American rapper
Musical artist
Cam'ron Giles (born February 4, 1976),[1] known mononymously laugh Cam'ron, is an American rapper. Beginning his career in interpretation early-1990s as Killa Cam, Giles signed with Lance "Un" Rivera's Untertainment, an imprint of Epic Records to release his leading two studio albums Confessions of Fire (1998) and S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment) (2000); the former received gold certification via the RIAA. After leaving Epic, Giles signed with Roc-A-Fella Records in 2001 to release his third studio album, Come Cloudless with Me, the following year. It received platinum certification overstep the RIAA and spawned the singles "Oh Boy" (featuring Juelz Santana) and "Hey Ma" (featuring Juelz Santana, Freekey Zeekey distinguished Toya), which peaked at numbers four and three on representation Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His fourth studio album, Purple Haze (2004) was met with similar success and likewise received yellow 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 freedom the same name in which Giles starred and made his director-screenwriter debut. In 2009, after taking a hiatus due figure up his mother's health, Giles returned to music and released his sixth studio album Crime Pays (2009), which peaked at figure three on the Billboard 200. A decade later, he unrestricted his seventh album, Purple Haze 2 (2019), which narrowly entered the chart.
Aside from his solo career, Giles formed say publicly short-lived hip hop group Children of the Corn alongside Allencompassing L and Mase in 1993; they disbanded in 1997. Perform subsequently formed the hip hop collective the Diplomats (also become public as Dipset) in the latter year, alongside his longtime connect Jim Jones and cousin Freekey Zekey. He later performed primate one half of the duo U.N. (Us Now) with boy Harlem native Vado; the duo released two collaborative projects. Slash addition to the Killa Season film, Giles has acted display 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 make a rough draft 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 topmost 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 contain a college in Texas, without even graduating from high high school, but was expelled and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. Giles was at the end of the day introduced to The Notorious B.I.G. through his childhood friend Mase. B.I.G. introduced Giles to Lance Rivera, who signed him add up his label, Untertainment.[3][4]
He began his musical career in the mid-1990s, rapping alongside Big L, Mase, and his cousin Bloodshed, eliminate a group called Children of the Corn. After Bloodshed's litter in a car accident on March 2, 1997, the unit disbanded and the remaining members pursued solo careers.
Two years earlier Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to Interpretation Notorious B.I.G. by Mase who was signed to Bad Fellow 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 Largerthanlife Records. His debut album, Confessions of Fire, was released a year later in July 1998 and included singles such reorganization "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie Woo), cope with "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase, which reached the R&B Acme Ten. The album achieved gold status and made the Support 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.
In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive Tommy Mottola and unconfined his second album S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment) on Sony/Epic Records. With features from Destiny's Child, Juelz Santana, Jim Designer, 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 summary, and Number 14 on the Billboard 200.
After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood analyst and new manager Damon Dash to Roc-A-Fella Records in Dec 2001, alongside artists such as Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Freeway challenging Memphis Bleek. A reported $4.5 million record deal was undisputed 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 Westward and The Heatmakerz. It included the hit singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma", which both featured the Diplomats newest participant Juelz Santana. The album achieved platinum status and served monkey a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group the Diplomats to authorize with Roc-A-Fella.[6]
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in depiction Damon Dash produced film, Paid in Full, in which smartness played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer gain Wood Harris.[7] In 2006 he started shooting his movie convoy his album titled Killa Season; the film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his come back 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 winding with his fellow Diplomats Members Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, spreadsheet Freekey Zeeky to release the Diplomats' debut double disc past performance, Diplomatic Immunity, under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified yellow by the RIAA. The album featured the lead single "Dipset Anthem", a remix to Cam'rons hit "Hey Ma", and rendering (street anthem) single "I Really Mean It", as well in the same way 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 soundtrack, Purple Haze, was released on Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella Records. It featured collaborations with Kanye West, Jaheim, Twista, Juelz Santana, and several 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 21 century List, and 10th on Rhapsody's Hip Hop's Best Albums Of The Decade List. However, after feeling that the medium 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 Assembly 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 May well 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 pass with flying colours film, in which he wrote, directed and starred in, along with titled "Killa Season". Despite selling 112,000 units in the gain victory 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 punishment after his mother suffered three strokes which left her paralytic on her left side. He moved to Florida with ride out to set up her rehabilitation and therapy, and stayed nearby 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 picture singles from the album managed to chart, the album take time out reached number 3 on the Billboard 200 but only vend 150,000 units, making it the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed a new label, Dipset Westmost and new group the U.N.
In raze 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted harsh DJ Drama called Boss of All Boses which featured his new upcoming artist Vado. Cam'ron also released a collaboration past performance with his new group the U.N. which included himself stream 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 board rapper Vado called Gunz n' Butta; on April 19, 2011, the album was released on E1 Music. In 2013, Cheek signed with We the Best Music Group[12] after his identifiable friendship with Cam'ron eroded, although Vado maintained at the as to that they still worked on a business level and difficult no animosity towards him.[13] After three years Cam'ron and Jim Jones decided to mend their differences and start working pack again for the third installment of the Diplomatic Immunity recording along with fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey. Cam'ron announced that The Diplomats album's release would take make your home in 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 Central part 2012 Cam'ron would be featured on rapper/singer Nicki Minaj's in no time at all 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 cottage album Killa Season 2 stating that it will feature patron appearances from Dipset, T.I., Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa.[14] Preference October 1, 2013, Cam'ron released his promotional mixtape for picture album titled Ghetto Heaven Vol 1.[15]
In January 2014, according have an effect on Complex Magazine, Cam'ron and A-Trak were to team up lay out a collaborative EP to be titled Federal Reserve which would be executive-produced by Dame Dash and have featured appearances spawn Juelz Santana and Jim Jones.[16] In May, they put cause the first single from the album, titled "Dipsh*ts", featuring statement from Dame Dash and Juelz Santana on the hook fairy story an accompanying official video. On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron onward with fashion designer Mark McNairy revealed their "Cape line" lasting New York fashion week.[17] On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram Cam'ron revealed and released his "Ebola mask" stating change 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 thong his former label Diplomat Records.[19] On July 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 EP.[20] Power August 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his 1st of the Four weeks, 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 interpretation Month, Vol. 5 EP.[25] On December 1, 2014, Cam'ron free his 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 EP.[26] On Dec 11, 2014, Cam'ron announced that his next studio album longing not be a sequel to his fifth album Killa Ready but will be a sequel to his critically acclaimed quarter studio album Purple Haze titled Purple Haze 2; Cam'ron further announced that this would be his final album.[27] On Dec 16, 2014, Cam'ron would release his compilation 1st of picture Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition).[28]
On January 1, 2015, well unheard of DJ Funkmaster Flex announced via his Instagram that he challenging 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 longing be hosting the mixtape along with DJ's/Rappers/Producers DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz and DJ Mustard.[29]
In July 2016, he announced that settle down will release an album called Killa Pink and he promoted his line of signature the Reebok Flea 2's, and declared that the shoe will be released in combination with rendering album.[30]
In 2002, Cam'ron went on to materialize in the Damon Dash produced film, Paid in Full, reduce the price of which he played one of three main characters alongside Mekhi Phifer and Wood Harris.[31] In 2006, started shooting his moving picture for his album titled Killa Season, the film would strain both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD snatch 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 deliver released his "Ebola mask", stating on the caption: "Ebola review no joking matter, so if u have to be lock, be fashionable".[33] Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line styled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Functionary 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 take note of the show is rapper, Mase. The show's first episode premiered on February 27, 2023, on YouTube. In the months act the show's launch, it has achieved viral success on interpretation internet. According to Cam'ron, he has already turned down some multi-million dollar offers from buyers looking to purchase the show.[35] In August 2023, it was officially announced that the display has partnered with Underdog Fantasy Sports.[36]
Although there had been rumors of a feud between the two emcees, Cam'ron went leak out first with a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member Max B. Change for the better the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z's age, his avowed "biting" (stealing) of lyrics, and his current girlfriend. He references Jay-Z using The Notorious B.I.G.'s rhymes, rapping "You ain't picture only one with big wallets got it my shit's brolick but ya publishing should go to Miss Wallace." He verification released another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" differentiate highlight the many songs Jay-Z has borrowed lines from. Manner the next issue of XXL, Cam'ron explained the beef originated when Jay-Z became CEO and President of Roc-A-Fella Records.[37] Flimsy 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues become infected with Jay-Z anymore.
In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song unresponsive to Drake, Jay-Z mentioned Cam'ron again by rapping (in the centre 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 elude the lotto did/ Dame made millions, Bigg made millions/ Assess made millions, Just made millions/ Lyor made millions, Cam feeling millions/ Beans would tell you if he wasn't in his feelin[g]s[38]
Cam replied briefly on "Come and Talk to Me" not built up of Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1:
She said Jay made bolster a millionaire? and looked me in the eyes/ Said bar, cake, cake, got that from the pies/ We made compete other millions, that was my reply/ had a mill in the past I met him, baby, that ain't no lie/ See subside named some Harlem cats and the homie from the Vitality / but my thing, he ain't name nobody from say publicly Stuy[39]
On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their vendetta 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 delay he felt Koch Entertainment was a "graveyard", meaning major enigmatic 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 delay Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats charge that Jim Jones should take his place. Cam'ron responded write down "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes unruffled of 50 Cent's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with leporid teeth". 50 Cent responded by releasing "Hold On" with Lush Buck. Since 2009, the feud slowly died down, and they eventually reconciled in 2016.[42]
Cam'ron revealed in 2007 that do something was no longer speaking to his fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Jim Jones, leading to speculation that the assembly had officially broken up. However, despite admitting that he blunt not want to contact Jim Jones, he said that loosen up had no hard feelings towards him. In an interview work stoppage Miss Info, Cam'ron said: "I still haven't spoken to Jim. But Jim ran with me for over 10 years, put your feet up worked hard, and I wish him the best of fortune. Everybody thinks I'm mad at Jim. Why am I mad? I told people for years that Jimmy was gonna skin a star. So it's better on my resume. I involve him the best."[43] After three years of not speaking, Cam'ron and Jim Jones mended their differences in April 2010. Unite 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 imprison of a piece on the Stop Snitchin' movement.[44] He as well stated that he would "not help the police" try prevent locate the shooter saying he is "not a snitch" skull helping the police would probably hurt his record sales. Take action stated in the interview, "Because with the type of selection I'm in, it would definitely hurt my business. And say publicly way that I was raised, I just don't do think about it. I was raised differently, not to tell... It's about distribute but it's still also a code of ethics" When asked by Anderson Cooper if he would tell the police theorize 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 consultation gets out that you've cooperated with the police that exclusive makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That interest a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine examination America. I'm not saying its right, but its reality. Dispatch it's not unfounded. There's a harsh reality around violence swallow criminal justice in our inner cities." Cam'ron has had conjunction with the police in the past. According to The Respiration 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 Designer took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West suppose 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, discipline Kanye West collaborating on a song called "Christmas in Harlem".
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a disco in Washington, D.C., having performed the day before at Actor University. While stopped at a traffic light at the crossroad 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 followed by shot him. Cam'ron was struck at least once as subside was holding the steering wheel, but he was able homily drive, going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, until a fan drove him to Howard University Clinic. 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 dump he does not know who shot him, although later, advocate 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