In 2004, he released his solo debut album On My Way to Church. The release of his second album, Harlem: Diary of a Summer in 2005, coincided with Jones landing an executive position in A&R at Entertainment One Music. A year later he was on his third album Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment) (2006), which spawned his biggest single to date, "We Fly High". The song reached number five on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
In 2006, Jones also formed the hip hop group and label ByrdGang. The group released their debut album M.O.B.: The Album, under the newly found label in 2008. Jones followed up with his fourth solo album Pray IV Reign, which was released in March 2009, under Columbia Records. The album spawned the hit single "Pop Champagne". In April 2011, Jones released his fifth album, Capo, which was supported by the lead single, "Perfect Day". He returned on 31 May 2019, for his sixth studio album titled El Capo,[4] which featured the likes of Dave East, Rick Ross, among others. Early life
Jim Jones was born in The Bronx borough of New York City and was raised in Harlem. His mother, Nancy Jones, is Aruban while his late father, Joseph Guillermo Jones was Puerto Rican. Jim Jones was raised mainly by his maternal grandmother.[5] In an essay for Fader magazine, he stated that his mother would allow him to ride the train from their residence at 176th Street and Jerome Avenue to 110th Street and Lexington Avenue. He attended Catholic school but later began skipping church to loiter and play hooky at the train station. In Jim Jones' The Come Up DVD, Vol. 19, he tells his story about growing up with fellow rapper Freekey Zekey. Jones claimed he would stay at a store a block from the church he attended, and would go in and hang out with the owner; when the owner left, Jones said he took all the money in the register and the candy and would sell it in school; he was later expelled.[6]
Music career
2004–05: On My Way to Church and Harlem: Diary of a Summer
On My Way to Church is Jones' debut album. The album spawned two singles that made the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: "Certified Gangstas" (featuring Cam'ron, Bezel and The Game), which reached number 80, and "Crunk Muzik" (featuring his Dipset cohorts Cam'ron and Juelz Santana), which reached number 84. The album peaked at number 18 on the US Billboard 200 chart, number three on Billboard's Independent Albums chart, and number four on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[7]
Harlem: Diary of a Summer, Jones' second album, reached number five on the Billboard 200 and topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Independent Albums charts, selling 350,000 copies.[8] Three of its singles placed on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart: "Baby Girl", which reached number 58; "Summer Wit' Miami", which reached number 78;[9] and "What You Been Drankin' On?" (featuring Diddy, Paul Wall, and Jha Jha), which reached number 106.[10]
"We Fly High"
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2006–09: Hustler's P.O.M.E., Pray IV Reign and The Rooftop
Jones' third album Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment), was more commercial and once again featured Dipset members along with Lil Wayne. The album spawned Jones' biggest single to date,[when?] "We Fly High". Jones introduced a signature dance move in the "We Fly High" video, throwing up a fake jump shot every time the ad-lib "Ballin!'" was stated in the song. This dance move became so popular that it inspired Michael Strahan and Plaxico Burress to do the dance move after big plays during a Monday Night Football game in 2006.[11]
From 2006 to 2008, Jones released a collaborative album with his rap group ByrdGang, titled M.O.B.: The Album, which peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200, selling 16,000 the first week in stores and eventually selling 65,000 units. He has two Christmas compilation albums, A Dipset X-Mas and A Tribute To Bad Santa Starring Mike Epps, and a load of mixtapes, including Harlem's American Gangster, which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned his single "Love Me No More".
Jones' fourth studio album, Pray IV Reign, released March 24, 2009, was his major record label debut. The album peaked at number nine on the Billboard 200 chart. On July 8, Jones released a promotional single titled "The Good Stuff" featuring NOE.[12][13] The album features "Pop Champagne", producer Ron Browz, and Juelz Santana. A bonus track on the album is "Jackin' Swagga From Us" with Twista, NOE, and Lil Wayne, which takes shots at T.I. and Jay-Z for allegedly stealing their styles and mocking their song "Swagga Like Us".[14] It is his first solo album under Columbia Records. In 2009, Jim Jones became Vice President of Urban A&R at Koch Records, which is now E1 Music.[15] On June 11, Jim Jones appeared on BET's 106 & Park along with DJ Webstar and announced that they will be releasing an album together titled The Rooftop.[16] He also announced that his documentary, This Is Jim Jones, will be released June 30, 2009. The first single from the album is "Dancin on Me", featuring Juelz Santana. It was officially released via iTunes on April 28. On September 22, hip hop website, RapRuckus, stated the album was scheduled for an October 6, 2009 release. The second single is titled "She Can Get It".[17] In late 2009, Jones left Columbia. According to XXLMag.com, Jones signed a deal to release his next solo album on E1, as well as a mixtape.[18]
2010–present: Capo, Dipset reunion and Vampire Life series
The mixtape, titled The Ghost of Rich Porter, was released March 23, 2010. In April 2010, Cam'ron and Jim Jones announced they ended their feud.[19] On June 26, 2010 Jones reunited with Cam'ron and Juelz Santana on a track titled "Salute", marking the return of the Diplomats.[20] They have begun working on an album together, and have been reportedly working with Dr. Dre.[21] In 2010 it was confirmed that Jones had started up a new record label imprint with Damon Dash entitled Splash Records. On April 5, 2011 Jones' released his fifth studio album, Capo, on E1.[22] On November 3, Jones released a mixtape, titled Capo Life, to promote the album and celebrate the launch of his new website.[23] The lead single off Capo, "Perfect Day" featuring Chink Santana and LOGiC, was released on iTunes December 7, 2010.[24] The album is the first to feature Cam'ron since Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment). Other guest appearances include rappers Game, Lloyd Banks, Prodigy, Raekwon and R&B singers Rell and Ashanti among others, and features notable production from longtime collaborator Chink Santana, Aaron LaCrate, Wyclef Jean, Drumma Boy and Lamont "LOGiC" Coleman. The album peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200, selling 21,000 copies in its first week, making Capo his lowest charting album to date.[when?]
On October 1, 2011 when Funkmaster Flex premiered a song on New York City's Hot 97 titled "It Ain't My Fault" featuring rappers T-Rex, Boogie Black and Sen City, it was revealed that it was the first offering from Webstar and Jones' upcoming second collaborative effort The Rooftop 2.[citation needed] In the summer of 2011, he was featured on Randyn Julius "Party Tonight" with Teyana Taylor and fellow Dispet member Cam'ron.[25] On October 30, 2011, for the Halloween holiday, Jones released a mixtape titled Vampire Life: We Own the Night. The tape features twenty-four songs, including bonus tracks, freestyles and guest appearances from Meek Mill, J.R. Writer, Chink Santana, 2 Chainz, Maino, Yo Gotti and Jadakiss among others.[26][27]
On May 1, 2012 Jones released the second installment of his Vampire Life series entitled Vampire Life 2, it went on to be downloaded over 300,000 times on mixtape-sharing website DatPiff.[28][29] On March 11, 2013, Jones announced he was working on two new mixtapes V3 (Vampire Life 3) and The Ghost Of Rich Porter 2.[30] Vampire Life 3 was released on August 13, 2013.[31] On December 3, 2013, Jim Jones released an extended play (EP), titled We Own the Night. The EP was supported by the single "Nasty Girl", featuring American singer Jeremih. On June 24, 2014, Jones released a single titled "Wit the Shit", featuring American singer Trey Songz.[32] In July 2014, Jones revealed he would be releasing another EP, titled We Own The Night Pt. 2: Memoirs of a Hustler; it was released on September 9.[33][34]
On January 1, 2015 well known DJ Funkmaster Flex announced via Instagram that he had spoken to fellow Diplomat members Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Juelz Santana about an upcoming Diplomats mixtape which included fellow member Freekey Zeekey. He also stated that he would be hosting the mixtape along with DJs/producers DJ Khaled, Swizz Beatz and DJ Mustard.[35]
Other ventures
ByrdGang
ByrdGang
Genres Hip Hop, Rap
Years active 2006–2010
Labels ByrdGang, Asylum, M.O.B.
Past members Jim Jones
Max B
NOE
Hell Rell
Chink Santana
Freekey Zeekey
Stack Bundles (deceased)
Mel Matrix
Sen City
Trav
Shoota
HardLuck
Jones formed Byrdgang in 2006, composed of select members of Purple City Productions and Diplomat Records. The group released their debut album, M.O.B.: The Album on Asylum Records.[36]
Music video director
Throughout the early years of his music career Jones was known for being the hypeman of his group the Diplomats, but he was also shooting most of the music videos during their successful early career.[37]
Fashion designing
Through 2007 and 2008, Jones was known for creating the rapper rockstar style which was very popular at the time. He eventually created his own "Nostic" clothing label.[38]
In late 2011 Jones was thinking of a new clothing line, and in early 2012 made it official with his brand "Vampire Life", co-owned by Dame Dash.[39] The clothing line is sold throughout New York City, and Jones is looking to expand it worldwide.[40]
Acting career
Jones made his acting debut in the film State Property 2.He also appeared on the show Crash: The Series.[41] Jones played one of Marlo Stanfield's henchmen on Season 5, episode 8 of the critically acclaimed TV drama The Wire on HBO on February 24, 2008. Along with releasing the album Capo, Jones headlined in an off-Broadway musical called Hip-Hop Monologues: Inside the Life and Mind of Jim Jones, produced by Damon Dash and Footage Entertainment.[42]
Reality television
Jones also appears in seasons 1 and 2 of the VH1 show Love & Hip Hop: New York (which premiered March 14, 2011 and November 11, 2011, respectively); the show loosely follows events in his personal life and that of his fiancée, Chrissy Lampkin. Jones also stars in season 1 of the VH1 show Chrissy & Mr. Jones; the show follows him and Lampkin, focusing on their personal lives.
Sports management
Jones has his own freestyle inline skating team, Dipskate, which he plans to take to the X Games in the near future.[43]
In December 2017, he became part owner of the Richmond Roughriders of the American Arena League.[44]
Controversies
Tru-Life
According to an interview with Tru-Life in the June/July 2006 issue of Complex Magazine, rumors had spread that Tru-Life was referring to Jim Jones in his diss track "New New York". Jim Jones reportedly began calling several rappers and telling them that he had a DVD of Tru-Life disrespecting them. Tru-Life responded by calling Dipset bosses Cam'ron and Jim Jones "bitches."[45]
Jones responded by challenging Tru-Life to a brawl with US$50,000 at stake.[46] Months later, Jones told an interviewer that Tru-Life did not respond to the challenge, does not count in the rap industry, and lacked the money and heart to accept Jones' challenge.[47]
The argument continued into 2007, when Tru-Life released his DJ J-Love hosted mixtape titled Tru York with Dipset disrespect tracks and whose cover superimposes an image of Jim Jones' face over a swimsuit-clad Borat picture.[48]
Jay Z
Jones' dispute with Tru-Life may have stemmed from a dispute between Cam'ron and Jay Z, as Tru-Life was signed to Jay Z's Roc-La-Familia label at the time. Jim Jones has also criticized Jay Z's performance as president of Def Jam Recordings.[49]
Jay Z has since responded with a "diss" track called "Brooklyn High" over the beat from Jones' "We Fly High".[50] On December 1, 2006, BET's Access Granted debuted the video for Jones' "We Fly High" remix, with Diddy, Baby, T.I., Young Dro, and added Juelz Santana's verse from his response on the "We Fly High Beef Mix".
On December 21, 2008, Jones had an altercation with Jay Z's ex-associate, Vaughn "Jayvon" Smith, at a Louis Vuitton store on Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and turned himself in to the police shortly afterward. He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and was sentenced to time served – the few hours he was in custody after turning himself in to police in January. Jones' defense attorney, Scott Leemon, stated that Jones didn't start the fight but pleaded guilty because he did not want to risk probation – and potential touring restrictions – if convicted. Jones still faced a civil suit Smith filed after the incident. MTV reports: Smith is the brother of Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith, who works with Ne-Yo and the longtime best friend and colleague of Jones' lyrical nemesis, Jay Z. In February 2009, Ne-Yo stated on Power 106 radio in Los Angeles that Jones and Smith "have had drama in the past".[51][52]
Jayvon was shopping with Ne-Yo when the altercation occurred, and initial reports indicated that Jones' altercation was with Ne-Yo. However, it was later revealed that Jones did not get into an altercation with Ne-Yo; the false rumor was intended to increase tension.[51][52]
In 2017, the two rappers ended their rivalry and Jim Jones signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
Cam'ron
During this time, Cam'ron and Jones were not speaking to each other, leading to speculation that the group had broken up. However, despite admitting that he did not want to contact Jones, Cam'ron 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."[53] But 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".
ASAP Mob
In early 2014, Jim Jones criticized ASAP Mob for copying his fashionable style. In an interview with HNHH.com, he explained: "They weren’t from the street, they’re a good group of kids and they’re artistic, but they’re not from the street and their style is way different than what we do. It’s a little bit far out there for me. We got bonafide swag and the definition of get fly, ya dig? I’m not trying to disrespect them—A$AP Mob is doing it, they got their numbers and they’re doing what they like to do—but they’re nothing like the Diplomats. They didn’t come up hanging and banging and hustling and really touching the pavement, ya dig? It’s a big difference. We don’t wear kilts and we don’t wear tight sweatpants and funny sneakers. That’s not our style. Price point and high fashion don’t really make it cool. I’ll still go in Wal-Mart and come out and niggas will still think it’s Versace."[54] Angered by his comments, Juicy J provided additional vocals on ASAP Mob member ASAP Rocky's solo single, "Multiply", which in the end, took a subliminal shot at Jones. It says: "Fake ass niggas, you know what I'm sayin'? These niggas be out here, talkin' 'bout they [Jim Jones, Jadakiss and Styles P] them streets niggas and shit, but man... Niggas be gettin' extorted like a ma' fucker out here. You know what I'm sayin'?[55]
Previously, Jones and Rocky linked together for the track, "Freeze", which appeared on the ASAP Mob mixtape, 2012's Lords Never Worry.[56] Since then, the dispute between the ASAP Mob and Jim Jones seemed to have cooled down after a photo was posted on The Game's Instagram account showing the overall three rappers partying in a nightclub.[57]
Azealia Banks
In July 2012, a social media-related conflict between Jim Jones and rapper Azealia Banks had started after Banks dissed the rapper for getting more credit for her phrase "Vamp", as in Jones' mixtape series and label of the same name, Vampire Life, or his track "Vamp Life".[58] Enraged, Banks dissed Jim Jones again via a track titled "Succubi".
My My My
Jim Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(it's clear up here)
We coopin we must be inta trouble,
Some hard type shit that cost a quarter mill a pop
It makes me laugh ha, life is so ironic,
How I would get tha cash I become so iconable
Cop the fast cars that come with the trip tonic panel
I live the life that's filled with the jealousy
Where's the longevity
We in the place where best friends become enemies
And foul nigguhs got the tendency
You gotta watch what you wish for
I hope to god its on a switchboard
When I'm tryin to say a prayer and I'm callin' hope you listen lord
See its just my position lord
Gotta me smokin on this blunt while I'm lookin' at the sky
Make it rain so I know the doves cry.
[Chorus]
Lord do you hear me praying, when I'm lookin' at the sky
I hope you can hear what I'm saying
Its like my, my, my
I'm not really complaining, but it makes me wanna cry
I know you can see what I'm saying
Its like my, my, my
Its like my, my, my
Cause God ain't cryin' when the sky starts to rain
That must you and god in heaven poppin' champagne
And speakin' of the shams, remember in Miami
You got bent pussy it was your first trip wit me
We was goin' hard to many bottles up in free-vay
You was goin' crazy wit my Haitian man t-sway
Pass that on the twins I had teesh fer like three days
And I can't forget you're be-day
We had dead body tap we was deeper then aye
And now I'm just wishin' I could see a nigguh face
And they kill, bang bang, did you get it wit em yet
And its a damn shame because nigguhs still upset
Like chita chala god musta needed y'all
I think about the street dream saw how we were born
But now all I got is the memories of two great soldiers
That are dear friends of me
[Chorus]
To tell you both the truth, I ain't doin' the best
I'm tryin' to keep a positive mind movin' through the stress
I'm tryin' to stay afloat, they say I'm doin' the most
I'm doin' way to much I'm playin' death to close
I'm think bout the thought of goin' back to court
For the petty little games I really should avoid
But its the calculator risk on how we make the chip
Realizin' if I slip its a bottomless pit
If you'd a filled my shoes, would you walk a mile
Let the media tear you down and turn around and smile
I thank god that I'm alive to see a black president
We screamin' yes we can but that won't change the deficit
That ain't really even the best of it,
You catch me in the streets I will surly tell you the rest of it
[Chorus]
The first verse of "My My My" appears to be about the rapper's rise to fame and the riches that have come with it. He mentions being on top and the irony of how he became "iconable" after getting money. He talks about the fast cars and the jealousy that comes with living such a lavish lifestyle. The second half of the verse takes a darker turn and discusses the difficulties of living in a world where friends can become enemies and where violence is a constant threat. The rapper asks for help from a higher power, hoping that someone is listening to his prayers.
The second verse begins with a reflection on a past trip to Miami with a friend. The rapper recalls how much fun they had and how much they drank. However, the memories are bittersweet because the friend has since passed away. The verse ends with the rapper still struggling to deal with the loss and the stress of the life he leads. He talks about the risks he takes and the constant media scrutiny he faces. The mention of a black president and the deficit suggests that the song was written during Barack Obama's presidency.
Overall, "My My My" seems to be a reflection on the ups and downs of fame and the toll it can take on a person. The rapper is grateful for his success but also aware of the dangers that come with it. He is looking for guidance and hoping for a better future.
Line by Line Meaning
N they shootin, I must be on top
I'm in a position of power and influence, evidenced by the fact that others are trying to bring me down
We coopin we must be inta trouble,
Our confinement and loss of freedom suggest that we are facing serious problems or danger
Some hard type shit that cost a quarter mill a pop
These difficulties and risks are not easy, as they come with a high price
It makes me laugh ha, life is so ironic,
Despite the adversity, I find amusement in the way life works and its unpredictability
How I would get tha cash I become so iconable
By obtaining wealth, I have become well known and admired (iconic) by others
Cop the fast cars that come with the trip tonic panel
I have purchased flashy cars that have unique features that make them stand out
I live the life that's filled with the jealousy
My lifestyle garners envy from others, leading to tension and possible danger
Doomed from the start its like we born wit a felony
Our lives were never set up for success due to societal factors and systemic oppression
Where's the longevity
I am questioning the sustainability and permanence of my actions and success
We in the place where best friends become enemies
Our environment and situation can cause close relationships to turn sour and become antagonistic
And foul nigguhs got the tendency
Our surroundings breed negative and harmful behaviors and attitudes
You gotta watch what you wish for
Be careful what you desire, as it may come with unforeseen consequences
I hope to god its on a switchboard
I am hoping that my prayers and requests are being received and heard
When I'm tryin to say a prayer and I'm callin' hope you listen lord
I am reaching out to God with a plea for help and guidance
See its just my position lord
My current circumstances and status in life are what lead me to make these requests of God
Gotta me smokin on this blunt while I'm lookin' at the sky
I am smoking marijuana and contemplating my life and the world around me
Make it rain so I know the doves cry.
I want to see a manifestation of my prayers being answered, symbolized by the rain and the crying of doves
Lord do you hear me praying, when I'm lookin' at the sky
I am directing my prayers and requests towards God as I look up at the sky
I hope you can hear what I'm saying
I am hoping that my message and needs are being received and understood by God
Its like my, my, my
The intensity and importance of my situation and plea is emphasized by repeating 'my'
Cause God ain't cryin' when the sky starts to rain
The rain that I see is not a sign of God's sadness or sorrow, but perhaps something else entirely
That must you and god in heaven poppin' champagne
The rain could be interpreted as a celebration in heaven between humans and God
And speakin' of the shams, remember in Miami
Referring to a past event in Miami, which may have involved deception or fakery
You got bent pussy it was your first trip wit me
You got very drunk and acted irresponsibly on your first trip with me
We was goin' hard to many bottles up in free-vay
We were partying hard and consuming many bottles of alcohol at a club in Miami called 'Free-vay'
You was goin' crazy wit my Haitian man t-sway
You were dancing crazy with my friend from Haiti, T-Sway
Pass that on the twins I had teesh fer like three days
Pass that marijuana joint over to my friends, the twins, who I had not seen in several days
And I can't forget you're be-day
I remember and acknowledge your birthday
We had dead body tap we was deeper then aye
We experienced intense and possibly violent situations during our time together
And now I'm just wishin' I could see a nigguh face
I am missing and longing for a certain person's face, possibly someone we have lost
And they kill, bang bang, did you get it wit em yet
There are people around us who engage in violence and killing, and I am asking if the person I am addressing has experienced it as well
And its a damn shame because nigguhs still upset
It is sad and frustrating that people around us are still angry and unhappy, despite our experiences and lifestyle
Like chita chala god musta needed y'all
I am invoking a phrase that suggests that God had a reason for taking someone away from us
I think about the street dream saw how we were born
I am reflecting on our upbringing and early experiences in life
But now all I got is the memories of two great soldiers
Despite the challenges and losses we have faced, we have the memories of those who were once with us and who we respected highly
That are dear friends of me
These memories of great people are very important and meaningful to me
To tell you both the truth, I ain't doin' the best
To be honest with you, I am not doing very well
I'm tryin' to keep a positive mind movin' through the stress
Despite my difficulties, I am making an effort to maintain a positive, optimistic mindset and move past the stress
I'm tryin' to stay afloat, they say I'm doin' the most
I am trying to stay above water and keep myself together, though others may criticize or mock me for doing too much
I'm doin' way to much I'm playin' death to close
Some may view my actions as reckless and dangerous, as if I am flirting with death
I'm think bout the thought of goin' back to court
I am worried and anxious about the possibility of returning to court or facing legal issues again
For the petty little games I really should avoid
I may have engaged in small or insignificant actions that could lead to legal trouble, and I acknowledge that I should be more careful
But its the calculator risk on how we make the chip
There are calculated risks involved in how we make money and succeed in life
Realizin' if I slip its a bottomless pit
I understand that if I make a major mistake or fail, it could have severe consequences that lead to a permanent downward spiral
If you'd a filled my shoes, would you walk a mile
If you experienced my situation and life, would you be able to handle it and succeed?
Let the media tear you down and turn around and smile
I question whether others could handle the media and public scrutiny that have come with my success and choices
I thank god that I'm alive to see a black president
Despite my troubles and concerns, I am grateful for the progress and impact of the first black president of the United States
We screamin' yes we can but that won't change the deficit
While we may have hope and excitement for change and progress, the national debt and other major issues may not be easily solved
That ain't really even the best of it,
Even the positive and successful aspects of life may not be as good as they seem
You catch me in the streets I will surly tell you the rest of it
If you see me in person, I will likely share more details and thoughts on my situation and experiences
Its like my, my, my
Just as before, repeating 'my' emphasizes the intensity and magnitude of my situation and emotions
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JOSEPH JONES, TERAIKE CRAWFORD, AYINDE THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind