Dipset's NYC Reunion Is Proof Diplomatic Immunity Outweighs Beef
The likelihood of a Dipset reunion seemed unfathomable after the Harlem super group was marred by the never-ending feud between Cam’ron and Jim Jones. From throwing subtle jabs at one another to publicly airing out their personal grievances, the brothers in rhyme appeared to be destined to remain on the outskirts of reconciliation.
However, as 2017 would have it, the seemingly impossible is never quite out of reach with the seminal group’s demise simply being overstated.
On Tuesday night (Nov. 21), the iconic Harlem quartet of Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Jim Jones, and Freekey Zekey took to the stage of the renowned Hammerstein Ballroom to gift fans with a memorable night of Dipset's coveted sound, in part with Spotify's Rap Caviar. Throughout the course of the night, the New York staple was slowly but steadily filled to capacity with Diplomat loyalists eager to see the resurgence of Harlem's finest. But, before the likes of Cam and Jim could bless the mic, the show was a full-on of barrage of New York's most promising talent.
Kicking things off with performances from A-Boogie and Don Q, fans were taken on an excursion to rap's birthplace, the Bronx. The burgeoning emcees boasted their melodic chemistry as they riddled off the bars of "Money Sprung," a standout track off Boogie's debut album The Bigger Artist. But the Highbridge artist's true shining moment was blindingly clear during his performance of "Drowning" as a sea of fans attempted to capture photos of the bedazzled rapper.
Shorly afterward, the larger-than-life A$AP Mob took the stage with a high-energy rendition of "Yamborghini High," complete with sonic booms, smoke and fluorescent lights. Donning a yellow down jacket, A$AP Rocky made his reverence for his fellow Harlemites abundantly clear. "Before we get into this, been waiting my whole life to share this stage with Dipset," the 29-year-old said. "I'm a real jiggy n***a. N****s was wearing pink at 12 and all that." The Mob then went on to ring off a handful of hits, including "Work,"
"Flacko Jodye" and "Walk On Water," which served as a fitting tribute to the late A$AP Yams.
It wasn't until half past 11 p.m. that any true sign of Dipset's resurgence became clear. Ahead of the celebratory night, the group took to Instagram on Monday (Nov. 21) to bask in the anticipation of their inevitable reunion. "I know that joint sold out tomorrow night," Jim says into the camera with Cam and Juelz in peripheral view. "Church tomorrow in New York city, you heard. We pulling up. "
And a religious experience it in fact was. Starting off their set with the boisterous raps of Juelz, the crowd was ignited into a full-on uproar as the bandanna bandit riddled off his collection of hits. From notables like "Chea" and "Beamer, Benz or Bentley" to "Santana's Town," it was clear that Juelz still hasn't missed a beat or lost his penchant for bedazzled belts and luxury furs.
Shortly afterward, Jim joined the stage to relate his own broastful one-liners ― but, not without first paying tribute to close friend and partner in rhyme Stack Bundles. Capo's gruff delivery of bangers like "Certified Gangstas" and "Summer In Miami" sent a wave of a nostalgia throughout the crowd as fans attempted to capture photos of his swaggy aesthetic. Yet the sea of fans before him had yet to reach their threshold as they awaited the arrival of none other than Killa Cam.
Shortly before midnight, The Program rapper joined his fellow Diplomats on stage sporting a neon leather jacket adorned with metal fixings that was surely hard to miss. Alongside Jones, Cam rattled off a Rolodex of his most notable songs, including "Down & Out," "Get Em' Girls" and "Suck It Or Not." Killa was undeniably in the zone as he flexed his lyrical muscle, so much so that he prolonged his set for just a few more moments ahead of the group's joint performance.
Kicking things off with "Crunk Muzik," it was clear that the seminal group was simply having a good time as they vibed in their own element. Their unofficial rallying cry "Dipset Anthem" sent the crowd into a frenzy as hands instrinsically levitated into the air.
Unfortunately, the group's set was cut short promptly at midnight ― but, not without a few parting gifts. Juelz, of course, gifted one lucky fan with a pair of customized Timbs in true NY fashion. Jones, on the other hand, settled for a speech of sorts. "This ain't a reunion," he told the crowd as they began to depart. "This communion." And so it was.
Check out footage from last night's epic performance below.