Mike Jones – Biography, Career, Discography and Filmography

Michael Allen Jones, known professionally as Mike, rose to national prominence in 2004 with the release of his breakout single “Still Tippin'” on Swishahouse, featuring Slim Thug and Paul Wall. The track peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following this success, Jones released his single “Back Then,” which reached number 22 on the Billboard charts. These singles served as the introduction to his debut studio album, Who Is Mike Jones?, released on April 19, 2005. The album achieved significant success, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 and earning platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Jones gained recognition for his distinctive catchphrase “Mike Jones, who?” (or “who is Mike Jones?”), which he frequently reiterated in his songs. He also became known for distributing shirts with his cell phone number printed on them, which became trademarks of his persona throughout his music career.

Early Life

Born on November 18, 1981, Mike is a native of Houston, Texas, USA. Originally aspiring to become an NBA player while pursuing rap on the side, Jones experienced frequent transfers between schools, limiting his basketball opportunities to YMCA leagues due to transfer rules after the ninth grade. Eventually dropping out of Booker T. Washington High School, he briefly worked at fast food establishments before finding employment at a Compaq plant and later selling cell phones from an apartment on Antoine Drive. During this time, Jones, along with his partner T. Brown, engaged in various financial endeavors, including a brief period of selling “dime bags” and primarily dealing with the buying and selling of “T-Mobile Sidekicks” at affordable prices.

Jones often visited his grandmother’s residence in the Studewood area of Houston, where he credits her with inspiring him to pursue a career in rap, encouraging him to utilize his real name, and offering ideas for songwriting, particularly for performances in strip clubs.

Early career Beginnings

Jones embarked on his musical journey as a member of the group Souf Folk, adopting the alias Sache. With Souf Folk, he released an album titled Country Thuggin’. In 2001, Jones took a pivotal step by establishing his own independent record label, Ice Age Entertainment, marking the beginning of his solo career in rap. He took charge of promoting and distributing his music independently, often targeting street corners and DJs at strip clubs to spread his music.

After catching the attention of Swishahouse A&R T. Farris, Jones secured a deal with the emerging southern record label Swishahouse. This move coincided with Swishahouse’s signing of other rising southern artists such as Slim Thug, Paul Wall, and Chamillionaire. Farris reminisced about signing Jones, expressing his admiration for Jones’s talent after hearing him on a partner’s mixtape. DJ Casual from Meridian, Mississippi, played a pivotal role in Jones’s early radio exposure, recognizing his potential and sharing his music with fellow DJs.

Musical Career Achievements

In 2004, following the success of his breakout single “Still Tippin'”, which gained significant radio play, Jones secured a major record deal with Jive Records and Warner Bros. Capitalizing on his newfound momentum, he swiftly released his second single, “Back Then”, which went on to achieve Platinum status, marking Jones’s first Platinum-certified single. 

On April 19, 2005, Jones unveiled his debut album, Who Is Mike Jones?, which proved to be a commercial triumph. Within just two months of its release, the album attained Platinum certification, eventually reaching double Platinum status. It remains Jones’s highest-selling album to date.

After parting ways with Jive Records, Jones opted for a distribution deal with Asylum Records for his label Ice Age. In September 2006, he dropped the single “Mr. Jones”, which debuted at #92 on the Billboard Charts. The track garnered additional attention when rapper Lil Wayne delivered a freestyle rendition on his mixtape “Da Drought 3”, titled “Sky is The Limit”.

On January 31, 2007, Jones announced plans for an upcoming EP and a movie, both titled The American Dream. Subsequently, on April 21, 2007, he released the second single from the EP, titled “My 64”, featuring Bun B and Snoop Dogg. The single made a notable debut at #1 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. Finally, on November 20, 2007, Jones unveiled The American Dream, which entered the Billboard charts at #183.

On November 27, 2007, Jones unveiled the debut single “Drop & Gimme 50” for his second solo album, titled The Voice. Featuring Hurricane Chris, the track aimed to build anticipation for the forthcoming album. 

Following this, on May 19, 2008, Jones dropped the album’s second single, “Cuddy Buddy”. This single gained traction on the Billboard Hot 100, making a noteworthy debut at #78.

On December 2, 2009, the third single from The Voice hit the airwaves. Titled “Next To You”, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 at #63. 

Finally, on April 28, 2009, Jones unleashed The Voice, his second solo album, to the public. The album made its debut on the Billboard 200 at #12, selling 25,000 copies in its first week.

Following a hiatus during 2010 and 2011, Jones announced his return on August 20, 2012. He attributed his absence to financial disputes with his former label, Asylum Records, alleging that funds had been misappropriated. Jones revealed that he had completed work on his next album, Where Is Mike Jones?, and was already focusing on its follow-up, titled WHO!Print. Additionally, he hinted at the release of a mixtape called Ballin Underground 2.

On October 31, 2013, Jones released a mixtape titled Back Ballin’ Underground, signaling his continued presence in the music scene and reaffirming his commitment to his craft.

On August 28, 2014, in an interview, Jones discussed his upcoming projects, including his album “Where is Mike Jones?” and his mixtape “Money Train.” He also revealed that he had signed a new distribution deal with Atlantic Records, emphasizing the label’s focus on financial success, stating, “It’s just a group of people who are all about making money and having money.” He expressed confidence that once people understood the concept of the “Money Train,” they would support it.

Shortly after, on December 28, 2014, Jones dropped a new single titled “3 Grams,” featuring appearances from Slim Thug and Yung Duece, building anticipation for his forthcoming projects.

Following up swiftly, on January 1, 2015, Jones released a mixtape titled “Money Train,” showcasing his versatile style and lyrical prowess. Just a month later, on February 5, 2015, he announced via Instagram that he was already working on another mixtape, titled “Money Train: Reloaded,” which would serve as a sequel to his previous release.

In September 2021, Jones made headlines again by announcing a new record deal with RBC Records, marking a new chapter in his career. This partnership was set to culminate in the release of his third studio album, “Guap Season,” scheduled to drop in May 2022.

Other Ventures

In addition to his music career, Mike Jones ventured into acting with a minor role in the Fox television series “Prison Break,” where he portrayed the character Darius Morgan, C-Note’s brother-in-law, showcasing his versatility beyond the realm of music.

Expanding his artistic endeavors further, Jones released his own movie titled “The American Dream” in 2007, in which he took on the lead role. The film drew inspiration from his own life experiences, offering audiences a glimpse into his journey and struggles.

Beyond entertainment, Jones also delved into entrepreneurship by launching his own line of Cognac called “House of Dobbe.”

Personal Life

Mike Jones has demonstrated his commitment to giving back to his community through various charity programs, such as Ice Age for Kids and The American Dream Foundation. These initiatives involved hosting community youth events and contributing substantial donations to support worthy causes, reflecting Jones’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond his music career.

In the midst of his career, Jones found himself embroiled in a public dispute with fellow Houston rapper Chamillionaire. The conflict stemmed from Chamillionaire’s critique of the Houston hip-hop scene’s lyrical quality, which Swishahouse, Jones’s former affiliation, perceived as a slight. This led to a series of diss tracks and verbal exchanges between the two artists.

The feud escalated when a parody video surfaced on YouTube depicting Chamillionaire shooting Jones, sparking controversy and further exacerbating tensions between the artists. However, by late 2008, the animosity had subsided, and Chamillionaire publicly apologized to Jones during a live performance in 2010, effectively bringing an end to their dispute and signaling reconciliation between the two rappers.

Discography

Studio Albums

2003 – 1st Round Draft Pick

2005 – Who Is Mike Jones?

2007 –  The American Dream

2009 – The Voice

2012 – Greatest Hits & Dirty Dubstep Mixes

2013 – 1st Round Draft Picks

2013 – Ballin Underground

2018 – Mr. Jones

2019 – Confusion

2019 – Ride Baby Ride

2019 – The Party Is Over

2019 – Is It Worth the Pain

2019 – She’s Just a Flirt

2020 – Reggie Debadigibup

2020 – Where Has All the Love Gone

2021 – Was She Flirting With Me?

2021 – The Green Tape

2021 – I Need You

2021 – All By Yourself

2022 – She’s in My Head

Singles & EPs

2005 – Back Then

2005 – Flossin’

2005 – Still Tippin’

2006 – Mr. Jones

2007 – Like What I Got

2007 – My 64/ike What I Got

2007 – Drop & Gimme 50

2008 – Cuddy Buddy

2008 – Next to You

2009 – Boil

2009 – Swagg Thru Da Roof

2012 – Bentleys and Phantoms (Dubstep Ghetto Mix)

2014 – 3 Grams

2015 – Step Out

2015 – On Another Level 

2016 – Stay Down

2016 – All Day

2016 – Treat U Right

2017 – Sauce

2018 – Some Show Me Love

2018 – All on Me 

2018 – Rings

2018 – Dancing n Da Coupe

2018 – Young King

2019 – Back Then (SMiTHMUSiX Remix

2019 – Vibe (With Me)

2019 – Slums

2023 – She Making It Wrek

2023 – My Nosey Neighbour

2023 – You Can’t Lose Me

2023 – There is Something in the Air

2023 – I Feel Better Now

2023 – Go With Love in Your Heart

2023 – Where Do I Go From Here

2023 – Come to My World

2023 – Leave the Party Before It’s Over

2023 – The Truth Is Out

2023 – It’s A Disgrace

2024 – Yu Dutty Wretch

2024 – Back Then (NXSTY & Coka Cobra Remix)

2024 – Dollar Sign (Remix)

Filmography

Films

2007 – The American Dream

2007 – Furnace

Television Series

2005 – Punk’d

2005 – Prison Break 

2006 – Wind ‘n Out

2006 – The Andy Milonakis

2007 – The Game