User:Vanish user s8jswe823rnfscu8sejhr4/The Diplomats

The Diplomats are a Harlem-based hip hop group founded by Cam'ron and Jim Jones in 2002.

Debut
The initial group consisted of Jim Jones, Cam'ron's hypeman at the time, and Freekey Zekey, a relative newcomer at the time. The initial appearence of the group appeared on Cam'ron's second album S.D.E. which also featured a guest appearance by Juelz Santana, who would later join the group. After Cam'ron left Epic Records in 2001, he and The Diplomats signed with Roc-A-Fella Records and Cam'ron released his third album Come Home with Me which would be the groups commercial appearence. After the massive sucess of the latter, they later followed it up by releasing thier debut album Diplomatic Immunity. The album and would be certified 2x Plantium by the RIAA but would recieved mixed reactiom by critics. In 2004, the group left Roc-A-Fella and signed with Koch where they would release their second album Diplomatic Immunity 2 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,, 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. 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.

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. 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.

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", while Freekey Zekey formed the "730 Dips", started a record label of the same name, "730 Dips Records", while also joining fellow Diplomats' member Jim Jones new group, "ByrdGang". 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.

Studio albums

 * Diplomatic Immunity (2003)
 * Diplomatic Immunity 2 (2004)

Compilation albums

 * More Than Music Vol. 1 (2005)
 * The Movement Moves On (2006)
 * More Than Music Vol. 2 (2007)

DVD releases

 * The Original Harlem Diplomats
 * Sippin' On Sizzurp Bonus DVD
 * A Day in the Fast Life
 * ''Killa Season
 * Eye Of The Eagle