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Despite the obvious odds stacked against him and the obstacles in his path, Houston-born hip-hop heavyweight Mike Jones overcame them all to become one of the most recognizable voices in rap music. Aided by a confident, charismatic flow, Mike Jones exploded onto the national scene in the summer of 2005 with the block-bending break out single "Still Tippin.'" Introducing the world to Texas culture, Mike Jones went on to sell 1.5 million units of his Warner Bros/Asylum Records debut Who Is Mike Jones? Now Mike Jones returns to tell the story of his extraordinary triumphs with the aptly titled sophomore album, The American Dream. And the playful lead single "Mr. Jones" is a perfect re-introduction for the mayor of H-town. Over a light piano loop, contrasting with heavy guitar riffs and an intense string section, Mike narrates through his wonderful world of popped trunks, candy-painted slabs and 84-spoked rims. "I didn't wake up with a silver spoon," says Mike. "I want to inspire all of my fans so they know that no matter what goes on in your life, you can achieve the American dream." Just because Mike Jones has sliced himself a chunk of the American pie, it doesn't mean that he always had money to burn. He earned every reward that has come his way. Using his own scraped-up pennies to pay for beats and studio time, he started his own independent label Ice Age back in 2001. Constantly pumping his music to DJs and strip clubs, Mike Jones caught the eye of the already established Swishahouse label CEO, Michael Watts. A year later, Jones signed a deal with the independent powerhouse. With four independent solo albums and more mixtape verses than could be counted, Mike had an instant following along the South and Mid-West. While Mike Jones still knows how to serve the street, he does have a more expressive side. "On The American Dream I've got more diverse subject matter; I've grown as a songwriter and I'm giving this CD a whole different look," says Jones. "I came up off my popularity in the strip club so I still have to do songs like 'I Know' that are just right for the ladies that shake it up all night." Added to the new album, this hometown hero is also preparing the release of a feature film debut of the same name loosely based on his grind and life story. "The movie is about going from zero to hero," he explains. "It shows me working in the Jack in the Box when I just had dreams of being a rap star." He is also proud proprietor of one of Houston's most popular nightclubs Ice Age. You've got to give it to the man' he's a master brander. "The club's been open for a year," he says with pride. "It's on the southwest side, and we get celebrities in there every Sunday. Eva Pigford, Vivica Fox, Vida Guerra, Morris Chestnutt, Tracy McGrady and Meagan Good are just a few of the people who have come through. You can see why I call myself the Mayor." That just may be an understatement after Mr. Jones tells his tale of The American Dream: million dollar bank accounts, calling shots with his own label and flossing chromed-out big bodies. We may soon be calling him Mr. President.