View source for Cam'ron

{{short description|American rapper (born 1976)}}
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{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Cam'ron
| image             = Cam'ron 2014 (portrait crop).JPG
| caption           = Cam'ron performing in 2014
| birth_name        = Cameron Giles
| alias             = Killa Cam
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|1976|2|4}}
| birth_place       = [[Manhattan]], [[New York City]], U.S.
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Hip-hop|Hip hop]]<ref name=AllMusic>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/camron-mn0000224312 |title=Cam'ron – Biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=March 16, 2025}}</ref>
* [[East Coast hip-hop]]<ref name=AllMusic/>
* [[gangsta rap]]<ref name=AllMusic/>
}}
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Rapper
* songwriter
* actor
* record executive 
* entrepreneur 
* sports analyst 
}}
| discography       = [[Cam'ron discography]]
| years_active      = 1994–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* Crime Wave (current) 
* Killa
* [[Cinematic Music Group|Cinematic]]
* [[Diplomat Records|Diplomat]]
* [[Virgin Records|Virgin]]
* [[Entertainment One Music|E1]]
* [[Asylum Records|Asylum]]
* [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]]
* [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
* [[Epic Records|Epic]]
* [[Lance Rivera|Untertainment]]
* [[Sony Music|Sony]] (former)
}}
| current_member_of = {{flatlist|
* [[Children of the Corn (group)|Children of the Corn]]
* [[U.N. (hip-hop group)|U.N.]]
}}
| past_member_of = [[The Diplomats]]
| website           = {{URL|purplehaze2.com}}
}}

'''Cameron Giles''' (born February 4, 1976),<ref name="Curr Bio">{{cite book|title=Current Biography Yearbook 2011|year=2011|publisher=H.W. Wilson|location=Ipswich, MA|isbn=9780824211219|pages=[https://archive.org/details/currentbiography0000unse_z0h6/page/109 109–112]|chapter=Cam'ron|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/currentbiography0000unse_z0h6/page/109}}</ref> known [[Mononym|mononymously]] as '''Cam'ron''', is an American rapper. Beginning his career in the early 1990s as '''Killa Cam''', Giles signed with [[Lance Rivera|Lance "Un" Rivera]]'s [[Lance Rivera|Untertainment]], an imprint of [[Epic Records]] to release his first two studio albums ''[[Confessions of Fire]]'' (1998) and ''[[S.D.E.|S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment)]]'' (2000); the former received [[Music recording certification|gold]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]. After leaving Epic, Giles signed with [[Roc-A-Fella Records]] in 2001 to release his third studio album, ''[[Come Home with Me]]'', the following year. It received [[Music recording certification|platinum]] certification by the RIAA and spawned the singles "[[Oh Boy (Cam'ron song)|Oh Boy]]" (featuring [[Juelz Santana]]) and "[[Hey Ma (Cam'ron song)|Hey Ma]]" (featuring Juelz Santana, [[Freekey Zekey]] and [[Toya (singer)|Toya]]), which peaked at numbers four and three on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], respectively. His fourth studio album, ''[[Purple Haze (album)|Purple Haze]]'' (2004) was met with similar success and likewise received gold certification by the RIAA.

Due to personal disagreements with [[Jay-Z]], Giles and his label parted ways with Roc-A-Fella in 2005 in favor of [[Asylum Records]]. In 2006, Giles released his fifth studio album ''[[Killa Season]]'', accompanied by a [[Killa Season (film)|film of the same name]] in which Giles starred and made his director-screenwriter debut. In 2009, after taking a hiatus due to his mother's health, Giles returned to music and released his sixth studio album ''[[Crime Pays (Cam'ron album)|Crime Pays]]'' (2009), which peaked at number three on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. A decade later, he released his seventh album, ''[[Purple Haze 2]]'' (2019), which narrowly entered the chart.

Prior to his solo career, Giles formed the short-lived hip hop group [[Children of the Corn (group)|Children of the Corn]] alongside [[Big L]] and [[Mase]] in 1993; they disbanded in 1997. He subsequently formed the hip hop collective [[The Diplomats]] (also known as Dipset) in the latter year, alongside his longtime affiliate [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] and cousin [[Freekey Zekey]]. He later performed as one half of the duo [[U.N. (hip-hop group)|U.N.]] (Us Now) with fellow Harlem native [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]]; the duo released two collaborative projects. In addition to the ''Killa Season'' film, Giles has acted in other works including the [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]] films ''[[Paper Soldiers]]'' and ''[[Paid in Full (2002 film)|Paid in Full]]'' in 2002.

==Biography==

===1976–1997: Early life and career beginnings===
Giles was born and raised in the [[East Harlem]] neighborhood of [[Upper Manhattan, New York City]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0SUEAAAAMBAJ | magazine = Vibe | title = Harlem Knight | last = Meadows-Ingram | first = Benjamin | date = August 2002 | access-date = March 20, 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was raised by his mother, Fredericka Giles (July 10, 1955 – February 9, 2023). He went to school at the [[Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics]], where he met his longtime friends [[Mase]] and [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]]. He was a promising basketball player alongside Mase; however, he was unable to take advantage of scholarship offers due to his poor academic standing. Instead, he enrolled in a college in Texas, without even graduating from high school, but was expelled and returned to Harlem where he began selling drugs before starting his rap career. Giles was eventually introduced to [[the Notorious B.I.G.]] through his childhood friend Mase. B.I.G. introduced Giles to [[Lance Rivera]], who signed him to his label, Untertainment.<ref>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/LNLFPmnL6H0 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20131209061956/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLFPmnL6H0 Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNLFPmnL6H0 |title=Cam'ron StreetHeat Interview|website=[[YouTube]]|date=May 7, 2009 }}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1004112/bio|title=Cam'ron|website=IMDb|access-date=May 16, 2019}}</ref>

He began his musical career in the mid-1990s, rapping alongside [[Big L (rapper)|Big L]], Mase, and his cousin Bloodshed, in a group called [[Children of the Corn (group)|Children of the Corn]]. After Bloodshed's death in a car accident on March 2, 1997, the group disbanded and the remaining members pursued solo careers.

===1998–2002: ''Confessions of Fire'', ''S.D.E.'' and ''Come Home with Me''===
Two years before Big L's murder in 1999, Cam'ron was introduced to [[the Notorious B.I.G.]] by Mase who was signed to [[Bad Boy Records]] at the time. Biggie was so impressed by Cam'ron that he introduced him to his partner Lance "Un" Rivera who signed Cam'ron to his Untertainment label, distributed by Epic Records. His debut album, ''Confessions of Fire'', was released a year later in July 1998 and included singles such as "3-5-7" (which was also featured in the movie [[Woo (film)|Woo]]), and "Horse and Carriage" featuring Mase, which reached the R&B Top Ten. The album achieved gold status and made the Top 10 of both the pop and R&B charts.

In 2000, Cam'ron was working with music executive [[Tommy Mottola]] and released his second album ''[[S.D.E.|S.D.E. (Sports Drugs & Entertainment)]]'' on Sony/Epic Records. With features from [[Destiny's Child]], [[Juelz Santana]], Jim Jones, [[N.O.R.E.]], and producer Digga, it included the relatively successful singles, "Let Me Know" and "What Means the World to You". The album reached Number 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and Number 14 on the Billboard 200.

After demanding a release from Sony/Epic Records, Cam'ron signed with his childhood friend and new manager [[Damon Dash]] to [[Roc-A-Fella Records]] in December 2001, alongside artists such as [[Jay-Z]], [[Beanie Sigel]], [[Freeway (rapper)|Freeway]] and [[Memphis Bleek]]. A reported $4.5 million record deal was agreed upon with Damon Dash and his Roc-A-Fella partners Kareem Biggs and Jay-Z in the form of a record advance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.straferight.com/forums/general-chit-chat/176296-what-who-where-dipset.html |title=Cam'ron Signs to Rocafella |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date=March 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331195753/http://www.straferight.com/forums/general-chit-chat/176296-what-who-where-dipset.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> His third and most successful album ''Come Home with Me'' was released in 2002 featuring guests such as Jay-Z, [[Beanie Sigel]], and [[Memphis Bleek]], and production from [[Just Blaze]], [[Kanye West]] and [[the Heatmakerz]]. It included the hit singles "[[Oh Boy (Cam'ron song)|Oh Boy]]" and "[[Hey Ma (Cam'ron song)|Hey Ma]]", which both featured [[The Diplomats]] newest member [[Juelz Santana]]. The album achieved platinum status and served as a stepping stone for Cam'ron's group The Diplomats to sign with Roc-A-Fella.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/3520578/a/Come+Home+With+Me.htm |title = Cam'ron - Come Home With Me Album}}</ref>

In 2002, Cam'ron went on to appear in the [[Damon Dash]] produced film, ''[[Paid in Full (2002 film)|Paid in Full]]'', in which he played one of three main characters alongside [[Mekhi Phifer]] and [[Wood Harris]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kimble |first=Julian |date=January 29, 2021 |title=How Cam'ron Turned 'Paid in Full' Into a Cult Legend |url=https://www.theringer.com/movies/2021/1/29/22255661/paid-in-full-camron-history-charles-stone-making-of |access-date=October 19, 2024 |website=The Ringer |language=en}}</ref> In 2006 he started shooting his movie for his album titled ''[[Killa Season (film)|Killa Season]]''; the film would mark both Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debuts, as well as his return to acting. Killa Season was released to DVD on April 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.<ref name="theatre">{{cite web| url = http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=823| title = Cam'ron's Killa Season Hits Big Screens in Limited Engagement| access-date = October 4, 2006| date = March 30, 2006| publisher = XXL| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060829013252/http://xxlmag.com/online/?p=823| archive-date = August 29, 2006| url-status=dead}}</ref>

===2003–2009: ''Purple Haze'', ''Killa Season'' and ''Crime Pays''===
In March 2003, Cam'ron teamed up with his fellow Diplomats Members [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]], [[Juelz Santana]], and [[Freekey Zeeky]] to release [[The Diplomats]]' debut double album, ''[[Diplomatic Immunity (The Diplomats album)|Diplomatic Immunity]]'', under Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat Records, which was quickly certified [[Oro album|gold]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]]. The album featured the lead single "Dipset Anthem", a remix to Cam'rons hit "Hey Ma", and the (street anthem) single "I Really Mean It", as well as featuring production from [[Kanye West]], [[Just Blaze]], and [[the Heatmakerz]]. A year later, The Diplomats released their second album, ''Diplomatic Immunity 2''.

On December 7, 2004, Cam'ron's fourth studio album, ''[[Purple Haze (album)|Purple Haze]]'', was released on [[Def Jam]]/[[Roc-A-Fella Records]]. It featured collaborations with Kanye West, [[Jaheim]], [[Twista]], Juelz Santana, and various other artists and ultimately reached gold status.<ref name=RIAA>[https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH Searchable Database] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626050454/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=SEARCH |date=June 26, 2007 }}. RIAA</ref> The album was also a critical success, being ranked 114th on [[Pitchfork Media]]'s Top 200 Albums of the first decade of the 21st century List, and 10th on [[Rhapsody (online music service)|Rhapsody]]'s Hip Hop's Best Albums of the Decade. However, after feeling that the album was poorly promoted and that his projects were not receiving enough attention, Cam'ron requested his release from [[Roc-A-Fella Records]].

On April 28, 2005, Cam'ron officially joined the [[Warner Music Group]] under the Asylum Records imprint.<ref name="asylum">{{cite web| url = http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4341| title = Cam'ron Leaves Roc-A-Fella For Asylum/Warner| access-date = October 4, 2006| author = Strong, Nolan| date = April 29, 2005| publisher = AllHipHop.com |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060422205213/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4341 <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = April 22, 2006}}</ref> He began work on what would be his first project for the new label. Cam'ron's fifth studio album, titled ''[[Killa Season]]'', was released on May 16, 2006, featuring production from long-term collaborators the Heatmakerz, Charlmagne and [[Ty Fyffe]], as well as others such as [[The Alchemist (musician)|The Alchemist]] and [[I.N.F.O.]] Along with the album, Cam'ron released his first film, in which he wrote, directed and starred in, also titled "Killa Season". Despite selling 112,000 units in the first week and debuting at number 2 on the charts, ''Killa Season'' failed to have the same sales strength as his two previous releases, but ''Killa Season'' became certified gold.

After the release of ''Killa Season'' and his feud with [[50 Cent]] in 2007, Cam'ron took a three-year hiatus from music after his mother suffered three strokes which left her paralyzed on her left side. He moved to Florida with her to set up her rehabilitation and therapy, and stayed there until she had fully recovered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sohh.com/camron-breaks-silence-on-absence-my-mom-had-three-strokes-in-one-day/|title=Cam'ron Breaks Silence On Absence, "My Mom Had Three Strokes In One Day"|date=March 11, 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-date=September 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924124217/http://www.sohh.com/camron-breaks-silence-on-absence-my-mom-had-three-strokes-in-one-day/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Cam'ron's 2009 album, ''[[Crime Pays (Cam'ron album)|Crime Pays]]'' was released on Asylum/Diplomat Records, featuring the majority of the production handled by [[Skitzo]] and [[AraabMuzik]]. Although none of the singles from the album managed to chart, the album still reached number 3 on the [[Billboard 200]] but only sold 150,000 units, making it the lowest selling album of his career. In 2009 Cam'ron formed a new label, Dipset West and new group the [[U.N. (hip-hop group)|U.N.]]

===2010–present: Mixtapes, EPs and collaborations===
In late 2009–early 2010, Cam'ron released a series of mixtapes hosted by [[DJ Drama]] called ''Boss of All Boses'' which featured his new upcoming artist [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]]. Cam'ron also released a collaboration album with his new group the [[U.N. (hip-hop group)|U.N.]] which included himself and fellow [[Harlem]] rapper Vado titled ''[[Heat in Here Vol. 1]]''; the first single off the album was "Speaking Tongues" which peaked at No. 82 on the [[Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs|U.S. R&B]] charts. Cam'ron announced that he would be releasing a joint album with rapper Vado called ''[[Gunz n' Butta]]''; on April 19, 2011, the album was released on [[E1 Music]]. In 2013, Vado signed with [[We the Best Music Group]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22737/title.vado-confirms-signing-to-dj-khaled-s-we-the-best-imprint|title=Vado Confirms Signing To DJ Khaled's We The Best Imprint|author=HipHopDX|date=January 30, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111051954/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22737/title.vado-confirms-signing-to-dj-khaled-s-we-the-best-imprint|archive-date=January 11, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> after his personal friendship with Cam'ron eroded, although Vado maintained at the time that they still worked on a business level and had no animosity towards him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/vado-discusses-cam-ron-s-reaction-to-him-leaving-dip-set-news.4406.html|title=Vado Discusses Cam'Ron's Reaction To Him Leaving Dip Set|website=HNHH|date=February 9, 2013}}</ref> After three years Cam'ron and Jim Jones decided to mend their differences and start working together again for the third installment of the ''Diplomatic Immunity'' album along with fellow Diplomats members [[Juelz Santana]] and [[Freekey Zekey]]. Cam'ron announced that The Diplomats album's release would take place around Christmas 2010. The first promotional single featuring the reunited Diplomats members was titled "Salute"; it was produced by [[AraabMuzik]] and would later appear on [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] album ''[[Capo (album)|Capo]]''.

In 2012 Cam'ron was featured on rapper/singer [[Wiz Khalifa]]'s fourth studio album ''[[O.N.I.F.C.]]'' on a song titled "The Bluff". Also In 2012 Cam'ron would be featured on rapper/singer [[Nicki Minaj]]'s second studio album ''[[Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded]]'' on a song titled "I Am Your Leader" along with rapper [[Rick Ross]].

In 2013 during an interview Cam'ron discussed his seventh upcoming studio album ''Killa Season 2'' stating that it will feature guest appearances from [[Dipset]], [[T.I.]], [[Nicki Minaj]], and [[Wiz Khalifa]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/features/2013/01/xxl-presents-the-35-most-anticipated-albums-of-2013-3/#5 |title=XXL Presents... The 35 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013 - XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=January 14, 2013 |access-date=February 15, 2013}}</ref> On October 1, 2013, Cam'ron released his promotional mixtape for the album titled ''Ghetto Heaven Vol 1''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.datpiff.com/Camron-Ghetto-Heaven-Vol-1-mixtape.494468.html |title=Cam'ron - Ghetto Heaven Vol 1 // Free Mixtape @ |publisher=Datpiff.com |access-date=September 4, 2013 |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811105058/http://www.datpiff.com/Camron-Ghetto-Heaven-Vol-1-mixtape.494468.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 2014, according to ''[[Complex Magazine]]'', Cam'ron and [[A-Trak]] were to team up for a collaborative EP to be titled ''Federal Reserve'' which would be executive-produced by [[Dame Dash]] and have featured appearances by [[Juelz Santana]] and [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/01/cam-ron-a-trak-federal-reserve-ep-announcement|title=Exclusive: Cam'ron and A-Trak Announce "Federal Reserve" EP|author=Dharmic X|work=Complex|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> In May, they put out the first single from the album, titled "Dipsh*ts", featuring commentary from [[Dame Dash]] and [[Juelz Santana]] on the hook and an accompanying official video. On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron along with fashion designer [[Mark McNairy]] revealed their "[[Cape]] line" during New York fashion week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-s-cape-line-with-mark-mcnairy-hits-ny-fashion-week-news.9300.html|title=Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week|first=Rose|last=Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=February 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram Cam'ron revealed and released his "[[Ebola]] mask" stating on the caption "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/camron-ebola-masks_n_6015118.html|title=Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For|work=The Huffington Post|date=October 20, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label Diplomat Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|title=Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com|work=Karmaloop|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325022141/http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On July 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''[[1st of the Month Vol. 1|1st of the Month, Vol. 1]]'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-1-ep/890630799|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 1 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=July 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On August 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''[[1st of the Month Vol. 2|1st of the Month, Vol. 2]]'' EP, it included the single "So Bad" featuring [[Nicki Minaj]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-2-ep/899632683|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 2 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=August 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/so-bad-feat-nicki-minaj-yummy/899263822|title=iTunes - Music - So Bad (feat. Nicki Minaj & Yummy) - Single by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=July 15, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On September 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''[[1st of the Month Vol. 3|1st of the Month, Vol. 3]]'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-3-ep/911888083|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 3 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=September 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On October 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''[[1st of the Month Vol. 4|1st of the Month, Vol. 4]]'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-4-ep/921822831|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 4 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=October 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On November 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''[[1st of the Month Vol. 5|1st of the Month, Vol. 5]]'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-5-ep/935437075|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 5 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=November 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 1, 2014, Cam'ron released his ''1st of the Month, Vol. 6'' EP.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-of-the-month-vol-6-ep/947478144|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month, Vol. 6 - EP by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=December 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 11, 2014, Cam'ron announced that his next studio album will not be a sequel to his fifth album [[Killa Season]] but will be a sequel to his critically acclaimed fourth studio album ''[[Purple Haze (album)|Purple Haze]]'' titled ''Purple Haze 2''; Cam'ron also announced that this would be his final album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-to-retire-after-purple-haze-2-drops-news.13198.html|title=Cam'ron To Retire After "Purple Haze 2" Drops?|first=Jessie|last=Schiewe|work=HotNewHipHop|date=December 11, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> On December 16, 2014, Cam'ron would release his compilation ''1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition)''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/1st-month-box-set-deluxe-edition/948975052|title=iTunes - Music - 1st of the Month: Box Set (Deluxe Edition) by Cam'ron|work=iTunes|date=December 16, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>

On January 1, 2015, DJ [[Funkmaster Flex]] announced via his Instagram that he had spoken to fellow Diplomats members Cam'ron, [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] and [[Juelz Santana]] about an upcoming Diplomats mixtape which included [[Freekey Zeekey]]. He also stated that he would be hosting the mixtape along with [[DJ Khaled]], [[Swizz Beatz]] and [[DJ Mustard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/dipset-reportedly-reuniting-for-new-mixtape-news.13438.html|title=Dipset Reportedly Reuniting For New Mixtape|first=Rose|last=Lilah|work=HotNewHipHop|date=January 2015|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>

In July 2016, Cam'ron announced an album called ''Killa Pink'' and a signature line of Reebok shoes: the Flea 2.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/camron-announces-new-album-killa-pink-news.22778.html? |title=Cam ron to release album in conjunction with sneaker line |last=Schwartz |first=Danny |website=HNHH |date=July 11, 2016 |access-date=July 11, 2016}}</ref>

==Other ventures==

===Directing and acting===
In 2002, Cam'ron appeared in the [[Damon Dash]] produced film, ''[[Paid in Full (2002 film)|Paid in Full]]'', in which he played one of three main characters alongside [[Mekhi Phifer]] and [[Wood Harris]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Paid In Full |url=https://www.miramax.com/movie/paid-in-full/ |website=Miramax |access-date=July 15, 2018}}</ref> In 2006, he started shooting video to accompany his album titled ''[[Killa Season (film)|Killa Season]]''. This was Cam'ron's screenwriting and directorial debut, as well as his return to acting. ''Killa Season'' was released to DVD on April 25, 2006, after a special two-day theatrical release.<ref name="theatre"/>

===Fashion designing===
On February 11, 2014, Cam'ron, along with fashion designer [[Mark McNairy]], revealed their "[[Cape]] line" during the New York fashion week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/cam-ron-s-cape-line-with-mark-mcnairy-hits-ny-fashion-week-news.9300.html|title=Cam'ron's Cape Line With Mark McNairy Hits NY Fashion Week|first=Rose|last=Lilah|date=February 11, 2014|work=HotNewHipHop}}</ref> On October 20, 2014, via his Instagram, Cam'ron revealed and released his "[[Ebola]] mask", stating on the caption: "Ebola is no joking matter, so if u have to be safe, be fashionable".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/20/camron-ebola-masks_n_6015118.html|title=Cam'ron Is Selling The 'Fashionable' Ebola Mask You Never Asked For|date=October 20, 2014|work=The Huffington Post}}</ref> Cam'ron also has a fashion clothing line titled "Dipset USA" which is branded off his former label [[Diplomat Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|title=Cam'ron and The Diplomats present Dipset USA Exclusively on Karmaloop.com|work=Karmaloop|access-date=January 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325022141/http://www.karmaloop.com/cm/dipset-usa-2014|archive-date=March 25, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Sports commentary===
In 2023, Cam'ron launched an independently produced sports news talk show, called ''It Is What It Is''. Cam'ron's co-host on the show is rapper [[Mase]]. The show's first episode premiered on February 27, 2023, on YouTube. In the months proceeding the show's launch, it has achieved viral success on the internet. According to Cam'ron, he has already turned down several multi-million dollar offers from buyers looking to purchase the show.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.complex.com/music/camron-getting-offers-to-buy-sports-talk-show-it-is-what-it-is | title=Cam'ron Says He's Already Getting Offers to Buy His Newly Launched Sports Talk Show | website=[[Complex Networks]] }}</ref> In August 2023, it was officially announced that the show has partnered with [[Underdog Fantasy Sports]].<ref>[https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-08-22/323176/camron-and-mase-score-lucrative-deal-for-it-is-what-it-is-talk-show Cam'ron and MaSe reportedly score lucrative deal for "It Is What It Is" talk show]</ref>

==Feuds==

===Jay-Z===
Although there had been rumors of a feud between the two emcees, Cam'ron went public first with a track on "Killa Season" called "You Gotta Love It (Jay-Z Diss)" featuring ex-Dipset member [[Max B]]. In the song, Cam'ron takes jabs at Jay-Z's age, his alleged "biting" (stealing) of lyrics, and his current girlfriend. He references Jay-Z using [[the Notorious B.I.G.]]'s rhymes, rapping "You ain't the only one with big wallets got it my shit's brolick but ya publishing should go to Miss Wallace." He then released another song "Swagger Jacker (Biter Not a Writer)" to highlight the many songs Jay-Z has borrowed lines from. In the next issue of [[XXL (magazine)|XXL]], Cam'ron explained the beef originated when Jay-Z became CEO and President of [[Roc-A-Fella Records]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nahright.com/news/2006/01/18/cam-finally-disses-hov/|title=Cam Finally Disses Hov - Nah Right|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> In 2010, Cam'ron stated he does not have any issues with Jay-Z anymore.

In 2013, on "Pound Cake", a song by [[Drake (rapper)|Drake]], Jay-Z mentioned Cam'ron again by rapping (in the middle of a verse): "Now here's the icing on the cake/ Cake, cake-cake, cake-cake, uhh/ I'm just getting started, oh, yeah, we got it bitch/ I've done made more millionaires than the lotto did/ [[Damon Dash|Dame]] made millions, Bigg made millions/ [[Kanye West|Ye]] made millions, [[Just Blaze|Just]] made millions/ [[Lyor Cohen|Lyor]] made millions, Cam made millions/ [[Beanie Sigel|Beans]] would tell you if he wasn't in his feelin[g]s."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.25626/title.cam-ron-refutes-jay-z-s-pound-cake-claims|title=Cam'ron Refutes Jay Z's "Pound Cake" Claims|author=HipHopDX|date=October 2, 2013|work=HipHopDX|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>

Cam replied briefly on "Come and Talk to Me" off of ''Ghetto Heaven Vol. 1'': "She said Jay made you a millionaire? and looked me in the eyes/ Said cake, cake, cake, got that from the pies/ We made each other millions, that was my reply/ had a mill before I met him, baby, that ain't no lie/ See he named some Harlem cats and the [[Kanye West|homie from the Chi]] / but my thing, he ain't name nobody from the [[Bedford-Stuyvesant|Stuy]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ddotomen.com/2013/09/30/camron-come-and-talk-to-me-jay-z-response/|title=New Music: Cam'Ron 'Come And Talk To Me' (Jay Z Response) - DDotOmen|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref>

On April 26, 2019, he and Jay-Z ended their feud at the re-opened [[Webster Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/jay-z-brings-out-nas-camron-jim-jones-at-iconic-webster-hall-re-opening-news.78514.html|title=Jay-Z Brings Out Nas, Cam'ron, Jim Jones At Iconic Webster Hall Re-Opening|website=HotNewHipHop|date=April 27, 2019|access-date=July 22, 2020}}</ref>

===50 Cent===
On February 1, 2007, Cam'ron and [[50 Cent]] had a live argument on ''The [[Angie Martinez]] Show'' on [[WQHT|Hot 97]] radio. 50 Cent commented that he felt [[Koch Entertainment]] was a "graveyard", meaning major record labels would not work with their artists.<ref name=NYT>Sanneh, Kelefa (February 27, 2007). Rappers Find That a Small Label Can Have Its Uses. ''The New York Times''. Accessed May 22, 2007.</ref> Cam'ron then ridiculed the record sales of [[G-Unit]] members [[Lloyd Banks]] and [[Mobb Deep]] by pointing out that [[The Diplomats|Dipset]] member [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] outsold both of their albums despite not being signed to a major label, and also went on to clarify that his group, The Diplomats, had a distribution deal from several labels.<ref name="NYT"/> Both rappers released diss songs with videos on [[YouTube]]. 50 Cent released "Funeral Music", and suggested in the song that Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats and that Jim Jones should take his place. Cam'ron responded with "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes fun of 50 Cent's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with rabbit teeth". 50 Cent responded by releasing "[[Hold On (Young Buck song)|Hold On]]" with [[Young Buck]]. Since 2009, the feud slowly died down, and they eventually reconciled in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BI50XSmAoci/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BI50XSmAoci |archive-date=December 26, 2021 |url-access=registration|title=50 Cent on Instagram: "I said Cam I would talk to you like you ain't got money, if I didn't see them big ass knot's in ya pockets."|website=Instagram|access-date=May 16, 2019}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

===Jim Jones===
Cam'ron revealed in 2007 that he was no longer speaking to his fellow Diplomat members Juelz Santana and Jim Jones, leading to speculation that the group had officially broken up. However, despite admitting that he did not want to contact Jim Jones, he said that he had no hard feelings towards him. In an interview with Miss Info, Cam'ron said: "I still haven't spoken to Jim. But Jim ran with me for over 10 years, he worked hard, and I wish him the best of luck. Everybody thinks I'm mad at Jim. Why am I mad? I told people for years that Jimmy was gonna be a star. So it's better on my resume. I wish him the best."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.5911/title.camron-addresses-jim-jones-50-cent-his-hiatus-more |title=Cam Speaks on Hiatus|work=HipHopDX |date=November 2, 2007}}</ref> After three years of not speaking, Cam'ron and Jim Jones mended their differences in April 2010. In late 2011, both appeared together on [[Wolfgang Gartner]]'s album ''[[Weekend in America]]'', on the track "Circus Freaks". 

Tensions between the two reignited in January 2025, with ''Complex'' reporting that Cam'ron and Jones were no longer on speaking terms.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.complex.com/music/a/will-schube/cam-ron-jim-jones-beef-dipset-history |title=Trying to Make Sense of Cam'ron and Jim Jones' Latest Beef |work=Complex |date=January 18, 2025 |access-date=November 15, 2025}}</ref>

===Kanye West===
Both Cam'ron and Jim Jones took out their frustrations on former label-mate Kanye West in defense of former CEO Dame Dash (due to their longtime friendship dating back to growing up in Harlem)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2014/06/03/camron-fact-interview-diplomats-a-trak-drugs/|title="I didn't grow up in a musical family, I grew up in a drug family": Cam'ron talks Paid in Full, A-Trak and the cult of Dipset - FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.|work=FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music.|date=June 3, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref> by releasing a song titled "Toast" rhyming over Kanye West's song "[[Runaway (Kanye West song)|Runaway]]". The feud eventually ended, evidenced by Cam'ron, Jim Jones, and Kanye West collaborating on a song called "[[G.O.O.D. Fridays|Christmas in Harlem]]".

===J. Cole===
Cam'ron filed a lawsuit against [[J. Cole]] in October 2025 over their April 2024 collaboration "[[Ready '24]]". In his claim, he alleges that his guest appearance came with the agreement that Cole would return the favor, either by featuring on a song or by appearing on his podcast. The filing, which claims Cam'ron's verse was recorded in June 2022, lists several instances from 2022 to 2024 in which Cole was allegedly requested to fulfill his promise but did not.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=2025-10-28 |title=Cam'ron Sues J. Cole Over 'Ready '24' Collab, Saying He Failed to Fulfill His End of the Deal |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/j-cole-camron-lawsuit-ready-24-song-collaboration |access-date=2025-10-28 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref>

==Personal life==
On October 23, 2005, Cam'ron was leaving a nightclub in Washington, D.C., having performed the day before at [[Howard University]]. While stopped at a traffic light at the intersection of New York and New Jersey Avenues shortly after midnight, a passenger of a nearby car threatened Cam'ron to "give up" his 2006 [[Lamborghini]]. Cam'ron resisted, and the man then shot him. Cam'ron was struck at least once as he was holding the steering wheel, but he was able to drive, going the wrong way on streets and flashing his lights, until a fan drove him to Howard University Hospital. The gunman and passenger drove off, crashed into a parked car, and fled the scene. D.C. Metro Police recovered a cell phone from the scene of the crash, which they tried to use to trace the suspects. He stated that he does not know who shot him, although later, in the song "Gotta Love It" featuring [[Max B]], Cam'ron claims that he saw the gunman throw up the [[Roc-A-Fella Records]] diamond hand signal before shots were fired.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/23/AR2005102301334.html|title=Rapper Shot in Alleged Carjacking in D.C.|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=March 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://globalgrind.com/4284644/roc-back-jay-z-ends-20-year-beef-with-camron-but-heres-how-it-started-in-the-first-place/|title= Roc Back: Jay-Z Ends 20-Year Beef With Cam'ron — But Here's How It Started In The First Place|date= April 27, 2019|access-date=April 27, 2019}}</ref>

On April 22, 2007, Cam'ron was interviewed on ''[[60 Minutes]]'' as part of a piece on the [[Stop Snitchin']] movement.<ref name="60min">{{cite web |date=August 12, 2007 |title=Stop Snitchin' - 60 Minutes |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/19/60minutes/main2704565.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070422115833/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/04/19/60minutes/main2704565.shtml |archive-date=April 22, 2007 |access-date=February 27, 2011 |work=CBS News}}</ref> He stated that he would "not help the police" try to locate a potential shooter, saying he is "not a snitch" and helping the police would probably hurt his record sales, adding "It's about business but it's still also a code of ethics." When asked by [[Anderson Cooper]] if he would tell the police if a serial killer was living next to him, Cam'ron replied "I would probably move" but would not inform the police. He later apologized, calling it an "error in judgement":<ref name="60min" /> "Where I come from, once word gets out that you've cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I'm not saying its right, but its reality." Cam'ron has had contact with the police in the past. According to [[The Smoking Gun]], New York Police Department records indicate that Giles filed a report with police after he was assaulted by 15 unidentified men at a park in Harlem in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 20, 2014 |title=Rapper's Change Of Face |url=http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2007/0419072giles1.html |access-date=March 11, 2015 |work=The Smoking Gun}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Cam'ron discography}}
{{See also|The Diplomats discography}}

;Studio albums 
* ''[[Confessions of Fire]]'' (1998)
* ''[[S.D.E.]]'' (2000)
* ''[[Come Home with Me]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Purple Haze (album)|Purple Haze]]'' (2004)
* ''[[Killa Season]]'' (2006)
* ''[[Crime Pays (Cam'ron album)|Crime Pays]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Purple Haze 2]]'' (2019)

;Collaboration albums 
* ''[[Heat in Here Vol. 1]]'' {{small|(with [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]])}} (2010)
* ''[[Gunz n' Butta]]'' {{small|(with [[Vado (rapper)|Vado]])}} (2011)
* ''U Wasn't There'' {{small|(with [[A-Trak]])}} (2022)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2022/09/03/camron-and-a-trak-announce-collab-album-u-wasnt-there-and-release-new-single/|title=Cam'Ron and A-Trak Announce Collab Album 'U Wasn't There,' Release New Single|work=[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=September 3, 2022|access-date=September 22, 2022}}</ref>

==Filmography==
* ''[[Paid in Full (2002 film)|Paid in Full]]'' (2002)
* ''[[State Property 2]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Killa Season (film)|Killa Season]]'' (2006)
* ''Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the Cops'' (2006)<ref>{{cite web | vauthors=((Kaufman, Gil)) | title=Kanye, Cam'ron, Game, Suge Knight Speak Out About "Hip-Hop Cops" In New Doc | url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1526809/kanye-camron-game-suge-knight-speak-out-about-hip-hop-cops-in-new-doc/| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009223853/http://www.mtv.com/news/1526809/kanye-camron-game-suge-knight-speak-out-about-hip-hop-cops-in-new-doc/| url-status=dead| archive-date=October 9, 2014|website=MTV|date=March 22, 2006|access-date=July 11, 2022}}</ref>
* ''First of the Month'' (2012)
* ''Percentage'' (2013)
* ''[[Love & Hip Hop: New York]]'' (2012; 2016–2017)
* ''[[Honor Up]]'' (2018)
* ''[[Queens (American TV series)|Queens]]'' (2021)
* ''[[Happy Gilmore 2]]'' (2025)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{twitter}}
* {{IMDb name|1004112|Cam'ron}}

{{Cam'ron}}
{{The Diplomats}}
{{Def Jam Recordings}}
{{Roc-A-Fella Records}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Camron}}
[[Category:1976 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from Manhattan]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male rappers]]
[[Category:20th-century American rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male rappers]]
[[Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Roc-A-Fella Records artists]]
[[Category:People from Harlem]]
[[Category:Rappers from Manhattan]]
[[Category:The Diplomats members]]
[[Category:African-American male actors]]
[[Category:Gangsta rappers]]
[[Category:Hardcore hip-hop artists]]
[[Category:Underdog Fantasy people]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Children of the Corn (group) members]]