Jim Jones (born July 15, 1976) is the stage name of American rapper Joseph Guillermo Jones II. He is known as an original member of the hip-hop collective the Diplomats and for his well-received six solo albums, hailing from Harlem, New York, U.S.
Prior to the formation of the Diplomats and the Diplomats label, for which Jones is arguably best known, the Harlem native performed as the hype man for friend and rapper Cam’ron. Following Cam’ron’s solo success, the Diplomats label was created and the group were afforded the luxury creative freedom, with which Jones released his debut solo album “On My Way to Church” in August 2004. Debuting at No. 18 on the Billboard 200, the album earned positive reviews aided by the singles “Certified Gangstas” and “Crunk Muzik”. Released on the Diplomats label in association with Koch Records, the record features Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, and Bun B.
The rapper’s sophomore album “Diary of a Summer” arrived in August 2005 once again under Diplomats and Koch labels. Proving more popular among critics, the record peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200, led by the un-charting single “Baby Girl”. Taking his music in a more commercial direction, Jones’ third full-length “Hustler’s P.O.M.E (Product of My Environment)” features a guest appearance from Lil Wayne. Spawning his biggest single to date “We Fly High”, complete with signature dance moves, the album peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200. Following the release Jones collaborated with the hip-hop group ByrdGang on the album “M.O.B.: The Album”, which reached No. 19 on the Billboard 200, and issued the No. 19 charting mixtape “Harlem’s American Gangster” in 2008. The rapper has also released a pair of Christmas albums “A Dipset X-Mas” and “A Tribute To Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps” highlighting his versatility.
Jim Jones’ major-label debut was the 2009 album “Pray IV Reign”, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200. Released on Columbia Records, the album spawned the singles “Pop Champagne”, “Na Na Nana Na Na”, and “Precious”, as well as featuring the likes of Twista, Lil Wayne and NOE. A collaborative album alongside fellow Harlem rapper DJ Webster appeared in October 2009, after which the rapper left Columbia for E1 Records and issued the mixtape “The Ghost of Rich Porter” in March 2010. Alongside Damon Dash Jones formed the label imprint Splash Records later in 2010, and issued his fifth studio album “Capo” in April 2011.
Billy Idol
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