At the second annual Black Independence Awards on Saturday (6/17) recording artist, cultural icon, and entrepreneur, Cam’ron, won the Legacy Leader Award.
In his acceptance speech he spoke about his Harlem upbringing, and credited it for his success.
"My mom moved from Atlantic City to Harlem in 1963," he shared. "I always wondered what it would be like if I grew up in Atlantic City. Thank God i didn't grow up in Atlantic City. No disrespect to my family who grew up in Atlantic City and all that."
Cam went on to explain his surroundings growing up in Harlem in the late 70's/early 80's.
"It was violence ridden, drug infested, and I lived smack dead in the middle of it. My mom always wanted better for me, so she enrolled me in tap dance, gymnastics and to plays. Also, my uncle who is a world class boxing trainer, took me to the gym to learn how to box at 8 years old."
He also spoke of his love of basketball and the fact that he was one of the top 50 13 year old basketball players in the United States. In the seven minute speech he spoke about falling in love with Hip-Hop and meeting Mase and Big L who shared his love.
