Jewell (singer)
Jewell | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jewel Lynn Caples 12 June 1968 |
| Died | 6 May 2022 (aged 53) |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, songwriter |
| Years active | 1991–2022 |
| Known for | Contributions to 1990s West Coast hip-hop; vocals on The Chronic, Doggystyle, All Eyez on Me; "First Lady of Death Row Records" |
Jewel Lynn Caples (June 12, 1968 – May 6, 2022), professionally known as Jewell (), was an American vocalist and songwriter celebrated for her unique contributions to 1990s West Coast hip-hop. She gained recognition through collaborations with influential figures such as N.W.A, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg.[1] Her vocal work on iconic albums like The Chronic, Doggystyle, and All Eyez on Me secured her status as a central presence in the West Coast hip-hop scene of the 1990s.[2] As a solo performer, Jewell achieved chart success with her 1994 interpretation of Shirley Brown's 1974 hit "Woman to Woman," which appeared on the Billboard Hot 100.[3] She is often hailed as the celebrated "First Lady of Death Row Records."[4]
From 1992 through 1997, Jewell contributed vocals to projects by Death Row artists, including Dr. Dre (The Chronic), Snoop Dogg (Doggystyle), and Tupac Shakur (All Eyez on Me), alongside various soundtracks produced by the label. Her most prominent individual achievement was the 1994 cover of "Woman to Woman," which peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 16 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[5]
Jewell parted ways with Death Row between 1998 and 1999 amid financial difficulties and legal disputes involving CEO Suge Knight,[6] resulting in a downturn in her recording output throughout the 2000s. In October 2011, she released her autobiography My Blood My Sweat My Tears, disclosing that her connection with Knight had obstructed further recording opportunities.[7] A companion soundtrack was launched alongside the book.[8]
Health issues and death
In 2019, Caples was admitted to hospital after collapsing during a visit to a Walmart, though the underlying cause was not disclosed. During an interview in October 2021, she revealed she had been given a prognosis of six months to live and hurried to complete her final album, Love + Pain = Musik. In March 2022, she experienced two hospitalizations due to a "lung injury illness," during which medical staff drained eight pounds of fluid from her heart, legs, and lungs. Caples passed away at age 53 on May 6, 2022.
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 200 | US R&B | ||
| Black Diamond | — | — | |
| Love + Pain = Musik |
|
— | — |
Compilation albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US 200 | US R&B | ||
| My Blood My Sweat My Tears: The Soundtrack |
|
— | — |
As lead artist
| Year | Single | US | US R&B | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | "Love or Lust" | — | — | Deep Cover |
| 1994 | "Woman to Woman" | 72 | 16 | Murder Was the Case |
| 1994 | "Gonna Give It To Ya" (feat. Aaron Hall) |
— | — | Above the Rim |
As featured artist
| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "For the Love of Money" (Yomo & Maulkie with Jewell) |
1991 | Are U Xperienced? |
| "Let Me Ride" (Dr. Dre with Snoop Dogg and Jewell) |
1992 | The Chronic |
| "Foe tha Love of $" (Bone Thugs-n-Harmony featuring Eazy-E and Jewell) |
1994 | Creepin on ah Come Up |
| "Thug Passion" (2Pac featuring Jewell) |
1996 | All Eyez on Me |
| "Body and Soul" (O.F.T.B. featuring Jewell) |
1997 | Gridlock'd |
| "Just Dippin'" (Snoop Dogg with Dr. Dre and Jewell) |
1999 | No Limit Top Dogg |
| "I Love TNO" (Won-G featuring Jewell [as Ju-L]) |
2001 | No Better than This |