Skull Gang
Poised to become a strong force in hip hop to be reckoned with, Def Jam Platinum Recording Artist, Juelz Santana is definitely campaigning to become the hottest Rapper in 2009.
In 2002, Santana stepped onto the music scene with an introduction by veteran Rapper, Cam'Ron. Selecting him as one of the Founding Members of The Diplomats a/k/a DipSet, Santana's musical debut, "Oh Boy" let listeners know that he was serious about his craft. Moving onward, Santana's debut album, From Me To You grossed well over 300,000 copies while signed to Diplomat Records/Roc A Fella/Def Jam Recordings.
In 2005, Santana came out with his Sophomore Album entitled, What The Game's Been Missing. With hit singles such as "There It Go (The Whistle Song)" and "Oh Yes", Santana set the tone with his tight lyrics. Selling well over 1 Million copies of his second album, the corporate world came knocking on his door. Sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Santana also embarked upon a Summer/Fall Tour with the likes of R&B Crooner Chris Brown; Rap Phenom Lil Wayne; R&B Group Cherish; Rap Group D4L and others.
It was during this particular tour that Santana and Lil Wayne birthed the idea of the I Can't Feel My Face Mixtape. Highly anticipated by ALL, the mixtape was leaked and downloaded by millions of fans. Realizing the supportive outpour of fans and their joint love for the two, Santana and Lil Wayne had decided to take their efforts a step further. Collaborating on well over fifty (50) songs together, the two are still planning on a joint release in the new future.
In 2006, Santana landed an exclusive endorsement deal with South Pole Clothing where he was THE face behind their Lot 29 Urban Apparel Line. Assisting the company gross millions of dollars in sales, Santana continued with a four season stint with the company. Inspired to develop his own line for trendsetters such as himself, he and his Mother Deborah James created his own line, Royelz. A sneak preview of the line was featured in VIBE Magazine. Designed for the fashion forward male, the line is still in its development stages.
In 2007, Santana inked a commercial deal with NIKE where he produced the lyrical content behind the Fortune 500's Commercial Campaign for the 25th Year celebration of the company's Airforce 1 Sneaker featuring the likes of Kobe Bryant; LeBron James; Vince Carter; and more.
Entangled in a recording contract with Cam'Ron, Santana let it be known that he reached his highest potential under the Diplomat's Leader and sought a release from his deal. With litigation efforts that took well over two years to complete, Santana was unable to record music for distribution. So during this time, he caught the acting bug and made his film debut in The Project, an independent movie about two documentary filmmakers who wanted to capture the street lifestyle of Santana's character. The film was featured in the 2008 Slamdance Film Festival in Aspen, Colorado. To date, Santana has received great reviews from Industry Filmmakers about his role in The Project and he continues to hone his craft while looking for his next role.
In addition to acting, Santana toured and made his first European debut on the Juelz Santana featuring JR Writer & Freakey Zeekey Tour where the three DipSet Artists performed in countries such as Amsterdam; Rotterdam; Norway; Switzerland; Sweden; Spain; the UK; and more.
In addition to acting and touring, Santana also put together his own label. Unable to record, he then scouted and created his own cabinet of musical members now notoriously known as the SKULL GANG (street kids united by loyalty & loot). Grooming his new crew for well over a year, members Richmond Rab; Starr; Unkasa; John Depp; Deniro; and Riq Rose, the group is most known for their mixtape downloads by the millions entitled, Juelz Santana Presents "Takeover: Skull Gang". Skull Gang will make their album debut in February of 2009 on Koch Records.
2009 is shaping up to be the biggest year in Santana's career. With his own click in tact; a new contract with Def Jam Records; and seasoned acting skills, Santana's will definitely let it be known that his nomination for BEST in every category will not go unnoticed. His third album, Born to Lose Built to Win.
In his spare time, Santana loves to spend time with his son; coach his Ultimate Fight Club Team; and Bowl. And on the community tip, Santana is extremely active with the Entertainers 4 Education Organization where he encourages teens to stay in school and graduate.
