Mike Jones (rapper)
Mike Jones | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 18, 1981 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation | Rapper |
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Known for | "Still Tippin'", "Back Then", "Who Mike Jones?" |
Michael Allen Jones (born November 18, 1981) is a rapper originating from Houston, Texas. In the early 2000s, he signed with the regional label Swishahouse and achieved widespread recognition with his 2004 hit single "Still Tippin'" featuring Slim Thug and Paul Wall, which made an appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His next release, "Back Then" (2005), reached number 22 on the same chart. Both tracks were awarded platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and preceded his first studio album, Who Is Mike Jones? (2005), which climbed to number three on the Billboard 200. That year, Jones also contributed to T-Pain's successful single "I'm 'n Luv (wit a Stripper)", which peaked at number five on the Hot 100.
His sophomore album, The Voice (2009), adopted a more mainstream sound. Although it received mixed critical feedback, its singles "Next to You" and "Cuddy Buddy" featuring Trey Songz, Lil Wayne, and Twista managed to chart on the Hot 100. Jones is widely recognized for his signature phrase "Who Mike Jones?" frequently used in his music and marketed through merchandise displaying his phone number.
Early life
Initially aiming for a career in the NBA, Jones pursued basketball alongside rapping. Due to multiple school changes, he was only able to compete in YMCA leagues after ninth grade. He eventually left high school and worked various jobs, including employment at a Compaq factory and selling cell phones from his apartment on Antoine Drive. According to his business associate T. Brown, Jones sold "dime bags" for approximately six months before dedicating himself fully to music.
Early career
Jones launched his music career in 1999 as part of the group Souf Folk under the stage name Sache, releasing one album titled Country Thuggin. In 2001, he established his own independent label, Ice Age Entertainment, beginning his solo journey by independently promoting and distributing his work. Subsequently, he signed with the Southern hip hop label Swishahouse, associating with artists such as Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and Chamillionaire. DJ Casual played a key role in providing Jones with early radio exposure.
2004–2007: Who Is Mike Jones? and The American Dream EP
After the single "Still Tippin'" gained significant radio play in 2004, Jones secured a major recording contract with Jive Records and Warner Bros.. His follow-up single "Back Then" earned Platinum certification, marking his first officially certified hit. On April 19, 2005, he released his debut album, Who Is Mike Jones?, which also attained Platinum status and remains his highest-selling project.
Following his departure from Jive Records, Jones entered into a distribution agreement with Asylum Records for Ice Age Entertainment. In September 2006, he released the single "Mr. Jones", which reached #92 on the Billboard charts. The song's visibility increased after a freestyle rendition by Lil Wayne. In 2007, Jones announced plans for both an EP and a film titled The American Dream. The EP’s second single, "My 64" featuring Bun B and Snoop Dogg, debuted at number one on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. The EP itself entered the Billboard charts at position #183.
2008–2009: The Voice
On November 27, 2007, Jones introduced "Drop & Gimme 50" featuring Hurricane Chris as the leading single from his sophomore album, The Voice. Subsequent singles from the album included "Cuddy Buddy", which peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Next To You", which entered the chart at #63. The full album The Voice was released on April 28, 2009, debuting at #12 on the Billboard 200 with initial sales of 25,000 units during its first week.
2012–2020: Hiatus, unreleased Where Is Mike Jones? and WHO!Print projects, mixtapes
Jones took a break from music between 2010 and 2011, attributing this pause to monetary conflicts with his former label Asylum Records, alleging withheld earnings. He announced his comeback on August 20, 2012, revealing he had completed the album Where Is Mike Jones? and was developing its successor titled WHO!Print, along with plans for the mixtape Ballin Underground 2.
On October 31, 2013, he dropped the mixtape Back Ballin' Underground. In an interview conducted in August 2014, Jones elaborated on his forthcoming album Where is Mike Jones? and the mixtape Money Train, also unveiling a new distribution agreement with Atlantic Records designed to enhance revenue streams. On December 28, 2014, he released the single "3 Grams", featuring collaborations with Slim Thug and Yung Duece.
Jones followed up by releasing the Money Train mixtape on January 1, 2015. Shortly after, on February 5, he announced via Instagram that he was working on a sequel mixtape titled Money Train: Reloaded.
2021–present: Unreleased Guap Season album
In September 2021, Jones entered into a new contract with RBC Records for the release of his third studio album, Guap Season, which was slated for a 2022 launch. However, as of 2025, this album has yet to be released.
Feuds
A parody video uploaded to YouTube on February 10, 2007 depicted Chamillionaire shooting Jones, igniting controversy between the two artists. By late 2008, their conflict had diminished significantly. In 2010, Chamillionaire publicly issued an apology to Jones during a live performance, officially resolving their dispute.
Discography
Studio albums
- Who Is Mike Jones? (2005)
- The Voice (2009)
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | H-Town | Self | Tv-MA (Streaming on Peacock) |
| 2007 | The American Dream | Himself | Autobiographical film |
| 2007 | Furnace | Detective James Fury |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Punk'd | Himself | |
| Prison Break | Darius Morgan | ||
| 2006 | Wild 'n Out | Himself | Team Captain & Performer |
| The Andy Milonakis Show | Guest star | ||
| 2007 | The Game | Guest star |