Crime Pays

After breaking through with a gold-selling debut in the late 1990s, Harlem emcee Cam'ron quickly emerged as a leading figure in hip‑hop, just as the genre was reaching mass audiences for the first time. A platinum certified classic on Roc-A-Fella Records came a few years later, followed by the founding of iconic collective Dipset and the release of three more seismic solo albums over the course of the 2000s. The last entry in this historic run was 2009's Crime Pays, which drew praise from critics while also lighting up the Billboard charts, showcasing Cam's sonic evolution while proving his pen game remained unmatched. More than 15 years after its release, this vital collection is now receiving an official vinyl pressing for the first time ever. A perpetually underrated lyricist with transcendent rhyme mechanics embedded in his leisurely flow, Cam'ron is in peak form on Crime Pays, effortlessly walking listeners through the details of his fascinating life and times. With surprisingly modern production supplied by AraabMuzik, I.N.F.O., Skitzo, and more, this memorable album is an important chapter in the story of a truly essential artist.