LaRon Louis James (born on February 18, 1983)1 better known by his stage name Juelz Santana, is an American rapper, producer and occasional actor. He came to fame following his appearances on Cam'ron's 2002 singles, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma". Santana is also credited with coining the phrase "no homo."2
Biography
James was born in Harlem, New York to an African American father and Dominican mother.3 He began writing rhymes at the age of twelvecitation needed and was originally signed to Priority Records as one half of the duo called Draft Pick. The group had several shows around New York City while together, including Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater, where they won two weeks in a row. Their first rapping appearance can be heard on Camron's remix of "What Means the World to You," which features the artists Ludacris, UGK, and Trina. Juelz Santana is now signed as a solo artist to Def Jam Recordings.
In 2003, Santana released an album, From Me to U, under Def Jam. In 2005, Santana released a Billboard's Top Rap Albums and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. On March 18, 2008, Santana announced on BET's 106 & Park that he would collaborate with Lil Wayne in his next studio album. Dates have not been confirmed. His next album, "Born To Lose, Built To Win (The Rise of the Skull Gang)" was slated for 2008 summer release.
Santana was arrested outside of his Teaneck, New Jersey home in March 2008. After being pulled over for driving with a suspended license, a search by police of Santana's Bentley found a bag of marijuana, 29 hollow-point bullets and $19,500 in cash inside a plastic bag filled with Jolly Rancher candies.4
In August 2008, Dipset founder Cam'ron revealed that he had sold Santana's contract to Def Jam Records for $2 million. The rift within the Dipset hierarchy continues, following the controversy between Jim Jones & Cam'ron. Despite selling him to the Def Jam label, Juelz says he is not mad at Cam, and says he's finally free to do his own thing. "Yeah, I'm free, and ready to do me," Santana said. "But it's still Dipset for life. It's just going to be a new chapter."5 He revealed that he had inked a joint 50/50 joint venture with Def Jam, where he will release his next album, Born to Lose, Built to Win.5
In August, Santana stated that his upcoming album "Born to Lose, Built to Win (The Rise of the Skull Gang)" will not be released any time soon but will come out in 2009. According Juelz, the reason for delaying is not the label but something to do with changing the album.6
Discography
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Filmography
References
- ^ Juelz Santana VH1. Accessed August 8, 2008.
- ^ "Hip-hop homophobia gross"
- ^ Jim Jones Interview - "Dip Set Capo Jim Jones Still Gaining Altitude"
- ^ "Bullets, pot found in rapper's car", New York Daily News, March 12, 2008. Accessed March 12, 2008.
- ^ a b Miles Bennett (August 1, 2008). "Cam'ron Sells Juelz Santana To Def Jam For $2 Million" Baller Status. Accessed August 2, 2008.
- ^ Erin T. McMillon (August 19, 2008). Where's The Beef? Juelz Santana Dishes On Cam'ron Situation Yo! Raps Magazine. Accessed August 26, 2008.
- ^ Shaheem Reid (August 19, 2008). Juelz Santana Says Cam'ron Blocked 'Tons' Of His Collaborations, But 'It's No Hard Feelings' MTV. Accessed August 20, 2008.
External links
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