Juelz Santana (born LaRon Louis James on February 18, 1984) is an African-American and Hondorian rapper from Harlem, who is best known for his "featured" status on Cam'ron's 2002 hits, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma".
Juelz 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; in 1998, he became the Vice President of the Diplomats. He is now signed as a solo artist to DipSet but unlike the rest of the diplomats, who are signed to kosh records, he is signed to Def Jam
He was voted #2 in the VIBE Vixen top 50 sexiest rappers behind T.I. at # 1.
He is well known for the controversy over his words about the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks, "I worship the late prophet/The great Mohammed Omar Atta/For his courage behind the wheel of the plane/Reminds me of when I was dealing 'caine".(The August 2nd New York Post called the lyrics "detestable.") "I didn't say nothing bad about September 11th," says Juelz. "I just stated the fact of Atta's courage. A lot of people are not willing to do what he did, and that's the same way I feel about my Diplomat family. I'd do anything for them, and he did anything for what he believed in."
Juelz's debut album, From Me To You, was released on August 19th, 2003, featuring the single "Santana's Town."
Santana is not related to the famous Mexican rock and roll and jazz-rock guitarist Carlos Santana.
External links
- Juelz Santana (official site)
- Rocafella Records (Record Label Site)
- Juelz Santana Fansite (unofficial)