View source for Juelz Santana

{{short description|American rapper (born 1982)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Juelz Santana
| image             = Spring break O6 4 (37) (cropped, rotated).JPG
| caption           = Juelz Santana in 2006
| birth_name        = LaRon Louis James
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1982|2|18}}
| birth_place       = New York City, U.S.<!--As per WP:LINKDIRECT and Template:infobox person, birth/death place indicates city, state, then country. No need to spell out "United States; 'U.S.' is fine.-->
| genre             = [[East Coast hip-hop]]
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Rapper
* songwriter
* actor
}}
| discography       = [[Juelz Santana discography]]
| years_active      = 1994–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Skull Gang Entertainment|Skull Gang]]
* [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]]
* [[Diplomat Records|Diplomat]]
* [[Entertainment One Music|E1]]
* [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-A-Fella]]
}}
| current_member_of = 
| past_member_of    = {{flatlist|
* [[The Diplomats|Dipset]]
* [[Skull Gang]]}}
| spouse            = {{marriage|Kimbella Vanderhee|2019|2022|end=separated}}
{{Infobox person
| child = yes
| children = 4
| website           = 
}}
}}

'''LaRon Louis James Sr.''' (born February 18, 1982),<ref>{{cite web |title=Juelz Santana |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/JuelzSantana/profile/ |website=HotNewHipHop |date=February 28, 2020 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/juelz-santana-mn0000084458|title= Biography|last=Kellman|first=Andy|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 17, 2009}}</ref> better known by his stage name '''Juelz Santana''', is an American rapper and member of now-defunct [[hip-hop]] group, [[the Diplomats]] (also known as Dipset). He is best known for his appearances on group cohort [[Cam'ron]]'s 2002 singles "[[Oh Boy (Cam'ron song)|Oh Boy]]" and "[[Hey Ma (Cam'ron song)|Hey Ma]]", which peaked at numbers four and three on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], respectively. His guest appearance on [[Chris Brown]]'s 2005 debut single, "[[Run It!]]" peaked atop the chart for five weeks and received [[RIAA certification|triple platinum]] certification by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA).<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/60639/browns-run-it-sprints-to-no-1 | title=Brown's 'Run It!' Sprints to No. 1| magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]}}</ref> As a lead artist, he is also known for his 2005 single "[[There It Go (The Whistle Song)]]", which peaked at number six on the chart and received [[RIAA certification|platinum]] certification by the RIAA.

"There It Go" served as lead single for his debut studio album, ''[[From Me to U]]'' (2003), which was met with mixed critical response, along with his second album, ''[[What the Game's Been Missing!]]'' (2005). Both released by [[Def Jam Recordings]], the albums both peaked within the top ten—at numbers eight and nine, respectively—of the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. With Dipset, he has released three albums, and with his spin-off group [[Skull Gang]], he released [[Skull Gang (album)|one studio album]] (2009). His 2009 single, "[[Back to the Crib]]" (featuring Chris Brown) was intended to lead his third album ''Born to Lose, Built to Win'', which remains unreleased.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/erich-donaldson/video-juelz-santana-reveals-lil-wayne-is-executive-producing-born-to-lose-built-to-win|title=Video: Juelz Santana Reveals Lil Wayne is Executive Producing "Born To Lose, Built To Win"|date=December 5, 2012|website=Complex.com}}</ref> His guest performances on [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] and [[Ron Browz]]' 2008 single "[[Pop Champagne]]", and [[Lloyd Banks]]' 2010 single "[[Beamer, Benz or Bentley]]" both peaked within the top 50 of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 as well.

In December 2018, James was sentenced to 27 months in prison for carrying an unconcealed weapon at an airport. He was released early from prison on August 5, 2020, after serving 19 months of his 27-month sentence.

== Early life ==
James was born in [[New York City]] to [[African-American]] parents. He was raised in the [[Sugar Hill, Harlem]] section of Manhattan and began rapping at the age of five. He cites a live-in [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]] godmother as a strong influence on his early upbringing.<ref>{{Citation |title=Juelz Santana on Growing Up in Harlem in the 90s: Seeing the Drug Dealers Shaped Us (Part 1) | date=October 26, 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khHgrTKYIyU |language=en |access-date=February 7, 2023}}</ref>

== Career ==
=== Beginnings (1994–2001) ===
At 12, James formed the rap duo, Draftpick, with Malik, a neighborhood friend. The group first gained recognition after several performances around New York City, including Amateur Night at the [[Apollo Theater]], where they won two weeks in a row. The two got signed to [[Priority Records]] when James was 15 years old.<ref name="Def Jam">{{cite web|url=http://www.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.php?artist_id=518|title=Biography|publisher=Def Jam|access-date=March 21, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060203090601/http://www6.defjam.com/site/artist_bio.php?artist_id=518|archive-date=February 3, 2006}}</ref> They released one single on the label, "Play Ruff", with [[Memphis Bleek]] and [[Tracey Lee]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.discogs.com/Draftpick-Play-Ruff/release/1179960 |title = Draftpick – Play Ruff| website=[[Discogs]] | date=1999 }}</ref>

In 1998, James was introduced to [[Cam'ron]] through his cousin,<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://agencyforartists.com/roster/juelz-santana/ |title = Juelz Santana &#124; Agency for Artists}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/the-diplomats |title = The Diplomats}}</ref> and shortly thereafter, took on the name Juelz Santana and became a member of his hip hop collective, [[The Diplomats]], alongside [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] and [[Freekey Zekey]].<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p471030|pure_url=yes}}|title=Juelz Santana > Biography|last=Kellman|first=Andy|year=2005|publisher=allmusic|access-date=March 21, 2009}}</ref> Santana's first collaboration with the group was the [[Trackmasters]] remix of "What Means the World to You", followed by the tracks "Double Up" and "All the Chickens", on Cam'ron's second studio album, ''[[S.D.E. (album)|S.D.E.]]'', released on September 19, 2000, through [[Epic Records]].

=== ''From Me to U'' (2002–2003) ===
In 2001, Cam'ron signed to [[Roc-A-Fella Records|Roc-a-Fella]] Records<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1451301/camron-is-set-to-blow-with-roc-a-fella/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104021453/http://www.mtv.com/news/1451301/camron-is-set-to-blow-with-roc-a-fella/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 4, 2020 |title = Cam'ron is Set to Blow with Roc-A-Fella| website=[[MTV]] }}</ref> and released his third studio album, ''[[Come Home with Me]]'', on May 14, 2002, which featured further collaborations with Santana, including "[[Welcome to New York City]]", "[[Hey Ma (Cam'ron song)|Hey Ma]]" and "[[Oh Boy (Cam'ron song)|Oh Boy]]", which earned Santana his first [[Grammy Award]] nomination for [[Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the 2003 [[Grammy Award]]s.

Cam'ron's signing also led to Santana signing a deal with Roc-a-Fella, under the imprint [[Diplomat Records]]. After four mixtapes, the group released their first album on ''[[Diplomatic Immunity (The Diplomats album)|Diplomatic Immunity]]'' on March 25, 2003, which debuted at number 8 on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 92,000 copies in its first week and eventually being certified Gold by the RIAA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71722/linkin-parks-meteora-crashes-chart-at-no-1 |title=Linkin Park's 'Meteora' Crashes Chart At No. 1 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=May 24, 2014}}</ref> Santana caused a minor controversy before the album's release when he described himself as a "young [[Mohammed Atta]]" on a leaked version of the track "I Love You", just months after the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/camron-4-1380851 |title = Cam'ron's Crew Defends 9/11 Lyric &#124; Nme| website=[[NME]] |date = August 27, 2002}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.okayplayer.com/music/dipsets-9-11-songs-juelz-santana.html |title = Revisiting Dipset's Complicated & Provocative Relationship with 9/11|date = September 11, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://bombmagazine.org/articles/verbal-diplomacy-juelz-santana-and-raps-response-to-9-11/ |title = Verbal Diplomacy: Juelz Santana and Rap's Response to 9/11 by Paul Devlin – BOMB Magazine}}</ref> In a retrospective, [[Complex (magazine)|Complex]] named the album one of the classic albums of the decade.<ref>{{cite web  | title = The Diplomats, Diplomatic Immunity (2003) – 25 Rap Albums From the Past Decade That Deserve Classic Status | url = http://www.complex.com/music/2012/12/25-rap-albums-from-the-past-decade-that-deserve-classic-status/dipset-diplomatic-immunity | publisher = Complex  | access-date = December 8, 2012 }}</ref>

On August 19, 2003, Santana released his debut album, ''[[From Me to U]]'', which peaked at number 8 in the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. The album was preceded by the mixtape, ''Final Destination'', released on June 17, 2003, and the single "[[Dipset (Santana's Town)]]", which peaked at number 70 on the ''Billboard'' Top 100, received a nomination for [[Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group]] at the [[46th Annual Grammy Awards|46th]] [[Grammy Award]]s.

=== ''What the Game's Been Missing!'' (2004–2006) ===
[[File:JuelzSantanHSJul05.jpg|thumb|left|James in 2005]]
Following disputes at the label between Cam'ron and Roc-A-Fella Records head [[Jay-Z]],<ref>{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-diplomats-to-release-new-album-for-first-time-in-14-years-748588/ |title = The Diplomats to Release New Album for First Time in 14 Years| magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date = October 29, 2018}}</ref> the Diplomats severed ties with Roc-A-Fella and [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]] and signed to independent label [[MNRK Music Group|Koch Records]]. The group released their second album, ''[[Diplomatic Immunity 2]]'', on November 23, 2004, with new members [[Hell Rell]], [[40 Cal.]], and [[J. R. Writer]].

On December 23, 2004, Santana released "[[Mic Check (Juelz Santana song)|Mic Check]]", the lead single from his sophomore album. The single peaked at number 35 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]].<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p471030|pure_url=yes}}|title=Juelz Santana > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles|publisher=allmusic|access-date=March 21, 2009}}</ref>

In April 2005, Santana announced that he had returned to [[Def Jam Recordings|Def Jam]] and signed a new joint-venture deal with them.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1500933/dip-set-poised-to-conquer-new-lps-from-camron-jim-jones-juelz-santana-on-tap/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104021404/http://www.mtv.com/news/1500933/dip-set-poised-to-conquer-new-lps-from-camron-jim-jones-juelz-santana-on-tap/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=January 4, 2020 |title = Dip Set Poised to Conquer: New LPS from Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana on Tap| website=[[MTV]] }}</ref> On May 29, 2005, Santana released the album second single, "[[There It Go (The Whistle Song)]]", which became his highest-charting single to date, peaking at number 6 on the Hot 100 and number 3 on the Hot Rap tracks charts. A third single, "[[Oh Yes]]", reached number 56 on the Hot 100 and number 8 on the Rap charts, and a fourth, "[[Clockwork (Juelz Santana song)|Clockwork]]" peaked at number 68. On June 30, 2005, Santana was featured on [[Chris Brown]]'s "[[Run It!]]", which went to number one on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] for five weeks.

On November 22, 2005, Santana released ''[[What the Game's Been Missing!]]'', his second album. Both the album and the single "There It Go" were certified Gold by the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Juelz%20Santana&format=&debut|title=RIAA – Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – January 04, 2015|work=riaa.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924151955/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=Juelz%20Santana&format=&debut|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref>

=== Unreleased ''Born to Lose, Built to Win'' album, ''Love & Hip Hop: New York'' appearances (2007–2016) ===
In 2007, rifts and disagreements between the various Dipset members was beyond repair and the group disbanded.<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1580638/juelz-santana-reveals-that-like-jim-jones-he-hasnt-been-speaking-with-camron-either/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708223705/http://www.mtv.com/news/1580638/juelz-santana-reveals-that-like-jim-jones-he-hasnt-been-speaking-with-camron-either/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=July 8, 2017 |title = Juelz Santana Reveals That, Like Jim Jones, He Hasn't Been Speaking with Cam'ron Either| newspaper=MTV News }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.defsounds.com/news/Was_camron_holding_juelz_santana_back |title=&#91;News&#93; Was Cam'ron Holding Juelz Santana Back? |access-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913011201/http://www.defsounds.com/news/Was_camron_holding_juelz_santana_back |archive-date=September 13, 2008 |url-status=dead }} DefSounds Accessed August 17, 2008.</ref> In August 2008, it was reported that Cam'ron had sold his contract to Def Jam for $2 million USD,<ref name="juelzsold">{{Cite web |url=http://www.defsounds.com/news/Juelz_santanas_contract_sold_to_def_jam |title=&#91;News&#93; Juelz Santana's Contract Sold to Def Jam |access-date=January 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911235755/http://www.defsounds.com/news/Juelz_santanas_contract_sold_to_def_jam |archive-date=September 11, 2008 |url-status=dead }} DefSounds. Accessed August 27, 2008.</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2008/08/camron-says-he-sold-juelz-santantas-contract-for-2-million/ |title = Cam'ron Says He Sold Juelz Santanta's Contract for $2 Million – XXL| date=August 2008 }}</ref> leaving Santana to form the hip hop collective [[Skull Gang]] and label imprint [[Skull Gang Entertainment]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/xxl-magazine/2008/12/juelz-santana-says-skull-gang-is-not-dipset/ |title = Juelz Santana Says Skull Gang is Not Dipset – XXL| date=December 8, 2008 }}</ref> The group released the mixtapes ''Takeover'' on September 19, 2008, and the Christmas-themed ''[[A Tribute to Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps]]'' with [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] on November 25, 2008, before their debut album, ''[[Skull Gang (album)|Skull Gang]]'', was released on May 5, 2009.

In 2008, Santana began working on his third album, ''[[Born to Lose, Built to Win]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22120/title.juelz-santana-says-lil-wayne-will-executive-produce-his-album|title=Juelz Santana Says Lil Wayne Will Executive Produce His Album|website=HipHopDX|date=December 5, 2012 }}</ref> Despite several single releases, including 2007's "The Second Coming" with [[Just Blaze]], 2009's "Mixin' Up the Medicine" with [[Yelawolf]] and "[[Back to the Crib]]" with [[Chris Brown (American singer)|Chris Brown]], the album was never released. During this time, Juelz' contributions to [[Lil Wayne]]'s ''[[Tha Carter III]]'' led to his third Grammy Award nomination, Album of the Year at the 2009 [[Grammy Award]]s.

In April 2010, Cam'ron and Jim Jones officially announced the end of their feud,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/miss-info-exclusive-camron-and-jim-jones-rebuild-friendship-jimmy-issues-public-apology/|title=MissInfo.tv » Miss Info Exclusive: Cam'ron and Jim Jones rebuild friendship, Jimmy issues public apology|access-date=March 11, 2015|archive-date=May 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170514214549/http://www.missinfo.tv/index.php/miss-info-exclusive-camron-and-jim-jones-rebuild-friendship-jimmy-issues-public-apology/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the Diplomats reunited for several singles after signing with [[Interscope Records]].{{citation needed|date=December 2023}} In 2011 and 2012, Santana made brief appearances on the first two seasons of [[VH1]] reality series ''[[Love & Hip Hop: New York]]'', alongside other Dipset group members and their significant others.{{citation needed|date=December 2023}}

On December 21, 2012, Santana announced the release of the mixtape ''[[God Will'n]]'', his first solo project in eight years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Homie|first=Big|title=Juelz Santana God Will'n Cover|url=http://rapradar.com/2012/12/21/juelz-santana-god-willn-cover/|work=[[Rap Radar]]|access-date=December 21, 2012|date=December 29, 2012}}</ref> It was released on January 14, 2013, with ''XXL'' later naming it the 9th best mixtape of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/12/the-25-best-mixtapes-of-2013/5/ |title=The 25 Best Mixtapes Of 2013 – Page 5 of 6 – XXL |publisher=Xxlmag.com |date=December 24, 2013 |access-date=June 16, 2015}}</ref> It was preceded by the singles "Bodies" featuring Lil Reese, and "Soft" featuring [[Fabolous]], [[Rick Ross]] and [[Meek Mill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/01/listen-juelz-santana-f-rick-ross-meek-mill-fabolous-soft|title=Listen: Juelz Santana f/ Rick Ross, Meek Mill & Fabolous "Soft"|author=Zach Frydenlund|work=Complex}}</ref> Santana also released music videos for "Nobody Knows" featuring [[Future (rapper)|Future]], "Awesome" featuring [[Wale (rapper)|Wale]], and "Everything Is Good" featuring [[Wiz Khalifa]], saying that he had shot music videos for every song on the tape.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22504/title.juelz-santana-has-a-video-shot-for-every-song-on-god-willn-reveals-mixtape-features|title=Juelz Santana Has A Video Shot For Every Song On "God Will'n," Reveals Mixtape Features|website=HipHopDX|date=January 11, 2013}}</ref> A month later, Santana announced his collaboration with Queens-based clothing brand collective, S.B.O.E (Slow Bucks Over Everything), with the release of the mixtape ''All We Got Is Us''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22794/title.juelz-santana-announces-all-we-got-is-us-mixtape|title=Juelz Santana Announces "All We Got Is Us" Mixtape|website=HipHopDX|date=February 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/04/juelz-santana-reveals-release-date-for-all-we-got-is-us-talks-other-projects-and-drops-gems|title=Juelz Santana Reveals Release Date for "All We Got Is Us," Talks Other Projects and Drops His Usual Gems|author=Julian Kimble|work=Complex}}</ref>

In November 2016, Santana joined the supporting cast of ''[[Love & Hip Hop: New York]]'' in its seventh season, releasing the freestyle "Up In The Studio Gettin Blown".<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/juelz-santana-up-in-the-studio-gettin-blown-freestyle-new-song.1972002.html |title = Juelz Santana – up in the Studio Gettin Blown (Freestyle)| website=HNHH | date=November 22, 2016 }}</ref>

=== Dipset reunion and ''Love & Hip Hop: New York'' comeback (2017–present) ===
On November 21, 2017, Santana, Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Freekey Zekey reunited onstage for a performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.bet.com/article/ty4e8o/dipset-reaffirms-legendary-status-during-nyc-reunion |title = Dipset's NYC Reunion is Proof Diplomatic Immunity Outweighs Beef| website=[[BET]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-diplomats-nyc-concert-rap-caviar-asap-mob-8046284|title=The Diplomats Reunite to Takeover NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom for Spotify's Rap Caviar Live Showcase|website=www.billboard.com|date=November 22, 2017|access-date=April 2, 2018}}</ref> In 2018, the group went on a national tour, ''Dipset Forever'',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sohh.com/camron-announces-new-dipset-forever-reunion-tour-dates/|title=Cam'ron Announces New Dipset Forever Reunion Tour Dates –|first=Rosario|last=Harper|date=April 24, 2018|website=www.sohh.com|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/04/jim-jones-unveils-dipset-forever-tour-dates/|title=Dipset Are Going on Tour This Summer – XXL|first=Peter A.|last=Berry|website=XXL Mag|date=April 20, 2018 |access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref> and released their third album, ''[[Diplomatic Ties]]'' on November 22, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/the-diplomats-announce-new-album-diplomatic-ties-and-release-date-news.61644.html|title=The Diplomats Announce New Album "Diplomatic Ties" & Release Date|website=HotNewHipHop|date=October 8, 2018 |access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopwired.com/768156/jim-jones-announces-release-date-for-diplomats-reunion-album/|title=Jim Jones Announces Release Date For Diplomats Reunion Album|date=October 10, 2018|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.stereogum.com/2023922/dipset-reunions/franchises/status-aint-hood/ | title=The Two Competing Dipset Reunions| date=November 28, 2018}}</ref>

In November 2018, Santana returned to ''[[Love & Hip Hop: New York]]'' as a main cast member for its ninth season, which chronicled his ongoing legal struggles.

== Personal life ==
On November 23, 2018, Santana proposed to urban model and [[video vixen]] Kimbella Vanderhee during the Diplomats show at the Apollo Theater.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2018/11/24/juelz-santana-kimbella-engaged/|title=Juelz Santana Proposes to Kimbella Onstage|work=Rap-Up|access-date=November 25, 2018|language=en-US}}</ref> They married on January 10, 2019, and separated in December 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/juelz-santana-wife-kimbella-split-up|title=Juelz Santana's Wife Kimbella Reveals Couple Have Called It Quits|date=December 30, 2022|website=HipHopDX.com}}</ref> They have three children together while he also has a son from a previous relationship, born in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cliffviewpilot.com/rapper-juelz-santana-gets-probation-in-assault-on-englewood-good-samaritan/|title=Rapper Juelz Santana gets probation in assault on Englewood good Samaritan|work=Cliffview Pilot}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/juelz-santana-cannot-live-kimbella-bail|title=Juelz Santana Reportedly Cannot Live with Kimbella While Out on Bail – EBONY|date=April 16, 2018|access-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=https://www.empireboobookitty.com/2016/11/how-many-kids-does-juelz-santana-have/|title=How Many Kids Does Juelz Santana Have? - EMPIRE BBK|first=Empire BBK|last=LLC|date=November 29, 2016|access-date=May 10, 2018}}</ref>

=== Legal issues ===
In January 2011, Santana's recording studio in [[Bergenfield, New Jersey]], was raided after a 10-month investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and Gang Unit. They discovered two loaded 9&nbsp;mm handguns, boxes of [[ammunition]] and 84 grams of [[marijuana]].<ref name="hiphopdx.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22688/title.juelz-santana-sentenced-to-two-years-probation-for-threatening-neighbor|title=Juelz Santana Sentenced To Two Years Probation For Threatening Neighbor|website=HipHopDX|access-date=January 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504065108/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22688/title.juelz-santana-sentenced-to-two-years-probation-for-threatening-neighbor|archive-date=May 4, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On February 2, 2011, Santana was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a handgun without a permit, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.<ref>[http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2011/01/22/22564912.aspx Daily News – : Police Raid Juelz Santana's Studio, Find Guns and Weed]. Allhiphop.com. Retrieved on August 16, 2011.</ref> On March 22, 2011, Santana missed a performance at [[Chris Brown (American entertainer)|Chris Brown]]'s record release party when he was stopped and searched by police.<ref>[http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2011/03/24/22623258.aspx Daily News – : NYPD Search Causes Juelz Santana To Miss Chris Brown Release Party]. Allhiphop.com (March 24, 2011). Retrieved on August 16, 2011.</ref> In November 2011 he was charged with making terrorist threats and disorderly conduct.<ref name="hiphopdx.com" />

In March 2018, Santana fled [[Newark Liberty International Airport]], leaving his passport, identification and luggage behind after [[Transportation Security Administration]] Officers examining his carry-on luggage found a loaded .38-caliber handgun inside of his bag, as well as eight [[oxycodone]] pills. After going on the run for three days, Santana turned himself into the custody of the [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department|Port Authority Police Department]] on March 12.<ref>Ortiz, Keldy; and Kanzler, Kaitlyn. [https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/crime/2018/03/12/rapper-juelz-santana-appear-court-monday-afternoon-weapons-drug-charges/415826002/ "Rapper Juelz Santana will remain in jail on weapons charges"], ''[[The Record (Bergen County)]]'', March 12, 2018. Accessed March 15, 2018. "Rapper Juelz Santana will likely remain in jail for the next two weeks, after he turned himself in to Port Authority police early Monday on charges he brought a loaded gun to Newark Liberty International Airport. The Totowa resident, whose birth name is LaRon James, allegedly fled the airport Friday after the gun was found in his carry-on luggage."</ref> On March 26, Santana was denied bail.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/juelz-santana-denied-bail-report-news.46541.html|title=Juelz Santana Denied Bail: Report|website=HNHH |date=March 27, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref>

Santana was released from custody on April 6, 2018, when his mother posted $500,000 bail after putting her house up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/juelz-santana-has-been-released-from-jail-according-to-camron-news.47315.html|title=Juelz Santana Has Been Released From Jail According To Cam'ron|website=HNHH |date=April 6, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/05/juelz-santana-charged-attempting-bring-gun-on-airplane/|title=Juelz Santana Charged With Attempting to Bring Gun on an Airplane – XXL|website=XXL Mag|date=May 2, 2018 |access-date=May 3, 2018}}</ref> He was ordered to remain in the custody of his mother and remained on house arrest at his mother's residence in New Jersey while he awaited a federal trial. He was later allowed to travel and perform with the rest of [[The Diplomats]] on their 2018 reunion tour, under the condition that his mother accompanied him at all times.<ref name="auto" /> On December 18, Santana was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/12/19/juelz-santana-two-years-prison | title=Juelz Santana reportedly sentenced to two years in prison}}</ref> Santana began serving his sentence at the medium security [[Federal Correctional Complex, Petersburg|FCI Petersburg]] in [[Hopewell, Virginia]] on March 1, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.bop.gov/mobile/find_inmate/byname.jsp#inmate_results |title = BOP: Federal Inmates by Name}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.49558/title.juelz-santana-finalizes-plea-deal-in-airport-gun-case |title = Juelz Santana Begins 27-Month Prison Sentence|date = March 2019}}</ref> Santana was released from prison early on August 5, 2020, after serving 19 months of his 27-month sentence.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/juelz-santana-is-coming-home-today-news.115545.html|title = Juelz Santana is Coming Home Today| website=HNHH | date=August 5, 2020 }}</ref>

== Discography ==
{{Main|Juelz Santana discography}}
'''Studio albums'''
* ''[[From Me to U]]'' (2003)
* ''[[What the Game's Been Missing!]]'' (2005)
* ''The Last Lap'' (TBA)

== Filmography ==
* ''[[State Property 2]]'' (2005)
* ''[[Killa Season (film)|Killa Season]]'' (2006)
* ''Kiss and Tail: The Hollywood Jumpoff'' (2009)<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1415214/ Kiss and Tail: The Hollywood Jumpoff  (Video 2009)]. IMDB.com</ref>
* ''The Project'' (2011)<ref>Paine, Jake. (September 13, 2010) [http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12209/title.the-project-starring-juelz-santana-comes-to-dvd-september-14 "The Project" Starring Juelz Santana Comes To DVD September 14 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales]. HipHop DX. Retrieved on August 16, 2011.</ref>
* ''Video Girl'' (2011)
* ''[[Love & Hip Hop: New York]]'' (2016–2019)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Juelz Santana}}
{{The Diplomats}}
{{Def Jam}}
{{Roc-A-Fella Records}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Santana, Juelz}}
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American rappers]]
[[Category:21st-century American male rappers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male rappers]]
[[Category:American prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Def Jam Recordings artists]]
[[Category:East Coast hip-hop musicians]]
[[Category:Hardcore hip-hop artists]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American male actors]]
[[Category:Hispanic and Latino American rappers]]
[[Category:Male actors from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Musicians from Teaneck, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Totowa, New Jersey]]
[[Category:People from Harlem]]
[[Category:Rappers from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Rappers from Manhattan]]
[[Category:Roc-A-Fella Records artists]]
[[Category:The Diplomats members]]
[[Category:Participants in American reality television series]]
[[Category:21st-century American rappers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Manhattan]]