Juelz Santana (born LaRon Louis James on February 18, 1983) is an African-American and Dominican[1] rapper and producer from Harlem, New York, United States, who first became known for his "featured" status on Cam'ron's 2002 hits, "Oh Boy", and "Hey Ma".
Juelz Santana |
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Early career
Santana began writing rhymes at the age of 12. He was originally signed to Priority Records as one half a duo called Draft Pick. The group had several shows around New York City while together, including Amateur Night at the Apollo Theatre, where they won two weeks in a row. Some time after this, he was introduced to Cam'ron through a cousin. He is now signed as a solo artist to Diplomat Records/Def Jam Recordings. Also Juelz Santana was a member of the 9Tre bloods in harlem New York which has been stated in songs.
Juelz meets Cam'ron
Cam'ron was so impressed after hearing Juelz rap that he gave him a chance to rap a verse on the song "Double Up", which was featured on Cam's 2000 release Sports, Drugs, Entertainment (S.D.E.) on Untertainment Records.
The Diplomats
Juelz and Cam'Ron continued working together along with another Harlem rapper, Jim Jones as a group called The Diplomats. In 2001 Cam'Ron signed with Roc-A-Fella Records through an old friend, Dame Dash. Although most of this album was completed before The Diplomats moved on to Roc-A-Fella, Juelz was featured on many tracks on Cam'ron's album Come Home With Me In 2002 Juelz received more publicity with his featured spot on the songs "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma" off of Cam'Ron's 2002 release Come Home With Me. In 2003 Juelz went on to release his first solo album From Me To U. Despite selling 500,000 copies the album showed flashes of a star in the making.[citation needed]
From Me to U
In 2003 Santana released his first single album. Under Roc-A-Fella records he released From Me to U. Although this was a step in the right direction for his career the CD only had mild success and did not make a big impact in the music industry. The singles on the album are "Santana's Town", "Down", and "Rain Drops"
What the Game's Been Missing
In late 2005 Juelz released What the Game's Been Missing!. Unlike his debut, this album was greeted with rave reviews and an impressive first week sales figures.[citation needed] The album's success was propelled by the singles "There It Go (The Whistle Song)","Mic Check", and "Clockwork". To date the album has been certified platinum by the RIAA.
Born to Lose, Built to Win (The Reagan Era)
Santana explained that the album's title is reference to the time Ronald Reagan served as President of the United States (1981–1989), which is also the time period crack cocaine hit the streets of inner cities in the country like a plague.
"The Reagan era was the biggest crack era ever, and I feel like I am human crack in the flesh. When I say that I don't want people to confuse it. My music is so potent, you get addicted to it."[This quote needs a citation] Santana also said before the album he will be making a mixtape. The mixtape will be called Back Like Cooked Crack: Rehab.[citation needed]
I Can't Feel My Face
On Jan. 29 Santana revealed details about the upcoming album with Cash Money Records' star artist, Lil' Wayne.The collaboration, titled I Can't Feel My Face, is finished, according to Santana said that a recently leaked mixtape was "just a taste" of what he had in store with Lil Wayne
Juelz, also has a clothing store in his hometown of Harlem, New York called Santana's Town. Santana's Town is a family owned and run business managed by his mother Deborah James. The store is located at 1809 Amsterdam Ave between 149th and 150th.
Trivia
- Juelz appeared on The Game's One Blood (Remix)
- Juelz is on the Poppin' (Remix) by Chris Brown it also features Lil Wayne
- Shares the same birthday as Dr. Dre, and Chad Mangrum
- Juelz is single according to his recent interview with Vibe (February 2007)
- Juelz was featured on Paul Wall's Get Money, Stay True album, on a track entitled "I'm Real, What Are You".
Discography
Albums
| Album cover | Album information |
|---|---|
| File:4719-1148287845.jpg | From Me to U
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| File:Satanasophomorealbum.jpg | What the Game's Been Missing!
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Born to Lose, Built to Win (The Reagan Era)
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Collaboration Albums
| Album cover | Album information |
|---|---|
| |
I Can't Feel My Face
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Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Santana's Town" | - | 70 | - | From Me to U |
| 2003 | "Down" | - | - | - | From Me to U |
| 2005 | "Mic Check" | 37 | 53 | 12 | What the Game's Been Missing! |
| 2005 | "There It Go (The Whistle Song)" | 6 | 8 | 3 | What the Game's Been Missing! |
| 2005 | "Oh Yes" | 56 | 15 | 8 | What the Game's Been Missing! |
| 2005 | "Clockwork" | - | 68 | - | What the Game's Been Missing! |
| 2007 | "The Second Coming" | - | - | - | Born to Lose, Built to Win (The Reagan Era) |
Featured Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | "Oh Boy" Cam'ron (featuring Juelz Santana) | 4 | 1 | 1 | Come Home With Me |
| 2002 | "Hey Ma" Cam'ron (featuring Juelz Santana) | 3 | 7 | 4 | Come Home With Me |
| 2005 | "Run It!" Chris Brown (featuring Juelz Santana) | 1 | 1 | - | Chris Brown |
| 2006 | "We Fly High (Remix)" Jim Jones (featuring Diddy, Birdman, Young Dro, T.I., & Juelz Santana) | 5 | 4 | 1 | Hustler's P.O.M.E. |
| 2007 | "Emotionless" Jim Jones (featuring Juelz Santana) | - | - | - | Hustler's P.O.M.E. |
| 2007 | "White Gurl" E-40 (featuring Juelz Santana & UGK) | - | - | - | My Ghetto Report Card |