Born on September 23, 1972, Jermaine Dupri Mauldin is a versatile performer in the US music business. Raised in Atlanta as the son of Columbia Records executive Michael Mauldin, Dupri began producing music at the astonishingly early age of nine. The foundation for his remarkable career was laid in 1991 when he became aware of the young hip hop duo Kris Kross.
With his breakthrough production of Kris Kross’s 1992 hit song “Jump,” which shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and cemented its status as one of the decade’s most popular singles, Dupri’s brilliance was evident. Building on this achievement, he partnered with Columbia Records to launch his own record label, So So Def Recordings, further cemented his position as an industry trailblazer.
Under So So Def, Dupri has fostered a group of gifted musicians throughout the years, including Xscape, Bow Wow, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, and several more. Furthermore, his joint efforts with industry titans like Mariah Carey, Usher, Monica, and Nelly have produced an astounding total of 11 Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hits.
Not one to limit himself to producing, Dupri has demonstrated his abilities as a recording artist as well. Thanks to hits like “The Party Continues” and the Grammy-nominated “Money Ain’t a Thang” starring Jay-Z, his debut studio album, “Life in 1472” (1998), created waves by hitting at number three on the Billboard 200 list. The success of his follow-up album, “Instructions” (2001), cemented his place in the business even more.
Along with his musical pursuits, Dupri has broadened his experience in talent management. In 2013, he succeeded Randy Jackson as Mariah Carey’s manager. Along with Queen Latifah, he also dabbled in television, co-creating the reality series “The Rap Game” in 2015.
Jermaine Dupri’s remarkable career has included not just a Grammy Award after 12 nominations, but also a lasting impact on hip hop and R&B, solidifying his reputation as a real visionary in the music industry.