Okay, Okay, Okay, ya’ll can’t fuck with me no way…. is the line dipset lieutenant Juelz Santana made famous on the Diplomats first release Diplomatic Immunity. With the follow up album, Diplomatic Immunity 2 the Diplomats made some changes to their business of making gangsta music. Watching the success of Jim Jones’ solo debut On My Way To Church prompted the dipset to strike another deal with independent label Koch Entertainment to release their follow up effort, their previous release was through Roc-a-Fella. It’s all about expanding for the better for the Diplomats. And no one is changing and expanding more than Juelz Santana. The prince of the dip set is making moves for the better, in both his professional and personal life.

His solo debut From Me To U didn’t impact the game the way he wanted but Juelz plans to change that the second time around with his next solo release, which is set to drop in April of 2005 through Roc-a-Fella. But right now the change begins with the Diplomatic Immunity 2 album. For the 22-year-old new father it’s time to build for the future, now more than ever. MahoganyGirl talks to S.A.N.T.A.N.A about this gangsta music, the movement, single life, family, and everything inbetween. Our favorite capo, Jim Jones even makes a guest appearance on this one… Let’s say it together shall we… Dip Set. Dip Set. Dip Set. Dip Set. Dip Set. Dip Set…

MahoganyGirl: What’s Up Juelz.
Juelz Santana: What’s Up Ma.

MG: How are you doing?
JS: I’m good.

MG: Talk to me about the new single “S.A.N.T.A.N.A”?
JS: It’s pretty much saying 'I’m back. I’m here.' It’s like a welcome back type thing.

MG: What made the Dip set as a unit want to make the move to Koch Records?
JS: We saw what Jim was doing with his deal and his album and we was like, ‘We can go independent and get money.’ Cause we gonna be Dip Set regardless. Rather we on a major label or not. They [Roc-A-Fella] didn’t understand the movement. Dip set is a movement. If we do what we do and sell without the majors through mix tapes and all that why stay and deal with the bullshit of a major label.

MG: Word. The independent thing is taking over…
I know the focus right now is Diplomatic Immunity 2 but what’s up with your second solo album?
JS: I’m working on it now. I already got like 160 songs done.

MG: That’s a lot. Will this release be on Koch or do you still have a solo deal to fulfill with Roc-A-Fella?
JS: It’ll be on Roc-A-Fella. It should be out around April Fools 2005.

MG: What did you learn after the release of From Me To You?
JS: I learned a lot, you know. I let everybody be in control of that album. I was confused; I was scared to do anything. I didn’t want to pick a single or nothing. I just let everybody else have control. This time around I’m going to be more hands-on with my album and 100% on top of the promotion and marketing of it.

MG: Do you think you got too comfortable in your situation?
JS: Yeah. I got too comfortable. And now I got a son so that made me grow up. I got scared cause I don’t want him to have to worry about anything so I have to get things straight for him so he can be comfortable. I don’t want him to ever want for nothing.

MG: I feel you. How old is your son?
JS: He’s one.

MG: How old are you now Juelz?
JS: 22.

MG: I was talking to Remy Martin recently and I hear that you guys are good friends…
JS: Yeah, she’s cool. She comes around… She’ll smoke and all that. She’s like one of the fellas. She’s a real cool girl.

MG: So are you single these days.
JS: Yeah. I’m single.

MG: I know the Dips are about business. You got anything new jumping off these days?
JS: I just built a studio. It’s for different artists to work in.

MG: That’s cool. A few months back there was the situation with Jim Jones, Cam’rom and Mase during that infamous Hot 97 interview. I know you weren’t directly involved but what was your opinion on that situation?
JS: I don’t know the guy [Mase] like that and I don’t have history with him but ain’t nobody gonna come back and say they run Harlem. We run Harlem.

MG: Any last words Juelz?
JS: Diplomatic Immunity 2 coming November 23. Then look out for Cam’s album and Jim Jones got a new video coming too.

[Jim Jones Makes A Guest Appearance]

MG: Whut up Jim Jones capo status.
Jim Jones: Whats up sweetheart.

MG: On My Way To Church is doing well for you. How does it feel to get all this love with your first solo release?
JJ: It feels real good.

MG: What made you and Cam move the entire Dip Set to Koch?
JJ: Me and Killa just decided we gonna start milking the game for what its worth you know.

MG: Juelz was telling me that the Diplomat’s sampling style on tracks was the one complaint that you guys get from fans about your music.
What can people expect on this album as far as beats go?
JJ: Diplomatic Immunity 2 is not your average album. We’re trying to evolve with our production. Like with my album, there were no big named producers on there.

MG: What’s going to be the next single off your album?
JJ: Crunk muzik.

MG: Alright I have to ask. What’s the status of the Mase situation… Is it over and done with now?
JJ: Yeah, I just had a lot of stuff to get off my chest. I needed to put some things out there. Shout out to the reverend. [Low laugh]

MG: [Laughs] So you knocked off any new kufi’s lately?
JJ: Nah. I still got my list though.

MG: [Laughs] I’m curious. Who’s on the kufi list?
JJ: I won’t say but it’s like a Christmas list. You may not know you’re on there but sometimes you get a gift.

MG: [Laughs]

- [ LS ] -