The Diplomats – or Dipset, as you may know them as – don’t get the same love as a rap group that they did in the 2000s, but the New York crew is still legendary. In fact, it’s been very interesting to see each group member do their own thing and stick around in pop culture, such as Cam’ron’s sports talk show It Is What It Is with Mase. Specifically, during a recent episode, he answered a question about who the toughest Dipset member is, and he pointed to Freekey Zekey. In response, he took to Instagram to share a hilariously animated video thanking Killa Cam for his assessment.
For those unaware, Freekey Zekey’s been through a lot throughout his life, including dangerously violent encounters, prison time, and a whole lot more. Things don’t always have to be a competition, especially among group mates, but people appreciate validation and they appreciate when praise comes their way. However, we wonder what Cam’ron’s colleagues like Jim Jones or Juelz Santana would say about this assessment, and whether they would agree. Do they think they deserve that title more or would they rather not even try to mess with Zeke’s experiences and demeanor?
Beyond this Freekey Zekey shoutout, Cam’ron recently reflected on Lamelo Ball’s homophobic joke and how he feels to blame. “I blame myself, I really do, man,” he remarked concerning the basketball star’s use of the phrase “no homo.” “I blame the east side of Harlem. You got this in Jefferson Projects probably in 1996 when we were saying this. And before that — what the f**k? God damn, we did this a long time. To be honest with you, this is why we started saying ‘pause.’ We used to say what Melo said, but we were like, ‘The people are sensitive, you get fined.’ And that’s why we don’t say it anymore.”
Meanwhile, Cam’ron might praise Freekey Zekey as the toughest Dipset member, but folks like 50 Centstill want that smoke. We’ll see whether or not that whole situation ever clears up or gets better, and whether or not the rest of the Diplomats will join in on this debate.
On this date in 2002, Dipset General Cam’Ron kept the Harlem legacy rolling when he dropped his third solo album aptly entitled Come Home With Me on the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam imprint.
This was the Harlem natives first release under the Roc-A-Fella banner and coincidentally, his most critically acclaimed full-length release to date, being Cam’s only certified platinum album to date. The album features include rap heavyweights such as The Diplomats, DJ Kay Slay, Daz Dillinger, label head Jay-Z as well as labelmates Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel.
This 15-track banger released a slew of hard-hitting singles including the infectious “Oh Boy”, which led the soulful voice-sampling revolution, the mainstream hit “Hey Ma” and the only song ever recorded with Jigga before their highly publicized fallout “Welcome To New York City”.
Thanks to Cam, Jim, Juelz, Freekey, Just Blaze and Kanye West for their production and everyone else involved in creating this timeless Hip Hop classic!
Since the 90s, Cam’ron’s been an undeniable force in the culture. The early 2000s saw his rise as the de facto leader of The Diplomats while his solo outings made an evident dent on the charts. Although he has since embarked on a journey as an entrepreneur and sports analyst via It Is What It Iswith Ma$e, he has left an indelible mark on the rap scene with his prolific discography. With an impressively deep catalog of both albums, EPs, and mixtapes, Come Home With Mestands out as one of his best-selling records, achieving platinum status.
Cam’Ron during Diplomat’s “Santana” Video Shoot – October 23, 2004 at Capitale in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
2002’s Come Home With Me marked a significant milestone in Cam’ron’s career. After years of grinding, he completed his time with Epic, formally moving over to Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, where he achieved great commercial success. Come Home With Me is a testament to that. It showcased Cam’ron’s evolution as an artist and his ability to merge street narratives with catchy hooks, that introduced the flamboyant and flagrant style of Harlem to the world. With over a million copies sold, its impact extended beyond the core hip-hop fanbase and turned him into a household name.
Singles And Cultural Impact
The album boasted hit singles like “Oh Boy” featuring Juelz Santana and “Hey Ma” with Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey, and Toya. These tracks became anthems representing the essence of early 2000s hip-hop that continue to carry weight today. “Oh Boy” topped Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, while “Hey Ma” achieved widespread popularity, becoming a club and radio favorite. Their infectious beats and memorable lyrics contributed significantly to the album’s cultural impact.
Comparative Analysis with Other Cam’ron Albums
LOUISVILLE – JULY 30: Cam’ron attends Tyson Vs. Williams fight held at Freedom Hall July 30, 2004 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Brian Tietz/Getty Images)
In contrast to Come Home With Me, Cam’ron’s other albums have showcased diverse styles and themes. Purple Haze, released in 2004, is often hailed by fans as a standout project. While it didn’t reach the same commercial success as Come Home With Me, it garnered critical acclaim for its innovative production and Cam’ron’s lyrical prowess. Additionally, Confessions of Fire, his debut studio album, introduced him as a solo artist under Untertainment and Epic Records. Come Home With Me is undoubtedly the biggest album in Cam’s catalog but it’s quite clear how projects like Confessions Of The Fire and S.D.E. laid down the foundation for this success.
Come Home With Me remains a cornerstone in Cam’ron’s illustrious career, achieving platinum status and leaving an enduring impact on hip-hop culture. Its chart-topping singles and widespread acclaim solidify its significance among fans and critics alike. However, other albums in Cam’ron’s repertoire, such as Purple Haze and Confessions Of Fire, also hold distinct positions in his discography, showcasing his growth and artistry. As Cam’ron continues to influence the rap landscape, his albums stand as testaments to his enduring legacy in the music industry.
In summary, while Come Home With Me stands as Cam’ron’s best-selling album with its platinum status and impactful singles, his other albums offer a diverse tapestry of his skills, cementing his position as a hip-hop icon among his loyal fanbase.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of Cam’ron’s third album, Come Home With Me. The album was released on May 14, 2002. Though it was not his first successful album, Come Home With Me is easily Cam’ron’s most monumental album in terms of rapping, production, and success. The album signified an era not only for Cam’ron and The Diplomats but for hip hop in the 2000s. More specifically, New York Street Rap was on top at the time. Cam’ron’s third album is full of classic songs that have stood the test of time. Here is a look back at the album for its anniversary.
A Prime Era For Street Rap
Cam’ron’s first two albums, Confessions of Fire and S.D.E. were released through Epic Records. Cam’s third album, on the other hand, was released through Def Jam, JAY-Z’s Roc–A–Fella Records, and Cam’ron’s own Diplomat Records. The album being released under another major label that was closely associated with hip hop, as well as his own imprint and partnership with JAY-Z was the recipe for a classic. In the early 2000s, Def Jam had been in one of its most prominent runs, releasing high-profile albums from the likes of Ludacris, DMX, Ja Rule, and Ashanti. Come Home With Me was yet another prolific release in Def Jam’s arsenal, especially in a slew of many New York rap releases. Come Home With Me was also crucial for the development of Roc-A-Fella Records.
Until Cam’ron’s third album, Roc-A-Fella had only released albums from JAY-Z and the other artists on the label. They had not yet partnered with pre-established artists. Come Home With Me helped build the careers of Cam’ron and Dipset and Roc-A-Fella and JAY-Z’s business careers. After Come Home With Me, Roc-A-Fella was an unstoppable force in hip hop and grew to even larger heights once they expanded beyond their own group.
Come Home With Me Helped Put Dipset On
Cam’ron’s first album, Confessions of Fire did not feature any features from Dipset members. His second album, S.D.E. consisted of six Dipset features. The third album featured ten looks from Dipset members. The album’s most popular songs featured Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Freekey Zeekey, or a combination of different Dipset members.
Come Home With Me helped build The Diplomats as a group and brand. The album laid the foundation for Dipset’s takeover of hip hop in the 2000s. The momentum started by this album catapulted them to the top, with their Diplomatic Immunity album being released the following year, going down as one of hip hop’s best double albums. Come Home With Me helped introduce the hit-making power of Cam’ron and The Diplomats, leading to many classic records.
Classics On Classics
Come Home With Me consists of most of Cam’ron’s best and classic songs. The historic third album starts with an intro from DJ Kay Slay, an essential stamp of approval during Slay’s run as one of hip hop’s most well-respected DJs. Most notably, the album features songs like “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma,” certified hip hop classics.
“Oh Boy” is one of Cam’ron’s biggest hits, featuring a bouncy yet soulful instrumental from Just Blaze. The megaproducer was creating nonstop classic songs at the time. Cam’ron cleverly incorporates the vocal sample of Rose Royce’s “I’m Going Down” into his verses, making different uses for the word “boy.” That same year, Mariah Carey remixed “Oh Boy” for a song called “Boy (I Need You).” Another major hit on Come Home With Me that was even bigger than “Oh Boy” was the irresistible “Hey Ma.” Even more than “Oh Boy,” “Hey Ma” appealed to a broad audience, which is one of the main reasons it is still Cam’ron’s biggest song.
On top of the hit records, Come Home With Me was the epitome of the state of New York hip hop at the time. The production was polished but consisted of rugged street raps and inspirational success stories. Cam, alongside Daz Dillinger, spits over 2Pac’s “Ambitionz Az A Ridah” on “Live My Life.” The album’s title track is a career highlight for Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, and Jim Jones as the three spit their best verses. The song’s cinematic production and vivid imagery in the verses make for one of the album’s best tracks. Songs like “I Just Wanna” and “Boy Boy” consist of anthemic production and energetic verses. Dipset’s Roc-A-Fella connection is evident as JAY-Z joins Cam’ron and Juelz Santana for the Just Blaze-produced “Welcome To New York City.” Also, Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel spit hard verses for “The Roc.”
Cam’ron’s Biggest Album To Date
Cam’ron’s third album remains his biggest album to date, with its hit songs performing well on charts and achieving certifications from the RIAA. Come Home With Me sold 226,000 copies during its first week, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Furthermore, the album soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. By the end of the year, the album achieved Platinum status. The album was also certified silver in the UK and performed well in Canada. “Hey Ma,” still Cam’ron’s biggest single, was certified Platinum in 2018.
On this date two decades ago, Cam’ron’s crew from Harlem, The Diplomats, dropped their debut album Diplomatic Immunity on the Roc A Fella Records/Def Jam imprint during the pivotal time when Dame Dash appointed Cam’ron as the President of Roc-A-Fella Records.
Coming on the heels of the release of Cam’s Come Home With Me LP, Diplomatic Immunity introduced the entire Dipset squad, including Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Freekey Zeekey, Un Kasa, and Hell Rell. With production from the likes of Heatmakerz, DR Period, and a then virtually unknown Kanye West, the trailblazing sound of old soul samples pushed Dipset to the forefront of the creative curve of Hip Hop, which offered the Blood-affiliated crew from Uptown an almost cult-like following. Rell was incarcerated by the time the album was available for purchase.
The album was saturated with longstanding hits such as “I Really Mean It,” the infectious “Dipset Anthem,” the female-friendly “Hey Ma,” and the Master P assisted “Bout It Bout It…Part I “. Commercially, the album was considered average, debuting at #8 on the Billboard 200 and selling 92,000 copies in its first week, but the album was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2005.
Salute to Cam, Juelz on the inside, Jim Jones, Freekey, and Hell Rell for this 20 year old classic piece of Hip Hop history!
