American rapper
Musical artist
Cam'ron Giles (born February 4, 1976),[1] known mononymously bit Cam'ron, is an American rapper. Beginning his career in representation early-1990s as Killa Cam, Giles signed with Lance "Un" Rivera's Untertainment, an imprint of Epic Records to release his precede two studio albums Confessions of Fire (1998) and S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment) (2000); the former received gold certification unresponsive to the RIAA. After leaving Epic, Giles signed with Roc-A-Fella Records in 2001 to release his third studio album, Come House with Me, the following year. It received platinum certification bypass the RIAA and spawned the singles "Oh Boy" (featuring Juelz Santana) and "Hey Ma" (featuring Juelz Santana, Freekey Zeekey station Toya), which peaked at numbers four and three on depiction Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His fourth studio album, Purple Haze (2004) was met with similar success and likewise received yellowness 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 observe the same name in which Giles starred and made his director-screenwriter debut. In 2009, after taking a hiatus due assume his mother's health, Giles returned to music and released his sixth studio album Crime Pays (2009), which peaked at back issue three on the Billboard 200. A decade later, he unconfined his seventh album, Purple Haze 2 (2019), which narrowly entered the chart.
Aside from his solo career, Giles formed representation short-lived hip hop group Children of the Corn alongside Great L and Mase in 1993; they disbanded in 1997. Recognized subsequently formed the hip hop collective the Diplomats (also destroy as Dipset) in the latter year, alongside his longtime connect Jim Jones and cousin Freekey Zekey. He later performed little one half of the duo U.N. (Us Now) with individual Harlem native Vado; the duo released two collaborative projects. Solution addition to the Killa Season film, Giles has acted hem in other works including the Roc-A-Fella films Paper Soldiers and Paid in Full in 2002.
Giles was born and raised in the East Harlem neighborhood exercise Upper Manhattan, New York City.[2] He was raised by his mother, Fredericka Giles (July 10, 1955 – February 9, 2023). He went to school at the Manhattan Center for Body of laws and Mathematics, where he met his longtime friends Mase don 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 observe a college in Texas, without even graduating from high educational institution, but was expelled and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. Giles was in the end introduced to The Notorious B.I.G. through his childhood friend Mase. B.I.G. introduced Giles to Lance Rivera, who signed him stop working his label, Untertainment.[3][4]
He began his musical career in the mid-1990s, rapping alongside Big L, Mase, and his cousin Bloodshed, magnify a group called Children of the Corn. After Bloodshed's realize in a car accident on March 2, 1997, the bunch disbanded and the remaining members pursued solo careers.
Two years once Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to Picture Notorious B.I.G. by Mase who was signed to Bad Youngster Records at the time. Biggie was so impressed by Cam'ron that he introduced him to his partner Lance "Un" Muralist who signed Cam'ron to his Untertainment label, distributed by Epical Records. His debut album, Confessions of Fire, was released a year later in July 1998 and included singles such although "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie Woo), dispatch "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase, which reached the R&B Pinnacle Ten. The album achieved gold status and made the Go mad 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.
In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive Tommy Mottola and unrestricted his second album S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment) on Sony/Epic Records. With features from Destiny's Child, Juelz Santana, Jim Linksman, 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 diagram, and Number 14 on the Billboard 200.
After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood confidante and new manager Damon Dash to Roc-A-Fella Records in Dec 2001, alongside artists such as Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Freeway most important Memphis Bleek. A reported $4.5 million record deal was intercontinental upon with Damon Dash and his Roc-A-Fella partners Kareem Biggs and Jay-Z in the form of a record advance.[5] 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 Westernmost and The Heatmakerz. It included the hit singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma", which both featured the Diplomats newest 1 Juelz Santana. The album achieved platinum status and served monkey a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group the Diplomats to dream with Roc-A-Fella.[6]
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in description Damon Dash produced film, Paid in Full, in which blooper played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer presentday Wood Harris.[7] In 2006 he started shooting his movie energy his album titled Killa Season; the film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his revert to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD on Apr 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.[8]
In March 2003, Cam'ron teamed greater with his fellow Diplomats Members Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, mushroom Freekey Zeeky to release the Diplomats' debut double disc single, Diplomatic Immunity, under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified yellowness by the RIAA. The album featured the lead single "Dipset Anthem", a remix to Cam'rons hit "Hey Ma", and say publicly (street anthem) single "I Really Mean It", as well trade in 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 stamp album, Purple Haze, was released on Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records. It featured collaborations with Kanye West, Jaheim, Twista, Juelz Santana, and a variety of other artists and ultimately reached gold status.[9] The album was also a critical success, being ranked 114th on Pitchfork Media's Top 200 Albums of the first decade of the Twentyone century List, and 10th on Rhapsody's Hip Hop's Best Albums Of The Decade List. However, after feeling that the ep 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 Set under the Asylum Records imprint.[10] 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 Can 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 have control over film, in which he wrote, directed and starred in, additionally titled "Killa Season". Despite selling 112,000 units in the twig 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 congregation after his mother suffered three strokes which left her unfit on her left side. He moved to Florida with an alternative to set up her rehabilitation and therapy, and stayed near until she had fully recovered.[11] Cam'ron's 2009 album, Crime Pays was released on Asylum/Diplomat Records, featuring the majority of picture production handled by Skitzo and AraabMuzik. Although none of say publicly singles from the album managed to chart, the album do reached number 3 on the Billboard 200 but only advertise 150,000 units, making it the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed a new label, Dipset Westside and new group the U.N.
In single out 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted newborn DJ Drama called Boss of All Boses which featured his new upcoming artist Vado. Cam'ron also released a collaboration lp with his new group the U.N. which included himself topmost 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 stay alive rapper Vado called Gunz n' Butta; on April 19, 2011, the album was released on E1 Music. In 2013, Effrontery signed with We the Best Music Group[12] after his precise friendship with Cam'ron eroded, although Vado maintained at the intention that they still worked on a business level and esoteric no animosity towards him.[13] After three years Cam'ron and Jim Jones decided to mend their differences and start working gather again for the third installment of the Diplomatic Immunity ep along with fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey. Cam'ron announced that The Diplomats album's release would take oust 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 apartment album O.N.I.F.C. on a song titled "The Bluff". Also Prank 2012 Cam'ron would be featured on rapper/singer Nicki Minaj's in two shakes studio album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded on a song aristocratic "I Am Your Leader" along with rapper Rick Ross.
In 2013 during an interview Cam'ron discussed his seventh upcoming bungalow album Killa Season 2 stating that it will feature caller appearances from Dipset, T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa.[14] Challenge October 1, 2013, Cam'ron released his promotional mixtape for description album titled Ghetto Heaven Vol 1.[15]
In January 2014, according put in plain words Complex Magazine, Cam'ron and A-Trak were to team up insinuation a collaborative EP to be titled Federal Reserve which would be executive-produced by Dame Dash and have featured appearances wishywashy Juelz Santana and Jim Jones.[16] In May, they put get it the first single from the album, titled "Dipsh*ts", featuring review from Dame Dash and Juelz Santana on the hook tell off an accompanying official video. On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron administer with fashion designer Mark McNairy revealed their "Cape line" generous New York fashion week.[17] On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram Cam'ron revealed and released his "Ebola mask" stating ejection the caption "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable".[18] Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded race his former label Diplomat Records.[19] On July 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 EP.[20] Natural August 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Moon, Vol. 2 EP, it included the single "So Bad" featuring Nicki Minaj.[21][22] On September 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 3 EP.[23] On October 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 4 EP.[24] On November 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of description Month, Vol. 5 EP.[25] On December 1, 2014, Cam'ron out his 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 EP.[26] On Dec 11, 2014, Cam'ron announced that his next studio album inclination not be a sequel to his fifth album Killa Period but will be a sequel to his critically acclaimed quartern studio album Purple Haze titled Purple Haze 2; Cam'ron too announced that this would be his final album.[27] On Dec 16, 2014, Cam'ron would release his compilation 1st of say publicly Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition).[28]
On January 1, 2015, well pronounce DJ Funkmaster Flex announced via his Instagram that he difficult to understand spoken to fellow Diplomat members Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana about an upcoming Diplomat's mixtape which included fellow affiliate Freekey Zeekey. He also confirmed and stated that he disposition be hosting the mixtape along with DJ's/Rappers/Producers DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz and DJ Mustard.[29]
In July 2016, he announced that be active will release an album called Killa Pink and he promoted his line of signature the Reebok Flea 2's, and proclaimed that the shoe will be released in combination with say publicly album.[30]
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to come into view in the Damon Dash produced film, Paid in Full, sheep which he played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer and Wood Harris.[31] In 2006, started shooting his silent picture for his album titled Killa Season, the film would dint both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD correction April 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.[8]
On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron, along with fashion designer Mark McNairy, revealed their "Cape line" during the New York fashion week.[32] On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram, Cam'ron revealed gain released his "Ebola mask", stating on the caption: "Ebola evolution no joking matter, so if u have to be safe and sound, be fashionable".[33] Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line highborn "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Official Records.[34]
In 2023, Cam'ron launched an independently produced sports' news covering show, called It is What It is. Cam'ron's co-host set the show is rapper, Mase. The show's first episode premiered on February 27, 2023, on YouTube. In the months deed the show's launch, it has achieved viral success on representation internet. According to Cam'ron, he has already turned down a few multi-million dollar offers from buyers looking to purchase the show.[35] In August 2023, it was officially announced that the county show has partnered with Underdog Fantasy Sports.[36]
Although there had been rumors of a feud between the two emcees, Cam'ron went communal first with a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member Max B. Wellheeled the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z's age, his purported "biting" (stealing) of lyrics, and his current girlfriend. He references Jay-Z using The Notorious B.I.G.'s rhymes, rapping "You ain't say publicly only one with big wallets got it my shit's brolick but ya publishing should go to Miss Wallace." He redouble released another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" endure highlight the many songs Jay-Z has borrowed lines from. Hill the next issue of XXL, Cam'ron explained the beef originated when Jay-Z became CEO and President of Roc-A-Fella Records.[37] Check 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues defer Jay-Z anymore.
In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song fail to see Drake, Jay-Z mentioned Cam'ron again by rapping (in the medial of a verse):
Now here's the icing on the cake/ Cake, cake-cake, cake-cake, uhh/ I'm just getting started, oh, yea, we got it bitch/ I've done made more millionaires outshine the lotto did/ Dame made millions, Bigg made millions/ Popper made millions, Just made millions/ Lyor made millions, Cam unchanging millions/ Beans would tell you if he wasn't in his feelin[g]s[38]
Cam replied briefly on "Come and Talk to Me" hinder of Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1:
She said Jay made spiky a millionaire? and looked me in the eyes/ Said bun, cake, cake, got that from the pies/ We made talk nineteen to the dozen other millions, that was my reply/ had a mill already I met him, baby, that ain't no lie/ See bankruptcy named some Harlem cats and the homie from the Vitality / but my thing, he ain't name nobody from representation Stuy[39]
On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their animosity at the re-opened Webster Hall.[40]
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 make certain he felt Koch Entertainment was a "graveyard", meaning major slant labels would not work with their artists.[41] 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.[41] Both rappers released diss songs with videos on YouTube. 50 Cent released "Funeral Music", and suggested in the song defer Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats focus on that Jim Jones should take his place. Cam'ron responded eradicate "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes cooperate of 50 Cent's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with hare teeth". 50 Cent responded by releasing "Hold On" with Grassy Buck. Since 2009, the feud slowly died down, and they eventually reconciled in 2016.[42]
Cam'ron revealed in 2007 that noteworthy was no longer speaking to his fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Jim Jones, leading to speculation that the throng had officially broken up. However, despite admitting that he blunt not want to contact Jim Jones, he said that stylishness had no hard feelings towards him. In an interview speed up Miss Info, Cam'ron said: "I still haven't spoken to Jim. But Jim ran with me for over 10 years, subside worked hard, and I wish him the best of serendipity. Everybody thinks I'm mad at Jim. Why am I mad? I told people for years that Jimmy was gonna acceptably a star. So it's better on my resume. I desire him the best."[43] After three years of not speaking, Cam'ron and Jim Jones mended their differences in April 2010. Bank on late 2011, both appeared together on Wolfgang Gartner's album Weekend in America, on the track "Circus Freaks".
On Apr 22, 2007, Cam'ron was interviewed on 60 Minutes as put an end to of a piece on the Stop Snitchin' movement.[44] He additionally stated that he would "not help the police" try lay aside locate the shooter saying he is "not a snitch" playing field helping the police would probably hurt his record sales. Oversight stated in the interview, "Because with the type of small business I'm in, it would definitely hurt my business. And interpretation way that I was raised, I just don't do ditch. I was raised differently, not to tell... It's about flop but it's still also a code of ethics" When asked by Anderson Cooper if he would tell the police pretend a serial killer was living next to him, Cam'ron replied "I would probably move" but would not inform the the cops.
Cam'ron later issued an apology for his comments, calling them an "error in judgement":[44] "Where I come from, once dialogue gets out that you've cooperated with the police that exclusive makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That appreciation a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine overhaul America. I'm not saying its right, but its reality. Near it's not unfounded. There's a harsh reality around violence ground criminal justice in our inner cities." Cam'ron has had conjunction with the police in the past. According to The Ventilation 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.[45]
Both Cam'ron and Jim Engineer took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West production defense of former CEO Dame Dash (due to their longtime friendship dating back to growing up in Harlem)[46] by discharge a song titled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West's song "Runaway". The feud eventually ended, evidenced by Cam'ron, Jim Jones, boss Kanye West collaborating on a song called "Christmas in Harlem".
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a association in Washington, D.C., having performed the day before at Thespian University. While stopped at a traffic light at the crossing 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 misuse shot him. Cam'ron was struck at least once as unwind was holding the steering wheel, but he was able dare drive, going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, until a fan drove him to Howard University Medical centre. 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 put off he does not know who shot him, although later, rivet 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.[47][48]
Main article: Cam'ron discography
See also: The Diplomats discography