Cam'ron
Cam'ron | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Cameron Ezike Giles |
Also known as | Killa Cam |
Born | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. | February 4, 1976
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Discography | Cam'ron discography |
Years active | 1994–present |
Labels |
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Member of | |
Website | purplehaze2 |
Cameron Ezike Giles (born February 4, 1976),
After Giles and his label Diplomat Records parted ways with Roc-A-Fella in 2005 due to disagreements between himself and label-head Jay-Z, Giles signed the label to a distribution deal with 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.
Aside from his solo career, Giles was first a member of the short-lived hip hop group
Biography
1976–1997: Early life and career beginnings
Giles was born and raised in the
He began his musical career in the mid-1990s, rapping alongside
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.[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 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.[6]
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.[citation needed] 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.[7]
2003–2009: Purple Haze, Killa Season and Crime Pays
In March 2003, Cam'ron teamed up with his fellow Diplomats Members
On December 7, 2004, Cam'ron's fourth studio album,
On April 28, 2005, Cam'ron officially joined the
After the release of Killa Season and his feud with
2010–present: Mixtapes, EPs and collaborations
In late 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted by
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
In January 2014, according to
On January 1, 2015, well known DJ
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.[29]
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.[30] 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.[7]
Fashion designing
On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron, along with fashion designer Mark McNairy, revealed their "Cape line" during the New York fashion week.[31] 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".[32] Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Diplomat Records.[33]
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.[34]
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.[35] In 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z anymore.
In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song by
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 feelin[g]s[36]
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
Stuy[37]
On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their feud at the re-opened Webster Hall.[38]
50 Cent
On February 1, 2007, Cam'ron and
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."[41] 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.[42] 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":[42] "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.[43]
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)
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.[45][46]
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)[47]
Filmography
- Paid in Full (2002)
- Paper Soldiers (2002)
- Death of a Dynasty (2003)
- State Property 2 (2005)
- Killa Season (2006)
- Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops (2006)[48]
- First Of The Month (2012)
- Percentage (2013)
- Love & Hip Hop: New York (2012; 2016–2017)
- Honor Up (2018)
- Queens (2021)
References
- ISBN 9780824211219.
- ^ Meadows-Ingram, Benjamin (August 2002). "Harlem Knight". Vibe. Retrieved March 20, 2020.[permanent dead link]
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Cam'ron StreetHeat Interview". YouTube.
- ^ "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".
- ^ a b "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. 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 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "Stop Snitchin' - 60 Minutes". CBS News. August 12, 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. Retrieved July 11, 2022.