In a recent revelation, hip-hop artist Juelz Santana has opened up about the real reasons behind his fractured relationship with Cam’ron and the subsequent demise of their group, Dipset. The famed group, once a dominant force in hip-hop during the early 2000s, has faced internal strife that has left its members pursuing solo careers, with Cam’ron collaborating with fellow artist Mase on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, while Santana and Jim Jones have taken different paths.
In an interview, Santana reflected on the group’s history and the circumstances that led to their fallout. He pointed to a particularly tumultuous moment in 2007 when he and Jones appeared on stage with 50 Cent during a feud between 50 Cent and Cam’ron. This act reportedly caused a rift in loyalty, but Santana believes the issues run deeper than that.
A significant point of contention arises from Santana’s past struggles with substance use, specifically his use of lean, a combination of codeine and soft drinks. Cam’ron has previously stated that he cut ties with Santana due to his lean consumption, but Santana suggests that such a claim oversimplifies a complex relationship. He remarked, “For him to tell y’all the reason he stopped speaking to me for drinking scissor, that’s like baby saying I don’t mess with Wayne no more ’cause he was drinking scissor.” He emphasized that his use was occasional and not indicative of an addiction.
Santana expressed disappointment in Cam’ron’s narrative, suggesting that it was a convenient excuse for the rapper to maintain his image. He elaborated that both he and Cam’ron have faced personal challenges, implying that the focus on his lean use was an unfair portrayal. “It’s just kind of shocking to me that he would say that,” Santana remarked, indicating that he felt Cam’ron was avoiding deeper questions about their friendship.
Additionally, he pointed out the challenges the group faced during Cam’ron’s two-year hiatus to care for his ailing mother. Santana acknowledged this situation but questioned whether it was fair for Cam’ron to expect the rest of the group to remain inactive during that time. “We kept the bird in the sky,” he said, emphasizing that the remaining members had to continue their careers while Cam’ron took a step back.
The fallout among the group has sparked discussions about loyalty, friendship, and the pressures of the music industry. Santana expressed a hope for reconciliation, citing the deep connections they once shared. “At the end of the day, if something happens to Cameron, Jim and Joels will be upset,” he stated, highlighting the bonds that transcend their professional disagreements.
As the members of Dipset continue on their separate journeys, fans are left to ponder whether the group will ever find its way back together. The complex dynamics of friendship, loyalty, and personal struggles reveal that even the strongest bonds can be tested in the world of hip-hop. As Santana’s story unfolds, many are hopeful that time can heal these old wounds and allow for a reunion of the iconic group that defined a generation.