The Diplomats also known as Dipset are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 2002.
The first commercial appearances of the group was on Cam'ron's 2000 album S.D.E., released on Epic Records. During this period, various members of the original group consisting of Cam'ron, Jim Jones, and others, were first signed together as a group to Roc-A-Fella Records from 2002 to 2004, though they are now signed to their own label, Diplomat Records. Each individual artist, however is signed to different labels, including E1 Music, Asylum, Def Jam, among others.
Artistic Disagreements
In December 2007, Jim Jones stated in an interview that even though there are controversies between various members of the group, there is a plan in motion to bring back "The Diplomats" in the future. Jones, who hasn't been on speaking terms with the group's leader Cam'ron, also stated that there have been various conversations on a plan for a third installment of the "Diplomatic Immunity" series. The album had been expected to be released sometime in the summer of 2008,[1], though no such album materialized.
However, in a later interview, 40 Cal. hinted that while the dynamic of the group is likely beyond repair, there may be further collaboration.[2] Juelz Santana also spoke on a future collaboration, but stated that at the moment, Cam'ron seems to be the only obstacle, while also stating that though his contract was sold to Def Jam, he has no hard feelings towards his former boss.[3][4]
In a September 2008 interview with Hell Rell he stated that he no longer has a contractual obligation to Cam'ron and/or Jim Jones. Within the interview he stated that is still on speaking terms with the members of the group, and didn't feel that they were holding him back, but he did feel the "mainstream" wasn't crediting him as notable as much as he had hoped.[5] Though in a later interview, he stated that he felt the other members of the group were not as focused as he, while also stating there was selfishness within the group. He also stated he wanted to focus more on his career.[6]
Side Projects
Several members have started their own side labels and groups. Jim Jones, though still Co-CEO of Diplomat Records and a member of "Dipset", built his own label, Byrdgang Records, while also starting a new group, "ByrdGang", and now holds a solo contract with major labels Sony/Columbia. In 2007, 40 Cal. started "Skeme Team",[7] while Freekey Zekey formed the "730 Dips",[8] started a record label of the same name, "730 Dips Records",[8] while also joining fellow Diplomats' member Jim Jones new group, "ByrdGang".[9] In 2008, Juelz Santana started the "Skull Gang" which, when his contract was sold to Def Jam, also secured a deal, that included the solo members.[3 .
