Jim Jones Interview with HipHopDX

Who is Jim Jones? That’s a question this week’s release of Jones’ fourth solo effort, Pray IV Reign, next week’s five-day run of the theatrical production based on the album, Hip Hop Monologues, and next month’s unveiling of a new documentary film detailing Joseph Guillermo Jones’ rise to rap stardom, This Is Jim Jones, all seem to be working in coordination to answer for fans who are still getting to know Jim Jones after a few short years as a solo artist, and for those still scratching their head trying to figure out how Cam’ron’s onetime Lieutenant became the Captain of their now fractured Diplomats crew.

Much like his forthcoming bio-doc can show to some a sympathetic figure - someone who survived growing up in the projects in a family plagued by drug addiction and AIDs to reach the heights of Hip Hop success – and to others the very walking, talking definition of what is wrong with contemporary get-money-at-all-costs Hip Hop, the "Dipset Capo’s" recent discussion with HipHopDX seemed to simultaneously reveal the good and bad sides of Jim Jones.

An emcee who to some possesses one of the most uninspired flows in the history of Hip Hop (who openly acknowledged during his discussion with DX that he believes business acumen should supersede skill on the mic) is to others an authentic, simple-and-to-the-point street narrator inspiring those that are struggling like he once struggled to grind towards the good life that has been shamelessly showcased in Jones’ two biggest hits, “We Fly High” (a.k.a. “Ballin’!!!!”) and “Pop Champagne.”

But whether revered or reviled, Jones is clearly an impressive hustler to anybody with eyes to see. In addition to albums, movies and books, he even has a workout DVD on his ’09 itinerary [“I been a fan of getting in shape for some time now,” Jim told DX].
But sometimes the Harlem hustler’s incessant drive to achieve more has created unintended consequences.

And while speaking with DX, Jones candidly conceded that his “52 fake out” strategy to make he and Cam’ron both bigger and richer stars backfired.

Jimmy also addressed recent allegations of bad business on both he and Cam’s parts, explained why he pulled Rick Rubin crafted tracks from his new album, what role Dame Dash has in Capo’s business endeavors, and most importantly who the real Jim Jones is.

Interview Here