The Diplomats, widely known as Dipset, emerged from Harlem, New York, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, significantly influencing the hip-hop scene with their distinctive style and charismatic members. Founded by childhood friends Cam’ron and Jim Jones in 1997, the group expanded to include talents like Juelz Santana and Freekey Zekey. Their unique blend of street narratives, flamboyant fashion, and catchy hooks garnered them a dedicated following. This article ranks the top five best-selling Dipset artists, highlighting their individual contributions and commercial achievements.
1. Cam’ron
Cameron “Cam’ron” Giles stands as the cornerstone of Dipset’s success. Before forming The Diplomats, Cam’ron had already established himself in the hip-hop community with his debut album, Confessions of Fire (1998), which achieved gold status. However, it was his third studio album, Come Home with Me (2002), that marked a significant milestone. Released under Roc-A-Fella Records, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA. Featuring hits like “Oh Boy” and “Hey Ma,” both of which showcased collaborations with Juelz Santana, the album solidified Cam’ron’s position in mainstream hip-hop.
In 2004, Cam’ron released Purple Haze, which, while not as commercially successful as its predecessor, was critically acclaimed and has since become a cult classic. The album peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and included tracks like “Down and Out” and “Get ‘Em Girls.” Cam’ron’s entrepreneurial spirit also led to the establishment of Diplomat Records, further cementing his legacy in the industry.
2. Juelz Santana
LaRon “Juelz Santana” James joined Dipset in 1999, bringing youthful energy and a distinctive flow to the group. His debut album, From Me to U (2003), showcased his potential, debuting at number eight on the Billboard 200. The album featured the single “Dipset (Santana’s Town),” which earned him a Grammy nomination.
Santana’s sophomore effort, What the Game’s Been Missing! (2005), marked his commercial peak. The album debuted at number nine on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold by the RIAA. It spawned the hit single “There It Go (The Whistle Song),” which became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Juelz’s charismatic delivery and catchy hooks made him a standout member of Dipset, contributing significantly to the group’s mainstream appeal.
3. Jim Jones
Joseph “Jim Jones” Guillermo Jones II, a co-founder of The Diplomats, initially gained recognition as the group’s hype man before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. His debut album, On My Way to Church (2004), performed moderately well, but it was his third album, Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment) (2006), that brought him significant commercial success.
The album featured the smash hit “We Fly High,” which became an anthem and peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. The success of the single propelled the album to gold certification. Jim Jones’s gritty delivery and authentic portrayal of street life resonated with a broad audience, enhancing Dipset’s influence in hip-hop.
4. Freekey Zekey
Ezekiel “Freekey Zekey” Jiles, while primarily known for his role as the president of Diplomat Records and his energetic presence in Dipset’s projects, also pursued a solo career. His debut album, Book of Ezekiel (2007), provided insight into his personal experiences and featured collaborations with fellow Dipset members.
Although the album did not achieve the commercial success of his counterparts, Freekey Zekey’s contributions to Dipset’s brand and his behind-the-scenes work were instrumental in the group’s operations and cohesion. His charismatic personality and loyalty to the group have been pivotal in maintaining Dipset’s legacy.
5. Hell Rell
Durrell “Hell Rell” Mohammad joined Dipset in the early 2000s, known for his hardcore lyrics and street-centric narratives. His debut album, For the Hell of It (2007), reached number five on the Billboard Top Rap Albums chart, showcasing his raw storytelling abilities.
While not achieving the mainstream success of some of his peers, Hell Rell maintained a dedicated fan base and contributed to Dipset’s reputation for authentic street rap. His subsequent projects, including Black Mask, Black Gloves(2008), continued to reflect his gritty style and commitment to the group’s ethos.
Collective Achievements
As a collective, The Diplomats released Diplomatic Immunity in 2003, a double-disc album that debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. The album featured hits like “Dipset Anthem” and “I Really Mean It,” which became anthems for the group.
Their follow-up, Diplomatic Immunity 2 (2004), continued to showcase the group’s chemistry, though it did not replicate the commercial success of the first installment. Despite internal conflicts and individual pursuits, Dipset’s collective projects have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture.
Conclusion
Dipset’s influence on hip-hop is undeniable, with each member contributing uniquely to the group’s legacy. From Cam’ron’s leadership and commercial hits to Juelz Santana’s charismatic delivery, Jim Jones’s anthems, Freekey Zekey’s behind-the-scenes work, and Hell Rell’s raw storytelling, The Diplomats have cemented their place in music history. Their blend of distinctive styles and collaborative efforts has left a lasting impact on the genre, reflecting the diverse talents within the group.
