Jim Jones disappointed with "Capo" results

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

While Jim Jones is sure Capo will be one of the best albums released this year, he thinks it could have been better. Despite the album being put together to fill an obligation, Jones still had different plans. The album will be Jones' final release under E1 (formerly Koch Records), before he moves with Diplomat Records to Interscope.

Jim Jones did not even want to release the album on April 5, he wanted to give it more time. Jones felt if he had more time, the album could have had better marketing and promotion. Still, Jim Jones is not too upset because his album is "super dope." But, he feels things could have been better if it were not for the label politics.

But, being on a label as big as E1, Jim Jones had to comply with their rules. Throughout the year, more hip hop albums will be released in other time slots. Jim Jones decided to be the bigger person and go ahead and release his album, so the other artists on the label could have proper time. Jones said sometimes you have to sacrifice your art in order to please the label boss.

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Jim Jones projected to sell 18,000 copies First Week with "Capo"

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Before he was a rapper, Jim Jones was noted for his savvy business skills. He helped negotiate the deal that landed Diplomat Records a deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. This deal resulted in Cam'ron taking home a platinum plaque. Soon, Jim Jones decided he also wanted to rap.

Jones released his first three albums on Koch Records (now E1) and his third album, Hustler's P.O.M.E., made him famous. While he was a recoding artist for Koch, Jim Jones was also an A&R for the major label, Sony Records. Soon, Jones deicded the next major artist he would land was himself.

But, following an unsuccessful release with Sony, Jim Jones decided to complete his contract with E1 Music. Currently, Jones is promoting his final E1 album, Capo. Following the release of Capo, the next album from Jim Jones will be released through Interscope Records. But, his current album is projected to sell between 15,000 and 18,000 copies in its first week.

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Jim Jones talks Dr. Dre, Diplomats reunion, and New Music

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Following the way Jim Jones and Cam'ron treated each other for nearly two years, it shocked fans when they reunited. Early in 2007, a feud erupted between Cam'ron and 50 Cent. Cam'ron's crew, which includes Jim Jones and Juelz Santana, ended up taking sides and they sided with 50 Cent.

Cam'ron spent one year away from the spotlight while Jim Jones began dissing Cam'ron. Late in 2008, Cam'ron returned with a new outlook on life. His tone changed, now focusing solely on making more money. Cam'ron even reached out to Jay-Z, understanding where he comes from and respecting his hustle.

Reunited, the Diplomats raised more eyebrows when they landed a distribution deal with Interscope Records. Their move comes right after 50 Cent left Interscope on bad terms. Now, Cam'ron reaps the benefits of trading lyrics with Eminem over Dr. Dre beats. Jim Jones recently discussed working with the rejuvenated doctor.

Jones said he, along with Cam'ron and Juelz Santana, have recorded several songs produced by Dr. Dre. He joked of how Dre does not trust him with their beats. After recording the songs, Dr. Dre has taken the songs and is keeping them to himself until the albums are ready. Jones said Dr. Dre is a teacher in the studio, helping him pronounce his words better to perfect the rhyme. Jim Jones said they were immediately linked up with Dr. Dre and Eminem when the contracts were signed.

Speaking on Cam'ron, Jones announced he would appear on "Getting to the Money," a single off his upcoming Capo album. The Capo release will be Jim Jones' final independent release. His Interscope debut will be released on the 4th of July. Jones said he returned to E1 because if his deal with Sony did not turn out right, he was contractually obligated to record his next album with E1. Plus, Jim Jones did better numbers with then-Koch Records, than he did on Columbia Records.

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The Diplomats announce Tour Dates

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Having been reunited for a little over a year, The Diplomats are making major moves. Last year, the crew landed a distribution deal with Interscope Records. This followed years of deals with Def Jam, Koch, and Sony.

Finally with an exclusive home, The Diplomats have worked with Dr. Dre and are preparing to release their new albums. With everything looking up for the crew, they have decided to re-connect with their fans.

While they are waiting for Jimmy Iovine to finalize their deal, The Diplomats will strike out on a nine city tour to meet their fans again. The tour will include Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and newcomer Vado. The tour will also serve as a means of promotion for Jim Jones' Capo album. Jones' release will be the first release from Diplomat Records under the Interscope umbrella.

Tour Dates

March 17, 2011: Chicago, Ill., The Congress Theater
March 18, 2011: Minneapolis, Minn., Epic
March 23, 2011: Buffalo, N.Y., Town Ballroom
March 24, 2011: Philadelphia, Penn., The Trocadero Theatre
March 25, 2011: Albany, N.Y., Northern Lights
March 26, 2011: New York, N.Y., Best Buy
April 7, 2011: Houston, Texas, Numbers
April 10, 2011: Austin, Texas, Emo's
April 16, 2011: San Diego, Calif., 4th & B

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Jim Jones releasing "Capo" on E1 instead of Sony

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

During the Roc-A-Fella days, Jim Jones began rapping, but he did not sign with the Roc. Instead, he established a deal with Koch Records and he released two albums with the label. His third album came in 2006 and made Jones a household name.

In 2006, Jim Jones was feuding with Jay-Z. Tired of the frequent disses, Jay-Z began responding. He boasted about how much money he makes and how many more records he sells. Jay-Z also scoffed at the fact that Jim Jones was on an independent label.

Jim Jones replied that he also had an A&R job with Columbia Records. Soon after the news was made public, Jones signed an artist deal with the label. He planned to release his next album through the imprint.

Ever since last year, Jim Jones has been recording, Capo, his fifth studio album. The album process has taken many wild turns. In a strange turn of events, Jim Jones has decided to release the album on his former label, Koch (E1) as opposed to Sony. Due to the relationship between Sony and Koch Entertainment, they have no issue in allowing Jones to do this.

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