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Until recently, when people said Juelz Santana’s name it was mentioned in the same breath as Cam’ron, Jim Jones or other members of the hip hop crew, the Diplomats. Now when we hear Santana’s name, he wants us to associate him with his newly created group, the Skull Gang.
In 2008, Santana formed the Skull Gang, which consists of members Rabb, Starr, Un Kasa, Deniro, Riq Rose and John Depp. Slated to release their self-titled mixtape this month, this is the first of two mixtapes the group will release, in addition to Juelz’s upcoming solo mixtape, The Reagan Era — a precursor to his anticipated Def Jam album, Born to Lose, Built to Win.
Santana spoke to rolling out about his new group, and reveals the industry mainstay who gave him advice after he learned that Cam’ron had sold his contract to Def Jam for a reported two million dollars. –sheena neal
What business practices will you take away from your affiliation with The Diplomats that you will or will not apply to your new connection with the Skull Gang?
… As far as my artists go, I’ll definitely be more [open] with communication by respecting other people’s decisions and by not acting like I’m better than others. I’m not gonna be afraid to see them shine. I’m willing to sit down and negotiate with them when the time is right. I want them to feel comfortable.
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Are you worried that the Skull Gang thinks that you’ll put your career ahead of theirs?
No, because I treat every project like it’s my project. Right now people are asking for my project but I’m doing every thing that I can to promote them. They know that I’m not the type of guy who would hold them back because of selfish reasons.
After hearing that your contract was sold to Def Jam, was there anyone in the industry who gave you advice or words of wisdom?
Busta came and hollered at me and [encouraged] me to keep my head up. He’s inspiring because he’s got a lot of energy and has lasted in the game for so long.
What are the top three reasons your move to Def Jam was a good look?
1. Because I’m wiser, a lot older, more mature and I know what I want. My plan is sculptured.
2. I got a lot of good people around me … that will help me reach my full potential …
3. And just because I’m that n—-.
