Jermaine Dupri

Jermaine Dupri is a multi-platinum selling record producer, rapper, songwriter, and music executive known for shaping the careers of numerous artists and achieving significant chart success. After discovering the teen hip-hop duo Kris Kross in 1991, Jermaine Dupri produced their multi-platinum debut album Totally Krossed Out in 1992, which included the smash hit ‘Jump’ that peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100. This early success led him to establish his own influential record label, So So Def Recordings, in 1993, partnering with Columbia Records. Prior to this, Dupri had produced his first act, Silk Tymes Leather, in 1990.

Through So So Def, he launched careers for artists like Xscape, whose single ‘Just Kickin’ It’ reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993, and Da Brat, whose Funkdafied album achieved platinum status in 1994. Dupri’s indelible impact on music extended through major collaborations, contributing to the success of global superstars like Mariah Carey, Usher, Monica, and Nelly. His first collaboration with Mariah Carey came on her hit single ‘Always Be My Baby’ in 1995. He was instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Bow Wow and Jagged Edge, while also producing an impressive 11 chart-topping singles on the Billboard Hot 100.

Dupri was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, the same year the Grammy Museum honored him with the ‘Jermaine Dupri & So So Def, 25 Years Of Elevating Culture’ exhibit.