'ron and Jim Jones took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West in defense of former CEO Dame Dash (due to their longtime friendship dating back to growing up in Harlem)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2014/06/03/camron-fact-interview-diplomats-a-trak-drugs/|title="I didn't grow up in a musical family, I grew up in a drug family": Cam'ron talks Paid in Full, A-Trak and the cult of Dipset - FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.|work=FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> by releasing a song titled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West's song "]". The feud eventually ended, evidenced by Cam'ron, Jim Jones, and Kanye West collaborating on a song called "]". | |||
==Personal life== | |||
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a nightclub in Washington, D.C., having performed the day before at ]. While stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey Avenues shortly after midnight, a passenger of a nearby car threatened Cam'ron to "give up" his 2006 ]. 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 drove off, 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, although later, in the song "Gotta Love It" featuring ], Cam'ron claims that he saw the gunman throw up the ] diamond hand signal before shots were fired.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/23/AR2005102301334.html|title=Rapper Shot in Alleged Carjacking in D.C.|newspaper=]|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalgrind.com/4284644/roc-back-jay-z-ends-20-year-beef-with-camron-but-heres-how-it-started-in-the-first-place/|title= Roc Back: Jay-Z Ends 20-Year Beef With Cam'ron — But Here's How It Started In The First Place|date= April 27, 2019|access-date=April 27, 2019}}</ref> | |||
==Discography== | |||
{{Main|Cam'ron discography}} | |||
{{See also|The Diplomats discography}} | |||
;Studio albums | |||
* '']'' (1998) | |||
* '']'' (2000) | |||
* '']'' (2002) | |||
* '']'' (2004) | |||
* '']'' (2006) | |||
* '']'' (2009) | |||
* '']'' (2019) | |||
;Collaboration albums | |||
* '']'' {{small|(with ])}} (2010) | |||
* '']'' {{small|(with ])}} (2011) | |||
* ''U Wasn't There'' {{small|(with ])}} (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2022/09/03/camron-and-a-trak-announce-collab-album-u-wasnt-there-and-release-new-single/|title=Cam'Ron and A-Trak Announce Collab Album 'U Wasn't There,' Release New Single|work=]|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=September 3, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2022}}</ref> | |||
==Filmography== | |||
* '']'' (2002) | |||
* '']'' (2005) | |||
* '']'' (2006) | |||
* ''Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops'' (2006)<ref>{{cite web | vauthors=((Kaufman, Gil)) | title=Kanye, Cam'ron, Game, Suge Knight Speak Out About "Hip-Hop Cops" In New Doc | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1526809/kanye-camron-game-suge-knight-speak-out-about-hip-hop-cops-in-new-doc/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009223853/http://www.mtv.com/news/1526809/kanye-camron-game-suge-knight-speak-out-about-hip-hop-cops-in-new-doc/| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 9, 2014|website=MTV|date=March 22, 2006|access-date=11 July 2022}}</ref> | |||
* ''First Of The Month'' (2012) | |||
* ''Percentage'' (2013) | |||
* '']'' (2012; 2016–2017) | |||
* '']'' (2018) | |||
* '']'' (2021) | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{Reflist}} | |||
<div class="references-small"><references/></div> | |||
== External links == | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
* | |||
==External links== | |||
* {{twitter}} | |||
* {{IMDb name|1004112|Cam'ron}} | |||
{{Cam'ron}} | |||
{{The Diplomats}} | |||
{{Def Jam Recordings}} | |||
{{Roc-A-Fella Records}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | |||
{{DEFAULTSORT:Camron}} | |||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] | |||
] |
Latest revision as of 14:58, 9 January 2025
American rapper
Cam'ron | |
---|---|
Cam'ron performing in 2014 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Cameron Giles |
Also known as | Killa Cam |
Born | (1976-02-04) February 4, 1976 (age 48) Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Discography | Cam'ron discography |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels |
|
Member of | |
Website | purplehaze2 |
Cameron Ezike Giles (born February 4, 1976), known mononymously as Cam'ron, is an American rapper. Beginning his career in the early-1990s as Killa Cam, Giles signed with Lance "Un" Rivera's Untertainment, an imprint of Epic Records to release his first two studio albums Confessions of Fire (1998) and S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment) (2000); the former received gold certification by the RIAA. After leaving Epic, Giles signed with Roc-A-Fella Records in 2001 to release his third studio album, Come Home with Me, the following year. It received platinum certification by the RIAA and spawned the singles "Oh Boy" (featuring Juelz Santana) and "Hey Ma" (featuring Juelz Santana, Freekey Zeekey and Toya), which peaked at numbers four and three on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His fourth studio album, Purple Haze (2004) was met with similar success and likewise received gold certification by the RIAA.
Due to personal disagreements with Jay-Z, Giles and his label parted ways with Roc-A-Fella in 2005 in favor of Asylum Records. In 2006, Giles released his fifth studio album Killa Season, accompanied by a film of the same name in which Giles starred and made his director-screenwriter debut. In 2009, after taking a hiatus due to his mother's health, Giles returned to music and released his sixth studio album Crime Pays (2009), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. A decade later, he released his seventh album, Purple Haze 2 (2019), which narrowly entered the chart.
Aside from his solo career, Giles formed the short-lived hip hop group Children of the Corn alongside Big L and Mase in 1993; they disbanded in 1997. He subsequently formed the hip hop collective the Diplomats (also known as Dipset) in the latter year, alongside his longtime affiliate Jim Jones and cousin Freekey Zekey. He later performed as one half of the duo U.N. (Us Now) with fellow Harlem native Vado; the duo released two collaborative projects. In addition to the Killa Season film, Giles has acted in other works including the Roc-A-Fella films Paper Soldiers and Paid in Full in 2002.
Biography
1976–1997: Early life and career beginnings
Giles was born and raised in the East Harlem neighborhood of Upper Manhattan, New York City. He was raised by his mother, Fredericka Giles (July 10, 1955 – February 9, 2023). He went to school at the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics, where he met his longtime friends Mase and Jim Jones. He was a promising basketball player alongside Mase; however, he was unable to take advantage of scholarship offers due to his poor academic standing. Instead, he enrolled in a college in Texas, without even graduating from high school, but was expelled and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. Giles was eventually introduced to The Notorious B.I.G. through his childhood friend Mase. B.I.G. introduced Giles to Lance Rivera, who signed him to his label, Untertainment.
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. After Bloodshed's death in a car accident on March 2, 1997, the group disbanded and the remaining members pursued solo careers.
1998–2002: Confessions of Fire, S.D.E. and Come Home with Me
Two years before Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to The Notorious B.I.G. 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 a year later 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. The album achieved gold status and made the Top 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.
In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive Tommy Mottola 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.
After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood friend and new manager Damon Dash to Roc-A-Fella Records in December 2001, alongside artists such as Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Freeway and Memphis Bleek. A reported $4.5 million record deal was agreed upon with 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 Diplomats newest member 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.
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in the Damon Dash produced film, Paid in Full, in which he played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer and Wood Harris. In 2006 he started shooting his movie for his album titled 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.
2003–2009: Purple Haze, Killa Season and Crime Pays
In March 2003, Cam'ron teamed up with his fellow Diplomats Members Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Freekey Zeeky to release the Diplomats' debut double disc album, Diplomatic Immunity, 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 featuring production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, and The Heatmakerz. A year later, the Diplomats released their second album, Diplomatic Immunity 2.
On December 7, 2004, Cam'ron's fourth studio album, Purple Haze, was released 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 enough attention, Cam'ron requested his release from Roc-A-Fella Records.
On April 28, 2005, Cam'ron officially joined the Warner Music Group 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, titled 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 number 2 on the charts, Killa Season failed to have the same sales strength as his two previous releases, but Killa Season became certified gold.
After the release of Killa Season and his feud with 50 Cent in 2007, Cam'ron took a three-year hiatus from music after his mother suffered three strokes which left 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 from the album managed to chart, the album still reached number 3 on the Billboard 200 but only sold 150,000 units, making it the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed a new label, Dipset West and new group the U.N.
2010–present: Mixtapes, EPs and collaborations
In late 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted by DJ Drama called Boss of All Boses which featured his new upcoming artist Vado. Cam'ron also released a collaboration album with his new group the U.N. which included himself and fellow Harlem rapper Vado titled Heat in Here Vol. 1; the first single off the album was "Speaking Tongues" which peaked at No. 82 on the U.S. R&B charts. Cam'ron announced that he would be releasing a joint album with rapper Vado called Gunz n' Butta; on April 19, 2011, the album was released on E1 Music. In 2013, Vado signed with We the Best Music Group after his personal friendship with Cam'ron eroded, although Vado maintained at the time that they still worked on a business level and had no animosity towards him. After three years Cam'ron and Jim Jones decided to mend their differences and start working together again for the third installment of the Diplomatic Immunity album along with fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey. Cam'ron announced that The Diplomats album's release would take place around Christmas 2010. The first promotional single featuring the reunited Diplomat members was titled "Salute"; it was produced by AraabMuzik and would later appear on Jim Jones album Capo.
In 2012 Cam'ron was featured on rapper/singer Wiz Khalifa's second studio album O.N.I.F.C. on a song titled "The Bluff". Also In 2012 Cam'ron would be featured on rapper/singer Nicki Minaj's second studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded on a song titled "I Am Your Leader" along with rapper Rick Ross.
In 2013 during an interview Cam'ron discussed his seventh upcoming studio album Killa Season 2 stating that it will feature guest appearances from Dipset, T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa. On October 1, 2013, Cam'ron released his promotional mixtape for the album titled Ghetto Heaven Vol 1.
In January 2014, according to Complex Magazine, Cam'ron and A-Trak were to team up for a collaborative EP to be titled Federal Reserve which would be executive-produced by Dame Dash and have featured appearances by Juelz Santana and Jim Jones. In May, they put out the first single from the album, titled "Dipsh*ts", featuring commentary from Dame Dash and Juelz Santana on the hook and an accompanying official video. On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron along with fashion designer Mark McNairy revealed their "Cape line" during New York fashion week. On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram Cam'ron revealed and released his "Ebola mask" stating on the caption "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable". Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Diplomat Records. On July 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 EP. On August 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 2 EP, it included the single "So Bad" featuring Nicki Minaj. On September 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 3 EP. On October 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 4 EP. On November 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 5 EP. On December 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 EP. On December 11, 2014, Cam'ron announced that his next studio album will not be a sequel to his fifth album Killa Season but will be a sequel to his critically acclaimed fourth studio album Purple Haze titled Purple Haze 2; Cam'ron also announced that this would be his final album. On December 16, 2014, Cam'ron would release his compilation 1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition).
On January 1, 2015, well known DJ Funkmaster Flex announced via his Instagram that he had spoken to fellow Diplomat members Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana about an upcoming Diplomat's mixtape which included fellow member Freekey Zeekey. He also confirmed and stated that he will be hosting the mixtape along with DJ's/Rappers/Producers DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz and DJ Mustard.
In July 2016, he announced that he will release an album called Killa Pink and he promoted his line of signature the Reebok Flea 2's, and announced that the shoe will be released in combination with the album.
Other ventures
Directing and acting
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in the Damon Dash 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 titled 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.
Fashion designing
On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron, along with fashion designer Mark McNairy, revealed their "Cape line" during the New York fashion week. On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram, Cam'ron revealed and released his "Ebola mask", stating on the caption: "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable". Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Diplomat Records.
Sports commentary
In 2023, Cam'ron launched an independently produced sports' news talk show, called It is What It is. Cam'ron's co-host on the show is rapper, Mase. The show's first episode premiered on February 27, 2023, on YouTube. In the months proceeding the show's launch, it has achieved viral success on the internet. According to Cam'ron, he has already turned down several multi-million dollar offers from buyers looking to purchase the show. In August 2023, it was officially announced that the show has partnered with Underdog Fantasy Sports.
Controversies
Jay-Z
Although there had been rumors of a feud between the two emcees, Cam'ron went public first with a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member Max B. In the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z's age, his alleged "biting" (stealing) of lyrics, and his current girlfriend. He references Jay-Z using The Notorious B.I.G.'s rhymes, rapping "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 released another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" to highlight the many songs Jay-Z has borrowed lines from. In the next issue of XXL, Cam'ron explained the beef originated when Jay-Z became CEO and President of Roc-A-Fella Records. In 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z anymore.
In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song by Drake, Jay-Z mentioned Cam'ron again by rapping (in the middle of a verse):
Now here's the icing on the cake/ Cake, cake-cake, cake-cake, uhh/ I'm just getting started, oh, yeah, we got it bitch/ I've done made more millionaires than the lotto did/ Dame made millions, Bigg made millions/ Ye made millions, Just made millions/ Lyor made millions, Cam made millions/ Beans would tell you if he wasn't in his feelins
Cam replied briefly on "Come and Talk to Me" off of Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1:
She said Jay made you a millionaire? and looked me in the eyes/ Said cake, cake, cake, got that from the pies/ We made each other millions, that was my reply/ had a mill before I met him, baby, that ain't no lie/ See he named some Harlem cats and the homie from the Chi / but my thing, he ain't name nobody from the Stuy
On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their feud at the re-opened Webster Hall.
50 Cent
On February 1, 2007, Cam'ron and 50 Cent had a live argument on The Angie Martinez Show on Hot 97 radio. 50 Cent commented that he felt 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 pointing out that Dipset member Jim Jones outsold both of their albums despite not being signed to a major label, and also went on to clarify that his group, The Diplomats, had a distribution deal from several labels. Both rappers released diss songs with videos on YouTube. 50 Cent released "Funeral Music", and suggested in the song 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 feud slowly died down, and they eventually reconciled in 2016.
Jim Jones
Cam'ron revealed in 2007 that he was no longer speaking to his fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Jim Jones, leading to speculation that the group had officially 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 it's better on my resume. I wish him the best." After three years of not speaking, Cam'ron and Jim Jones mended their differences in April 2010. In late 2011, both appeared together on Wolfgang Gartner's album Weekend in America, on the track "Circus Freaks".
Stop Snitchin'
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.
Cam'ron later issued an apology for his comments, calling them 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. There'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 report with police after he was assaulted at a park in Harlem in 1999.
Kanye West
Both Cam'ron and Jim Jones took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West in defense of former CEO Dame Dash (due to their longtime friendship dating back to growing up in Harlem) by releasing a song titled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West's song "Runaway". The feud eventually ended, evidenced by Cam'ron, Jim Jones, and Kanye West collaborating on a song called "Christmas in Harlem".
Personal life
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a nightclub in Washington, D.C., having performed the day before at Howard University. While stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey Avenues 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 drove off, 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, although later, in the song "Gotta Love It" featuring Max B, Cam'ron claims that he saw the gunman throw up the Roc-A-Fella Records diamond hand signal before shots were fired.
Discography
Main article: Cam'ron discography See also: The Diplomats discography- Studio albums
- Confessions of Fire (1998)
- S.D.E. (2000)
- Come Home with Me (2002)
- Purple Haze (2004)
- Killa Season (2006)
- Crime Pays (2009)
- Purple Haze 2 (2019)
- Collaboration albums
- Heat in Here Vol. 1 (with Vado) (2010)
- Gunz n' Butta (with Vado) (2011)
- U Wasn't There (with A-Trak) (2022)
Filmography
- Paid in Full (2002)
- State Property 2 (2005)
- Killa Season (2006)
- Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops (2006)
- First Of The Month (2012)
- Percentage (2013)
- Love & Hip Hop: New York (2012; 2016–2017)
- Honor Up (2018)
- Queens (2021)
References
- "Cam'ron". Current Biography Yearbook 2011. Ipswich, MA: H.W. Wilson. 2011. pp. 109–112. ISBN 9780824211219.
- Meadows-Ingram, Benjamin (August 2002). "Harlem Knight". Vibe. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Cam'ron StreetHeat Interview". YouTube. May 7, 2009.
- "Cam'ron". IMDb. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
- "Cam'ron Signs to Rocafella". Archived from the original on March 31, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
- "Cam'ron - Come Home With Me Album".
- Kimble, Julian (January 29, 2021). "How Cam'ron Turned 'Paid in Full' Into a Cult Legend". The Ringer. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
- ^ "Cam'ron's Killa Season Hits Big Screens in Limited Engagement". XXL. March 30, 2006. Archived from the original on August 29, 2006. Retrieved October 4, 2006.
- Searchable Database Archived June 26, 2007, at the Wayback Machine. RIAA
- Strong, Nolan (April 29, 2005). "Cam'ron Leaves Roc-A-Fella For Asylum/Warner". AllHipHop.com. Archived from the original on April 22, 2006. Retrieved October 4, 2006.
- "Cam'ron Breaks Silence On Absence, "My Mom Had Three Strokes In One Day"". March 11, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- HipHopDX (January 30, 2013). "Vado Confirms Signing To DJ Khaled's We The Best Imprint". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on January 11, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Vado Discusses Cam'Ron's Reaction To Him Leaving Dip Set". HNHH. February 9, 2013.
- "XXL Presents... The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 - XXL". Xxlmag.com. January 14, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
- "Cam'ron - Ghetto Heaven Vol 1 // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. Archived from the original on August 11, 2013. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
- Dharmic X. "Exclusive: Cam'ron and A-Trak Announce "Federal Reserve" EP". Complex. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- Lilah, Rose (February 11, 2014). "Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For". The Huffington Post. October 20, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com". Karmaloop. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. July 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 2 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. August 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - So Bad (feat. Nicki Minaj & Yummy) - Single by Cam'ron". iTunes. July 15, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 3 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. September 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 4 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. October 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 5 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. November 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 - EP by Cam'ron". iTunes. December 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- Schiewe, Jessie (December 11, 2014). "Cam'ron To Retire After "Purple Haze 2" Drops?". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition) by Cam'ron". iTunes. December 16, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- Lilah, Rose (January 2015). "Dipset Reportedly Reuniting For New Mixtape". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- Schwartz, Danny (July 11, 2016). "Cam ron to release album in conjunction with sneaker line". HNHH. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- "Paid In Full". Miramax. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
- Lilah, Rose (February 11, 2014). "Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week". HotNewHipHop.
- "Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For". The Huffington Post. October 20, 2014.
- "Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com". Karmaloop. Archived from the original on March 25, 2015. Retrieved January 27, 2015.
- "Cam'ron Says He's Already Getting Offers to Buy His Newly Launched Sports Talk Show". Complex Networks.
- Cam'ron and MaSe reportedly score lucrative deal for "It Is What It Is" talk show
- "Cam Finally Disses Hov - Nah Right". Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- HipHopDX (October 2, 2013). "Cam'ron Refutes Jay Z's "Pound Cake" Claims". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "New Music: Cam'Ron 'Come And Talk To Me' (Jay Z Response) - DDotOmen". Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Jay-Z Brings Out Nas, Cam'ron, Jim Jones At Iconic Webster Hall Re-Opening". HotNewHipHop. April 27, 2019. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
- ^ Sanneh, Kelefa (February 27, 2007). Rappers Find That a Small Label Can Have Its Uses. The New York Times. Accessed May 22, 2007.
- "50 Cent on Instagram: "I said Cam I would talk to you like you ain't got money, if I didn't see them big ass knot's in ya pockets."". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2019.
- "Cam Speaks on Hiatus". November 2, 2007.
- ^ "Stop Snitchin' - 60 Minutes". CBS News. August 12, 2007. Archived from the original on April 22, 2007. Retrieved February 27, 2011.
- "Rapper's Change Of Face". The Smoking Gun. October 20, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- ""I didn't grow up in a musical family, I grew up in a drug family": Cam'ron talks Paid in Full, A-Trak and the cult of Dipset - FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music". FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music. June 3, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Rapper Shot in Alleged Carjacking in D.C." The Washington Post. Retrieved March 11, 2015.
- "Roc Back: Jay-Z Ends 20-Year Beef With Cam'ron — But Here's How It Started In The First Place". April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
- Grant, Shawn (September 3, 2022). "Cam'Ron and A-Trak Announce Collab Album 'U Wasn't There,' Release New Single". The Source. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
- Kaufman, Gil (March 22, 2006). "Kanye, Cam'ron, Game, Suge Knight Speak Out About "Hip-Hop Cops" In New Doc". MTV. Archived from the original on October 9, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2022.
External links
Cam'ron | |
---|---|
Discography | |
Studio albums | |
EPs | |
Singles | |
Featured singles | |
Other songs | |
Related articles |
The Diplomats | |
---|---|
Studio albums | |
Singles | |
Related articles |
Def Jam Recordings | |
---|---|
Founders | |
Subsidiaries |
Roc-A-Fella Records | |
---|---|
Founder(s) | |
Related articles |
- 1976 births
- Living people
- Male actors from Manhattan
- American male film actors
- African-American male rappers
- American shooting survivors
- East Coast hip-hop musicians
- Epic Records artists
- Roc-A-Fella Records artists
- People from Harlem
- Rappers from Manhattan
- The Diplomats members
- African-American male actors
- Gangsta rappers
- Hardcore hip-hop artists
- 21st-century American rappers
- Children of the Corn (group) members