Mike Jones

November 18, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Mike Jones, born Michael Allen Jones on November 18, 1981, is an American rapper from Houston, Texas. In 20014, he achieved mainstream recognition with his debut single ‘Still Tippin,’ featuring established Southern U.S. rappers Slim Thug and Paul Wall. The hit song was one of two singles on his debut album “Who Is Mike Jones?” released in 2005. Jones’s album was certified platinum by the R.I.A.A. and peaked at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. Though he keeps a low profile nowadays, he still makes music through his label and is a legendary figure among Houston hip-hop heads. Let’s learn more about this exceptional rapper!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Michael Allen Jones

Nickname:

Mike

Birth date:

November 18, 1981

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$6 million

Background

Born Michael Allen Jones on November 18, 1981, the Houston native initially wanted to be a pro basketball player who rapped as a hobby. Due to frequent school transfers, Jones got relegated to Y.M.C.A. leagues because of strict transfer rules for students in the ninth grade. This frustrated Jones, causing him to drop out of Booker T. Washington High School and briefly work minimum-wage jobs at various fast-food outlets. Jones later worked at a Compaq plant and made extra cash selling T-Mobile Sidekick phones from an apartment.

“Mike Jones, who?” was a common catchphrase on the streets of Houston in the early 2000s. Years before his breakout song ‘Still Tippin’,’ Jones was a well-known and respected figure in the Texas underground hip-hop scene. Famous for using his real name, handing out branded t-shirts, and dropping his phone number in his tracks, Jones inspired a cult-like following in his hometown of Houston.

In 2001, Jones began his solo rap career, promoting and distributing his music by paying off D.J.s to play it in local strip clubs, bars, and barber shops. His creative promotion caught the attention of Swishahouse, a prominent Southern record label. Jones signed a deal with the label and rappers Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, and Slim Thug. Following his breakout single, Jones inked a major deal with Warner Bros. and Jive Records and released his second single, ‘Back Then, ’ which became his first platinum single. He followed it up with his debut album “Who Is Mike Jones?” The album earned him a double-platinum. Jones left Jive Records in 2006, and a year later, he collaborated with rappers Bun B. and Snoop Dogg for his E.P. single ‘My 64.’ The track topped the Bubbling Under ‘Hot 100 Singles’ chart.

Jones took a hiatus from making music from 2010 to 2012 because of financial disputes with Asylum Records. In 2014, he signed a new deal with Atlantic Records and released the mix tape ‘Money Train’ a year later. Jones went underground again in 2015 and resurfaced in 2021 to announce a new deal with R.B.C. Records. He has also promised to release his third studio album “Guap.”

Career timeline

2004

His Releases His Breakout Debut Single

Jones achieves mainstream popularity following the release of his hit song, ‘Still Tippin’.’

2005

He Releases “Who Is Mike Jones?”

He releases his first solo album, “Who Is Mike Jones?” achieving double-platinum status.

2010

He Takes a Break From Music

Jones retreats from the music industry due to financial disputes with his former record label.

2021

He Announces His Plans for the Future

Jones announces his record deal and intent to release a third studio album.

Why We Love Mike Jones

He colors outside the lines
His unorthodox marketing approach made him the subject of admiration, curiosity, and ridicule, but sticking to it, really paid off. Jones is probably his generation’s most successful self-promoter, and he didn’t have to use a moniker or D.J. tags.
He’s a philanthropist
After Hurricane Katrina, survivors sought refuge in Houston, Jones’ hometown. Many were children and teenagers suddenly without opportunity because of the devastating natural disaster. He founded ‘Ice Age for Kids,’ an organization modeled on after-school clubs, which gave the youth a chance to interact with each other, play sports, and be a part of something bigger than themselves to increase their motivation and help them realize their potential. Ice Age for Kids also helped raise funds for athletic uniforms and the formation of teams, with coaches who acted as mentors for teens and children.
He supports independent artists
As an independent artist of several years, Jones understands the challenges and struggles of trying to strike out on your own. That’s why he supports independent artists by posting their work and profiles on his Instagram page, which has 1.5 million followers. By broadcasting their content to a massive audience, it gives them the much-needed traction.

5 Surprising Facts

He has a Cognac line
Jones has a line of Cognac from the House of Dobbe.
His grandmother got him into rap
Jones often visited his grandmother in Houston; she encouraged him to pursue a rap career under his real name.
He appeared on “Prison Break”
If Jones’ face looks familiar, it’s because he played Darius Morgan on the Fox hit T.V. series “Prison Break.”
He made a documentary about his life
Jones released a film documentary titled “The American Dream” (2008), telling his life story.
He owns a record label
In 2001, he founded Ice Age Entertainment with business partner Ray Moore.