On this day in 2003, Harlem’s own The Diplomats—led by Cam’ron—released their debut album, Diplomatic Immunity, on Roc-A-Fella Records/Def Jam. The album arrived at a pivotal moment, shortly after Dame Dash appointed Cam’ron as the President of Roc-A-Fella Records, solidifying Dipset’s presence in the game.
Following the success of Cam’ron’s Come Home With Me, Diplomatic Immunity introduced the full Dipset roster to the world, including Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Freekey Zeekey, Un Kasa, and Hell Rell. With production from Heatmakerz, DR Period, and a then-rising Kanye West, the album’s signature use of old soul samples set Dipset apart, crafting a unique sound that helped build their cult-like following. By the time the album hit shelves, Hell Rell was already incarcerated, adding to the crew’s street-hardened reputation.
Packed with timeless tracks like “I Really Mean It,” the anthemic “Dipset Anthem,” the club-friendly “Hey Ma,” and the Master P-assisted “Bout It Bout It… Part I,” the album made an undeniable impact. While it debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200 with 92,000 first-week sales, its legacy far outshined its commercial numbers. By 2005, the RIAA certified it Gold, cementing its place in Hip Hop history.
Salute to Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, Freekey Zeekey, and Hell Rell for delivering this classic!