Is Mike Prince Related to J Prince? The Truth About the Rap Cousins

If you are a fan of rap music, you might have heard of Mike Prince and J Prince, two influential figures in the hip hop industry. But are they really related? And what is their relationship like? In this article, we will explore the facts and rumors about the rap cousins and their impact on the rap scene.

Who is Mike Prince?

Mike Prince is a rapper, entrepreneur and cousin to Rap A Lot Records Founder James Prince Sr. He was born in Houston, Texas, and grew up in the Fifth Ward, a notorious neighborhood known for its poverty and crime. He started rapping at an early age and formed a group called The Convicts with his friend Big Mike. The group caught the attention of J Prince, who signed them to his label Rap A Lot Records in 1991.

The Convicts released their self-titled debut album in the same year, which featured controversial songs about prison life, violence and drugs. The album was well-received by critics and fans, but it also attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, who raided Rap A Lot’s offices and confiscated their records. Mike Prince and Big Mike were arrested on drug charges and faced up to 20 years in prison.

However, J Prince managed to get them out of jail by hiring a powerful lawyer and paying a hefty bail. He also helped them secure a deal with Death Row Records, the label founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre. Mike Prince and Big Mike moved to Los Angeles to work on their second album, but they soon encountered problems with Death Row’s management and artists. They felt mistreated and disrespected by Suge Knight, who allegedly threatened them with violence and withheld their payments. They also had beef with Tupac Shakur, who dissed them on his song “Hit ‘Em Up”.

Mike Prince and Big Mike decided to leave Death Row and return to Rap A Lot, but they faced another obstacle: their contract with Death Row was still valid and they could not release any music without Suge Knight’s approval. They tried to negotiate with him, but he refused to let them go. They also sued him for breach of contract, but the case dragged on for years.

Meanwhile, Mike Prince continued to rap under different aliases, such as Mr. 3-2, Lord 3-2 and The Governor. He also collaborated with other artists from Rap A Lot, such as Scarface, UGK, Devin the Dude and Z-Ro. He released several solo albums and mixtapes, such as Wicked Buddah Baby (1996), Fatt Domino (2000), The Wicked Baby Doll (2004) and The Governor (2016). He also founded his own label, Black Monopoly Records.

Who is J Prince?

J Prince is the founder and CEO of Rap A Lot Records, one of the most influential independent rap labels in history. He was born James Smith Jr. in Houston, Texas, and grew up in the Fifth Ward as well. He dropped out of school at 14 and started hustling on the streets to make money. He also developed a passion for boxing and became a promoter for local fighters.

He got into the music business in 1986, when he discovered a rap group called The Geto Boys, consisting of Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill. He signed them to his newly formed label Rap A Lot Records and helped them produce their debut album Making Trouble (1988). The album was a flop, but J Prince did not give up on them. He hired a new producer named DJ Ready Red and added a fourth member named Akshen (later known as MC Ren). He also changed the group’s name to The Geto Boys.

The Geto Boys released their second album Grip It! On That Other Level (1989), which featured raw and explicit lyrics about social issues, violence and horror. The album was a huge success in the underground rap scene and caught the attention of Rick Rubin, who signed them to his label Def American Recordings. Rubin remixed some of the songs from Grip It! On That Other Level and released them as The Geto Boys’ third album The Geto Boys (1990). The album included the hit single “Mind Playing Tricks on Me”, which reached number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

However, the album also sparked controversy for its graphic content and cover art, which showed Bushwick Bill being wheeled into an emergency room after shooting himself in the eye during an argument with his girlfriend. Many retailers refused to sell the album or censored it with stickers or black covers. J Prince defended his artists’ freedom of expression and fought against censorship.

J Prince continued to expand his label by signing more artists from Houston and other regions, such as UGK, Devin the Dude, Z-Ro, Big Mike, Do or Die, Tela, Yukmouth and many others. He also established Rap A Lot’s reputation as a powerful and respected force in the rap industry, by protecting his artists from threats and conflicts with other labels and figures, such as Suge Knight, Puff Daddy, Irv Gotti and the FBI. He also mediated peace between rival rappers, such as Scarface and Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., and Drake and Pusha T.

J Prince is also a philanthropist and community leader, who has donated millions of dollars to various causes and organizations, such as education, health care, sports, disaster relief and social justice. He has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and contributions, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Texas Music Hall of Fame, the Living Legends Award from the Urban Music Association of America, and the Key to the City of Houston.

Are Mike Prince and J Prince Related?

Yes, Mike Prince and J Prince are related. They are cousins from their father’s side. Their fathers are brothers who grew up in the Fifth Ward together. They share a close bond as family members and business partners. They have supported each other through thick and thin, and have collaborated on many projects over the years.

However, their relationship was not always smooth. They had some disagreements and misunderstandings in the past, especially during Mike Prince’s stint with Death Row Records. They also had different visions and styles for their music and careers. Mike Prince was more adventurous and experimental with his rap, while J Prince was more conservative and traditional. Mike Prince also had a more rebellious and outspoken personality, while J Prince was more reserved and diplomatic.

Despite their differences, they always respected each other and maintained their loyalty. They never let their issues affect their family ties or their rap legacy. They always showed love and appreciation for each other’s work and achievements. They also inspired and influenced many other rappers and entrepreneurs in the rap industry.

Conclusion

Mike Prince and J Prince are two of the most important figures in rap history. They are cousins who grew up in the same neighborhood and shared a passion for rap music. They both faced many challenges and obstacles in their lives and careers, but they overcame them with their talent, hard work and determination. They both created successful rap labels that shaped the sound and culture of rap music. They both contributed to the rap scene with their unique and innovative rap styles and messages. They both left a lasting impact on rap fans and artists around the world.

Mike Prince and J Prince are not only rap cousins, but also rap legends.

Doms Desk

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