The Diplomats, as far as a crew is concerned, can be looked at as this generation of hip-hop’s Wu-Tang Clan, Boot Camp Clik, or any other strong crew that made a impact in hip-hop. While the music of the Diplomats may not be compared to the Wu or BCC in terms of a classic catalog, you have to be honest as their presence in hip-hop right now is quite strong. Just think of the fashion, the slang, the Harlem swagger, and much more as why many of the new generation of hip-hop fans file their allegiance with the Dips. Even though most Dipset fans give all the respect to Cam'ron, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zekey (and the other soldiers with JR Writer, 40 Cal, Hell Rell and Jha Jha), there is one man by the name of Duke Da God that makes the Dipset movement more than music.

Being the A&R for the Diplomats, Duke Da God is definitely a big decision maker in plenty of the projects released from the New York collective. While the big three of business is perceived to be Cam, Jimmy and Freekey; Duke may not be as visible but definitely calls some big shots for his family. Duke has lots to get off his chest. Is Koch really a graveyard, did Cam'ron really body Nas, 50 Cent and Mase? Or how about Duke’s opinion on Cam’s appearance on “60 Minutes”? What about his new album? If you thought New York hip-hop was dead, it's not and Dipset currently runs it according to Duke Da God.

HHDX: First off, how you began your position with the Diplomats?
Duke Da God: I grew up with Cam so when he was doing the music thing I was always there. I used to roll with him back in the day and I always stuck with Cam. Eventually, he got his record deal, dropped the album and he put his crew together - the Diplomats. I was right there helping him along the way with all the hard work and the grind.

HHDX: What about Jim (Jones)? How far you go back with him?
Duke Da God: I go back with Jim years ago too. I knew Cam first, but I knew Jim too back when we was young. Jim used to be on the strip in my building so it goes way back and again he was right there with the beginning of the Diplomats.

HHDX: Dipset is doing there thing right now, how you feel about the impact ya’ll made on hip-hop culture?
Duke Da God: It’s real good you know just like the fashion, the slang, and just us being us. Our powerful movement definitely feels good to be influential in our community and also the hip-hop community. Continued on page 2 »