Jermaine Dupri Mauldin (born September 23, 1972) is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, record executive, entrepreneur, and DJ.
Early life
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin was born on September 23, 1972,
the son of Tina (Mosley) and
Michael Mauldin, a
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music, Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of Japanese Conglomerate (company), conglomerate Sony. It was founded on Janua ...
executive. Dupri's promising musical career began before he was even 10 years old. His father, also an Atlanta talent manager, had coordinated a
Diana Ross
Diana Ross (born March 26, 1944) is an American singer and actress. She rose to fame as the lead singer of the vocal group the Supremes, who became Motown's most successful act during the 1960s and one of the world's best-selling girl groups o ...
show in 1982; to the delight of concert-goers, Dupri managed to get on-stage and dance along with Ross.
Dupri got his start as a dancer for the hip hop group
Whodini
Whodini is an American hip hop group that was formed in 1982. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist and main lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy (who wore a Zorro-style hat as his trademark; Ju ...
when he was twelve.
He made an appearance in their music video for the song "
Freaks Come Out at Night
"Freaks Come Out at Night" is a song by American hip hop group Whodini. It is the second single from their second studio album ''Escape'' (1984) and one of their signature songs.
Background
Jalil Hutchins stated in a Q&A with ''al.com'',
"Freak ...
". He began performing around the country, appearing with
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is an American jazz pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, and composer. Hancock started his career with trumpeter Donald Byrd's group. He shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he help ...
and
Cameo before he opened the New York Fresh Festival, with
Run-D.M.C
Run-DMC (also spelled Run-D.M.C.) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York City, founded in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of ...
.,
Whodini
Whodini is an American hip hop group that was formed in 1982. The Brooklyn, New York-based trio consisted of vocalist and main lyricist Jalil Hutchins; co-vocalist John Fletcher, a.k.a. Ecstasy (who wore a Zorro-style hat as his trademark; Ju ...
, and
Grandmaster Flash
Joseph Saddler (born January 1, 1958), popularly known by his stage name Grandmaster Flash, is an American DJ and rapper. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of Hip Hop DJing, cutting, scratching and mixing. Grandmaster Flash and the Fur ...
.
Career
1992–1996: Early career and breakthrough
In 1990, he produced his first act, the female hip hop trio Silk Tymes Leather.
He later formed the teen duo
Kris Kross
Kris Kross was an American hip hop duo that consisted of Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith.
Kris Kross was the youngest hip-hop duo to gain success, with gold and platinum albums at 12 and 13 years old. The duo was discover ...
(Chris Kelly and Chris Smith) after meeting the boys at a local mall in 1990. The group's first album, ''
Totally Krossed Out
''Totally Krossed Out'' is the debut studio album by American hip hop duo Kris Kross. It was produced and largely written by Jermaine Dupri and Joe "The Butcher" Nicolo and released on March 31, 1992, by Ruffhouse Records and Columbia Records. ...
'', was released in 1992 and went multi-platinum due to the success of their singles "
Jump
Jumping is a form of locomotion or movement in which an organism or non-living (e.g., robotic) mechanical system propels itself through the air along a ballistic trajectory.
Jump or Jumping also may refer to:
Places
* Jump, Kentucky or Jump St ...
" and "
Warm It Up
"Warm It Up" is the second single released from Kris Kross' debut album, ''Totally Krossed Out''. Produced and written by Jermaine Dupri, "Warm It Up" was released as the follow-up to the duo's multi-platinum chart topping hit, "Jump" on June 4, ...
", both written and produced by Dupri. He established his own record label called
So So Def
So So Def Recordings is an American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and owned by producer Jermaine Dupri, specializing in Southern hip hop, R&B and bass music. So So Def has managed artists such as Bow Wow, Kris Kross, TL ...
in 1993. Shortly after, he discovered female R&B group
Xscape at a festival in Atlanta and signed them to the label. Their debut album, produced entirely by Dupri, ''
Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha
''Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha'' is the debut studio album by American R&B singing group Xscape. Released on October 12, 1993, by So So Def Recordings (as the label's inaugural release) and Columbia Records, the album produced the singles " Just Kic ...
'', went platinum with the support of the singles "
Understanding
Understanding is a psychological process related to an abstract or physical object, such as a person, situation, or message whereby one is able to use concepts to model that object.
Understanding is a relation between the knower and an object o ...
", "
Love on My Mind", "Tonight" and "
Just Kickin' It
"Just Kickin' It" is a song by American R&B group Xscape. Written by Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal,
the song was released as Xscape's first single from the group's 1993 debut album, '' Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha''. The single became the group's m ...
", with the later peaking at number 2 on the
''Billboard'' Hot 100. During the same year, on
Yo! MTV Raps
''Yo! MTV Raps'' is an American two-hour television music video program, which first aired on MTV Europe from 1987 to mid-90s and on MTV US from August 1988 to August 1995. The American version of the program (created by Ted Demme and Peter Dough ...
he met
Da Brat
Shawntae Harris-Dupart (born April 14, 1974), better known by her stage name Da Brat, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, she began her career in 1992, the year she signed with So So Def Records. Her debut album ''Funkda ...
through
Kris Kross
Kris Kross was an American hip hop duo that consisted of Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith.
Kris Kross was the youngest hip-hop duo to gain success, with gold and platinum albums at 12 and 13 years old. The duo was discover ...
, signed her to his label
So So Def Recordings
So So Def Recordings is an American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and owned by producer Jermaine Dupri, specializing in Southern hip hop, R&B and bass music. So So Def has managed artists such as Bow Wow, Kris Kross, TL ...
, and released her debut ''
Funkdafied
''Funkdafied'' is the debut album by American rapper Da Brat. It was released on June 28, 1994, and sold over one million copies, making her the first solo female rapper to go Platinum. Funkdafied debuted and peaked at number 11 on the Billboar ...
'' (1994) which went platinum. So So Def Recordings entered into a distribution partnership with
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music, Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of Japanese Conglomerate (company), conglomerate Sony. It was founded on Janua ...
in 1993. In 1995, he collaborated with
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey (; born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Referred to as the " Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whi ...
for the first time on the number one hit single "
Always Be My Baby
"Always Be My Baby" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter, and record producer Mariah Carey for her fifth studio album, ''Daydream'' (1995). It was released by Columbia Records on March 9, 1996, as the third single in the United Sta ...
." He contributed to
Lil' Kim
Kimberly Denise Jones (born July 11, 1974), Those giving 1974 include:
*
*
*
*
* better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper and reality television personality. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, she lived much of he ...
's 1996 album, ''
Hard Core'' on the track "
Not Tonight". He also produced and co-wrote singles for MC Lyte ("
Keep On, Keepin' On"), The Braxtons ("
So Many Ways
''So Many Ways'' is the debut album by American R&B vocal group The Braxtons. Released on August 6, 1996, the album produced four singles; " So Many Ways", " Only Love", " The Boss" – which peaked at number-one in the ''Billboard'' Dance Cha ...
"), and Whodini ("Keep Running Back"). In the same year, Dupri linked up with Kris Kross one last time for their
third and final studio album. Producing the entire album, as well as its moderately successful singles ("
Tonite's tha Night
"Tonite's tha Night" is a song by American rap duo Kris Kross, released as the first single from their third and final album, '' Young, Rich & Dangerous'' (1996). It features background vocals from Trey Lorenz and has a remix that features Redm ...
" and "
Live and Die for Hip Hop").
1997–2003: Columbia, Arista Records
In 1997, Dupri co-wrote and produced several tracks on
Usher
Usher may refer to:
Several jobs which originally involved directing people and ensuring people are in the correct place:
* Usher (occupation)
** Church usher
** Wedding usher, one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony
** Fiel ...
's second album, ''
My Way
"My Way" is a song popularized in 1969 by Frank Sinatra set to the music of the French song "Comme d'habitude" composed by Jacques Revaux with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut and Claude François and first performed in 1967 by Claude François. Its E ...
''. The lead single, "
You Make Me Wanna
"You Make Me Wanna..." is a song by American recording artist Usher. It was released on August 5, 1997, by LaFace Records and Arista Records as the lead single from Usher's second studio album, '' My Way'' (1997). "You Make Me Wanna..." was writ ...
", reached number-one on the
Rhythmic Top 40
The Rhythmic chart (also called Rhythmic Airplay, and previously named Rhythmic Songs, Rhythmic Top 40 and CHR/Rhythmic) is an airplay chart published weekly by ''Billboard'' magazine.
The chart tracks and measures the airplay of songs played on ...
and
Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The follow up single "
Nice & Slow
"Nice & Slow" is a song from American singer-songwriter Usher's second album, ''My Way'' (1997). Released on January 6, 1998, the song became Usher's first number-one single on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart in February 1998. The song was w ...
" went to number-one on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and the last single, "
My Way
"My Way" is a song popularized in 1969 by Frank Sinatra set to the music of the French song "Comme d'habitude" composed by Jacques Revaux with lyrics by Gilles Thibaut and Claude François and first performed in 1967 by Claude François. Its E ...
" peaked at number-two on ''Billboard'' Hot 100. All three singles have been certified Platinum by
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is a trade organization that represents the music recording industry in the United States. Its members consist of record labels and distributors that the RIAA says "create, manufacture, and/o ...
. A featured guest on the album,
Monica
Monica may refer to:
People
*Monica (actress) (born 1987), Indian film actress
*Monica (given name), a given name (including a list of people and characters with the name)
*Monica (singer) (born 1980), American R&B singer, songwriter, producer, ...
, would also later become a protégé of Dupri, with her second album, ''
The Boy Is Mine'', dropping in July of that year. Dupri produced the single of the album "
The First Night
"The First Night" is a song by American singer Monica for her second studio album, '' The Boy Is Mine'' (1998). It was written by Tamara Savage and Jermaine Dupri, featuring production and additional vocals from the latter. Built around a sample ...
", which peaked atop the U.S. ''Billboard'' charts, with the album receiving triple platinum certification and universal acclaim from critics.
In 1998, Jermaine Dupri was involved in the release of
Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child was an American girl group whose final line-up comprised Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. The group began their musical career as Girl's Tyme, formed in 1990 in Houston, Texas. After years of limited ...
's eponymous
debut album, producing and co-writing the track "
With Me Part I". Dupri renewed the focus on his own music career, which proved successful with release of the singles "
Sweetheart" featuring Mariah Carey (
US#126), "
The Party Continues
"The Party Continues" is the lead single released from Jermaine Dupri's debut studio album, ''Life in 1472''. Written and produced by Dupri himself, the song featured a verse from Da Brat and a chorus sung by Usher (entertainer), Usher. The song sa ...
" featuring Da Brat and Usher (U.S. #26), and "
Money Ain't a Thang
"Money Ain't a Thang" is the second single from rapper Jermaine Dupri's 1998 album ''Life in 1472''. It features rapper Jay-Z and appears as a bonus track on his album '' Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life''. It is produced by Dupri, who samples "Weak at ...
" featuring
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...
(U.S. #52), the three singles from his debut studio album ''
Life in 1472
''Life in 1472'' is the debut studio album by American producer and rapper Jermaine Dupri, released via So So Def in the United States on July 21, 1998. 1472 refers to J (being the 10th letter of the alphabet) + D (representing the 4th letter of ...
.'' The album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) a month and half after release. Also that year he met soon-to-be frequent collaborator and production partner
Bryan-Michael Cox
Bryan-Michael Paul Cox (born December 1, 1977) is an American record producer and songwriter who is notable for his work with artists such as Usher, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, and Toni Braxton. Among his most notable productions are "Be Wit ...
, as well as 11-year-old rapper, known then as
Lil' Bow Wow
Shad Gregory Moss (born March 9, 1987), better known by his stage name Bow Wow (formerly Lil' Bow Wow), is an American rapper and actor. His career began upon being discovered by rapper Snoop Dogg in the late 1990s, eventually being brought ...
and signed him to
So So Def Recordings
So So Def Recordings is an American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and owned by producer Jermaine Dupri, specializing in Southern hip hop, R&B and bass music. So So Def has managed artists such as Bow Wow, Kris Kross, TL ...
. The two would later part ways after only 2 albums, but continued to frequently collaborate on later projects. The distribution deal with Columbia was terminated in 2002, with Dupri switching to
Arista Records
Arista Records () is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, the North American division of the Japanese conglomerate Sony. The label was previously handled by BMG Entertainmen ...
in 2003. Dupri worked on
Tamar Braxton
Tamar Estine Braxton (born March 17, 1977) is an American singer and television personality.
Braxton began her career in 1990 as a founding member of The Braxtons, an R&B singing group formed with her sisters. The Braxtons released their debut a ...
's debut album, ''
Tamar'' on the track "Get None" as well as with
Weezer
Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1992. Since 2001, the band has consisted of Rivers Cuomo (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Patrick Wilson (drums, backing vocals), Scott Shriner (bass guitar, keyboards, backing v ...
and
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter Jr. (born September 27, 1982), known professionally as Lil Wayne, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. His career began in 1995, at the age of 12, when he was signed by rapper Birdman (rapper), ...
on the song "Can't Stop Partying." He also collaborated with DJ Chuckie to make a vocal version of the song "Let The Bass Kick". He soon released his sophomore studio album ''
Instructions
Instruction or instructions may refer to:
Computing
* Instruction, one operation of a processor within a computer architecture instruction set
* Computer program, a collection of instructions
Music
* Instruction (band), a 2002 rock band from Ne ...
'' in October 2001, featuring the single "
Welcome to Atlanta
"Welcome to Atlanta" is a 2002 hip hop song by Jermaine Dupri featuring Ludacris. It was released in 2002 as the second single released from Dupri's 2001 album '' Instructions'' and also appeared as a hidden track on Ludacris' second album, '' ...
", and containing a myriad of features (similar to his debut).
2004–2009: ''Confessions'' and ''The Emancipation of Mimi''
In 2004, Dupri connected again with
Usher
Usher may refer to:
Several jobs which originally involved directing people and ensuring people are in the correct place:
* Usher (occupation)
** Church usher
** Wedding usher, one of the male attendants to the groom in a wedding ceremony
** Fiel ...
contributing to ''
Confessions'' co-writing and co-producing three consecutive singles ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number one songs "
Burn
A burn is an injury to skin, or other tissues, caused by heat, cold, electricity, chemicals, friction, or ultraviolet radiation (like sunburn). Most burns are due to heat from hot liquids (called scalding), solids, or fire. Burns occur mainl ...
", "
Confessions Part II
"Confessions Part II" is a song by R&B singer Usher, produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox for Usher's fourth album '' Confessions''. Written by Usher, Dupri and Cox, the song is a confession of a man to his woman about his impregn ...
", and "
My Boo". Confessions won
Best Contemporary R&B Album
The Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Album was an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards, to recording artists for quality works on albums in the contemporary ...
and
Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals The Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal was awarded between 1970 and 2011. From 1967 to 1969 and in 1971 the award included instrumental performances. The award had several minor name changes:
*From 1967 to 1968 the ...
. Confessions has been certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and, as of 2012, has sold 10 million copies in the US and over 20 million copies worldwide.
In early 2005, Dupri reunited with
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey (; born March 27, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer. Referred to as the " Songbird Supreme", she is noted for her five-octave vocal range, melismatic singing style and signature use of the whi ...
on her tenth studio album ''
The Emancipation Of Mimi
''The Emancipation of Mimi'' is the tenth studio album by American singer Mariah Carey, released through Island Records on April 12, 2005. The album was considered Carey's "comeback album" by critics and became her highest-selling release in t ...
,'' which features the massive smash hit "
We Belong Together
"We Belong Together" is a song by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey from her 10th studio album, ''The Emancipation of Mimi'' (2005). The song was released on March 15, 2005, through Island Records, as the second single from the album. "W ...
". The album also featured the hit singles "It's Like That", "Shake It Off", and "Don't Forget About Us". "We Belong Together" stayed at number one for fourteen non-consecutive weeks, becoming the second longest running number one song in US chart history, behind Carey's 1996 collaboration with
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men (pronounced ''boys to men''), also known as B2M, is an American vocal harmony group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for emotional ballads and a cappella harmonies. They are currently a trio composed of baritone Nathan M ...
on "
One Sweet Day
"One Sweet Day" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Mariah Carey and vocal group Boyz II Men. The song was released on as the second single from Carey's fifth studio album, ''Daydream'' (1995) by Columbia Records. The artists co- ...
". We Belong Together" won Grammy's for
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance
The Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (previously called Best Rhythm and Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Female) was an honor presented at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards ...
and
Best R&B Song
The Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (sometimes known as the R&B Songwriter's Award) has been awarded since 1969. From 1969 to 2000, it was known as the Grammy Award for Best Rhythm and Blues Song. Beyoncé has won it a record four times, while Bab ...
. The same year he worked on ''
Wanted'' with Bow Wow, he co-produced and co-wrote the Hot 100 top 5 singles "
Let Me Hold You
"Let Me Hold You" is a song by American rapper Bow Wow. It was the first single off his fourth album, '' Wanted'' (2005). Released on March 11, 2005, the song features American R&B singer Omarion (the first collaboration they did together). It ...
" and "
Like You". Later in December, Dupri produced and co-wrote
Nelly
Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. (born November 2, 1974), better known by his stage name Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, actor and entrepreneur. He embarked on his music career with the hip hop group St. Lunatics in 1993 and signed to Universal ...
's single "
Grillz
"Grillz" is a song by American rapper Nelly featuring fellow American rappers Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp, and uncredited vocals from American singer Brandi Williams (of the group Blaque). The song was written by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, Paul Wall, A ...
", which struck atop the ''Billboard'' charts yet again.
In early 2006, Dupri signed both
Dem Franchize Boyz
Dem Franchize Boyz was an American hip hop group from Atlanta, signed to E1 Music. The group had four members: Parlae (born Maurice Gleaton), Pimpin' (Jamal Willingham), Jizzal Man (Bernard Leverette), and Buddie (Gerald Tiller). They were best ...
and
Daz Dillinger
Delmar Drew Arnaud (born May 25, 1973), known professionally as Daz Dillinger (formerly Dat Nigga Daz and commonly Daz), is an American rapper and record producer. In the 1990s at Death Row Records, aided the catapult of West Coast rap and ga ...
to his label So So Def after transferring it from Arista Records to
Virgin Records
Virgin Records is a record label owned by Universal Music Group. It originally founded as a British independent record label in 1972 by entrepreneurs Richard Branson, Simon Draper, Nik Powell, and musician Tom Newman. It grew to be a worldwid ...
. The latter's album,
So So Gangsta
''So So Gangsta'' is the eighth solo studio album by American rapper Daz Dillinger. It was released on September 12, 2006 via So So Def/Virgin Records simultaneously with an instrumental album entitled ''So So Gangsta - The Album Sampler''. Record ...
, was released in September of that year, while the former's label debut was released the following year with the album ''
On Top of Our Game
''On Top of Our Game'' is the second studio album by Atlanta-based rap group Dem Franchize Boyz, released on February 7, 2006.
Track listing
Other versions
There is a deluxe version of the album with a bonus DVD, and there is also another ver ...
'' which topped the US Top Rap Albums with the hit songs "
I Think They Like Me
"I Think They Like Me" is a song by American hip hop group Dem Franchize Boyz. It was released in August 2005 as a single from their self-titled debut album ''Dem Franchize Boyz''. The song's chorus is sampled from their debut single " White Tee". ...
" and "
Lean wit It, Rock wit It
"Lean wit It, Rock wit It" is a song by Atlanta rap group Dem Franchize Boyz from their album ''On Top of Our Game''. The recording features Peanut and Charlay and was produced by Classic Buck$ aka Buck and Maurice "Parlae" Gleaton.
The song peake ...
." The group also featured alongside Dupri on
Monica
Monica may refer to:
People
*Monica (actress) (born 1987), Indian film actress
*Monica (given name), a given name (including a list of people and characters with the name)
*Monica (singer) (born 1980), American R&B singer, songwriter, producer, ...
's
snap
Snap or SNAP may refer to:
Arts and entertainment
* ''Snap'', the original release title for the 2013 film ''Enter the Dangerous Mind''
*''Snap'' (TV series), a CITV programme
* ''The Stanly News and Press'', a newspaper in Albemarle, North Carol ...
single, "
Everytime tha Beat Drop" (U.S. #48) off her fifth album, ''
The Makings of Me
''The Makings of Me'' is the fifth studio album by American singer Monica. It was released by J Records on October 3, 2006 in the United States. Built upon the hip hop, gospel and modern quiet storm styles of its predecessor, '' After the Storm ...
''. In late 2006, Dupri executive produced the album ''
20 Y.O.
''20 Y.O.'' is the ninth studio album by American singer Janet Jackson. It was released on September 20, 2006, by Virgin Records. Its title makes reference to her third studio album ''Control'' (1986), and is a commemoration to its twentieth ann ...
'' by his then-partner,
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
, along with co-producing and co-writing half the tracklist and all of the singles. He returned for her ninth album, ''
Discipline
Discipline refers to rule following behavior, to regulate, order, control and authority. It may also refer to punishment. Discipline is used to create habits, routines, and automatic mechanisms such as blind obedience. It may be inflicted on ot ...
'' in 2008, producing the single "
Rock With U
"Rock With U" is a song by American singer Janet Jackson from her tenth studio album, ''Discipline'' (2008). It was written by Ne-Yo, Jermaine Dupri, and Eric Stamile, and produced by the last two. The song was released as the album's second si ...
".
In 2007, Dupri produced singles for Paul Wall ("
I'm Throwed
"I'm Throwed" is the second single from Paul Wall's album, '' Get Money, Stay True''. The song was released in late March 2007, nearly a week before the release of the album. The song is produced by and features Jermaine Dupri. Dupri uses the soun ...
"), Donell Jones ("
Better Start Talking
"Better Start Talking" is a song by American singer Donell Jones. It was written by Jones along with Ryan Leslie and Sean Garrett for his fourth studio album '' Journey of a Gemini'' (2006), while production was helmed by Leslie and Garrett. The s ...
"), Bone Thugs-n-Harmony ("
Lil' L.O.V.E."), as well as multiple tracks for labelmate Jagged Edge. In October 2007, he published his memoir, "Young, Rich and Dangerous: The Making of a Music Mogul" (via Atria Books). In November 2007 co-produced and co-wrote with
So So Def
So So Def Recordings is an American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, and owned by producer Jermaine Dupri, specializing in Southern hip hop, R&B and bass music. So So Def has managed artists such as Bow Wow, Kris Kross, TL ...
intern
No I.D.
Ernest Dion Wilson (born June 23, 1971), professionally known as No I.D. (formerly Immenslope), is an American hip hop and R&B producer from Chicago, Illinois. Wilson is also a disc jockey (DJ), music arranger and former rapper, having releas ...
this time on
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter (born December 4, 1969), known professionally as Jay-Z, is an American rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, and founder of Manhattan-based conglomerate talent and entertainment agency Roc Nation. He is regarded as one of ...
's tenth studio album ''
American Gangster''. The two contributed to the songs "Success" and "Fallin".
In 2008, Dupri reunited with Usher, Mariah Carey, and then-girlfriend Janet Jackson for their respective studio albums (
''Here I Stand'',
''E=MC2'', and
''Discipline'' respectively) producing multiple tracks on each. He also produced singles for Ashanti ("
Good Good
"Good Good" is a song by American singer Ashanti from her fourth studio album ''The Declaration'' (2008), which was released as the album's second single. Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal produced the song and wrote it with Ashanti. The lyrics rev ...
") and Nelly ("
Stepped On My J'z
"Stepped on My J'z" is a song by American rapper Nelly. The song features American singer Ciara and rapper Jermaine Dupri. It was recorded for Nelly's fifth studio album, ''Brass Knuckles''. The hip hop and crunk track was produced by Jermaine Dup ...
").
In 2009, Dupri produced singles for Fabolous ("Money Goes, Honey Stay
hen the Money Goes Remix
Hen commonly refers to a female animal: a female chicken, other galliformes, gallinaceous bird, any type of bird in general, or a lobster. It is also a slang term for a woman.
Hen or Hens may also refer to:
Places Norway
*Hen, Buskerud, a villa ...
) and Bow Wow ("Roc The Mic").
2010–present: ''The Rap Game''
On October 7, 2013, he replaced
Randy Jackson
Randall Darius Jackson (born June 23, 1956) is an American record executive and television presenter, perhaps best known as a judge on ''American Idol'' from 2002 to 2013.
Jackson began his career in the 1980s as a session musician playing bas ...
as Carey's talent manager. He later parted ways with Carey in August 2014, though they still maintain a professional relationship, as he was a producer on nearly all of her albums since ''
Daydream
Daydreaming is the stream of consciousness that detaches from current, external tasks when attention drifts to a more personal and internal direction. This phenomenon is common in people's daily life shown by a large-scale study in which partici ...
'' (1995).
In 2014, Dupri produced multiple tracks for Mariah Carey and Jagged Edge on their respective albums (''
Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse'' and ''
J.E. Heartbreak 2
''J.E. Heartbreak II'' is the eighth studio album by American R&B group Jagged Edge. The album was released on October 27, 2014, by So So Def Recordings
So So Def Recordings is an American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia, United Stat ...
'').
In 2015, Dupri and
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens (born March 18, 1970), known professionally as Queen Latifah, is an American rapper, actress, and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, she signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1989 and released her debut album ''All Hail the Que ...
created a reality television series, ''
The Rap Game
''The Rap Game'' is an American reality television series. The series premiered on January 1, 2016, on Lifetime. The winners of seasons 1-5 respectively, were Miss Mulatto, Mani, Nova, Street Bud and Tyeler Reign.
Other notable contestants that ...
''. The eight-episode series premiered on
Lifetime
Lifetime may refer to:
* Life expectancy, the length of time a person is expected to remain alive
Arts, entertainment, and media
Music
* Lifetime (band), a rock band from New Jersey
* ''Life Time'' (Rollins Band album), by Rollins Band
* ...
on New Year's Day, 2016. It followed five emerging artists, ages 11–16, who were immersed in the Atlanta hip-hop scene in a quest to become a rap star. Dupri was joined by guests including Usher, Ludacris, Da Brat,
T.I. and
Silentó
Richard Lamar "Ricky" Hawk (born January 22, 1998), better known as Silentó () or Prince Silentó, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his 2015 debut single "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)", which charted at number thre ...
; they gave the competitors advice on what it takes to be in the industry.
In 2018, he was inducted into the
Songwriters Hall of Fame
The Songwriters Hall of Fame (SHOF) is an American institution founded in 1969 by songwriter Johnny Mercer, music publisher/songwriter Abe Olman, and publisher/executive Howie Richmond to honor those whose work, represent, and maintain, the her ...
. This made Dupri the second musician from the hip-hop genre to be inducted, with only Jay-Z being inducted prior.
Also in 2018, Jermaine Dupri and his "So So Def" brand celebrated an exhibit at the
Grammy Museum The Grammy Museum is any of a group of museums containing exhibits relating to winners of the Grammy Award for achievement in recording.
The museums in this group include:
*The Grammy Museum at L.A. Live, which opened in 2008 in Los Angeles, Califo ...
in Los Angeles, California called, ''Jermaine Dupri & So So Def, 25 Years Of Elevating Culture''.
In 2022, Dupri produced "If I Get Caught" with R&B duo
Dvsn
Dvsn (stylized as dvsn and pronounced "division") is a Canadian R&B duo composed of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85. The duo is signed to Canadian rapper Drake through his label OVO Sound.
History ''Sept. 5th''
On September 5, 2015 ...
.
Personal life
He has a daughter, Shaniah Mauldin, with Pam Sweat, who appeared on reality TV show ''
Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta''.
From 2002 to 2009, Dupri was involved in a romantic relationship with singer
Janet Jackson
Janet Damita Jo Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer. She is noted for her innovative, socially conscious and sexually provocative records, as well as elaborate stage shows. Her sound and choreog ...
, which resulted in a brief musical connection.
Dupri is
vegan
Veganism is the practice of abstaining from the use of animal product—particularly in diet—and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. An individual who follows the diet or philosophy is known as a vegan. Di ...
and promoted the lifestyle through a
PETA
Peta or PETA may refer to:
Acronym
* Pembela Tanah Air, a militia established by the occupying Japanese in Indonesia in 1943
* People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an American animal rights organization
* People Eating Tasty Animals, an ...
ad, encouraging fans to "Feel the beets. Lose the meats."
[Carl Lamarre, "Jermaine Dupri Encourages Fans to Go Vegan in PETA's Latest Ad: Exclusive," ]
Billboard
', August 23, 2018.
Discography
Awards and nominations
Grammy Awards
References
External links
*
*
*
*
SoulRnB.com group dedicated to Jermaine Dupri
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dupri, Jermaine
1972 births
Living people
African-American businesspeople
African-American male rappers
African-American record producers
American hip hop dancers
American hip hop record producers
American Muay Thai practitioners
American music arrangers
American music industry executives
American music managers
American rhythm and blues musicians
Businesspeople from Georgia (U.S. state)
Businesspeople from North Carolina
Grammy Award winners
Musicians from Asheville, North Carolina
Rappers from North Carolina
Rappers from Atlanta
Rappers from Georgia (U.S. state)
Songwriters from Georgia (U.S. state)
Songwriters from North Carolina
So So Def Recordings artists
Southern hip hop musicians
Record producers from Georgia (U.S. state)
21st-century American rappers
21st-century American male musicians
African-American songwriters
21st-century African-American musicians
20th-century African-American people
American male songwriters