The Diplomats (aka Dipset) are an American hip hop group formed in the summer of 1997 by childhood friends Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Digga in Harlem, New York City. It was initially formed as a somewhat large street clique and was integral to supporting the growing career of Cam'ron. Of note, Freekey Zekey was soon added to the group by Jim Jones. By 1999, the addition of the notable 17 year old rapper Juelz Santana to the group and the progressing career of Cam'ron led to the burn of Diplomats becoming a four man rap group of Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones & non rapper (at the time) Freekey Zekey heading towards their debut album in March 2003 'Diplomatic Immunity'. At this point, Cam'ron had been introduced to Hell Rell & JR Writer by Luca Brazi and took the young rappers under his wing. Hell Rell got arrested right before 'Diplomatic Immunity', so when he was released The Diplomats had Hell Rell, JR Writer & 40 Cal join The Diplomats officially for their 2nd album 'Diplomatic Immunity 2'. Through their entire history, The Diplomats has had a large family tree and has held the "A-Team" (Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Freekey Zekey), "B-Team" (Hell Rell, JR Writer, 40 Cal, Jha Jha) "C-Team" (A-Mafia, Un Kasa, Katt Williams) and constant associates (Tito Green, James), which comes before the even deeper connections it has to Purple City, Taliban, The Senate & Eurogang.
discogsThere are (or have been) at least five artists called The Diplomats. 1. The by far most popular group called The Diplomats (also known as Dipset) are a Harlem, New York-based group who previously signed to Roc-A-Fella Records, but now are signed to own label Diplomats Record. Founded by rappers Cam'ron and Jim Jones, the group released their debut album Diplomatic Immunity under their imprint Diplomat Records. Diplomat Records also distribute artist Cam'ron through Asylum Records. Under Koch Entertainment, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, 40 Cal., Freekey Zekey, J.R. Writer, Hell Rell, Un Kasa and Jha Jha are also signed on as members of The Diplomats record label. London-based duo, S.A.S, are also part of The Diplomats. Another member, Jay Bezel, is signed to Sure Shot Records. The group's sophomore album Diplomatic Immunity 2 was released under Koch Entertainment. Juelz Santana currently is the only member still signed to Diplomat Records and Def Jam Records. One of the defining elements of the Diplomats' music is the innovative slang they have incorporated into their lyrics. The broader hip-hop community has accepted and utilized many of their terms, including "doggie,", "no homo", "piff," "huff," "u mad?", "move the movement", "off' wit' Ya' Kufi Smacker", "goonies goo goo,", "duck tales", "family matters", and "coochie rap". They also coined the greeting, "What's Really Good?". Many of the rappers were signed, and were premiered in mixtapes, but the Diplomats did not become exclusive until 2003 with their cd Diplomatic Immunity. In previous music videos when Cam'ron was starting his career you could see fellow diplomats like Jim Jones or Freeky Zeeky. The Diplomats have also gained notable street credability through their mixtapes, especially in New York, and have made a small fortune through mixtape sales. They also have their own brand of Liquor, Sizzurp. 2. The Diplomats were a mid-90's pop band from Roanoke, Virginia Heavily influenced by Big Star. 3. The Diplomats is also an avant jazz project consisting of Rob Brown (as), Steve Swell (tb) and Harris Eisenstadt (d). 4. The Diplomats were a soul group of the 1960s from Washington DC, United States, very popular in the United Kingdom during the Northern Soul boom of the 1970s. They would later become the New York-based Skull Snaps. 5. The Diplomats were a short-lived British rock band from Yorkshire, who released a self-funded single during the Mod revival of the early 1980s: 'Memories Of You' b/w 'I'll Keep On Holding On' (the latter being a cover version of the Marvelettes' original. The Diplomats were fronted by Andy Welsh, who later joined The Scene.
last.fm