Jermaine Dupri Mauldin, born on September 23, 1972, is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, particularly in the genres of rap and hip-hop. The producer’s father was a record executive and inspired his son to pursue a career in the same industry. He started producing acts in his late teens and soon assumed the role of record executive at his record label. In between producing acts and records, Dupri has also released music as an artist in his own right and written songs for numerous big names in the industry. Celebrate this multi-talented music mogul’s birthday with us!
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Jermaine Dupri Mauldin
Nickname:
JD Don Chi Chi
Birth date:
September 23, 1972
Age:
51 years, 7 months
Zodiac Sign:
Libra
Height:
5' 3"
Relationship Status:
Single
Net Worth:
$2.5 million
Background
Jermaine Dupri is an accomplished rapper, D.J., songwriter, entrepreneur, and record producer. Dupri, whose full name is Jermaine Dupri Mauldin, was born in Asheville, North Carolina. His father, Michael, was an executive at Columbia Records and a talent manager. At the age of 12, Dupri began dancing for the hip-hop group Whodini. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began producing acts when he was 18 years old. He produced his first act called Silk Tymes Leather, an all-female hip hop trio, in 1990. Shortly after, he met Chris Smith and Chris Kelly at a mall and they agreed to perform as a hip-hop duo called Kriss Kross. The duo’s first album, “Totally Krossed Out,” was the first album produced by Dupri to be certified multi-platinum in 1992.In 1993, Dupri established his record label, So So Def, which entered into a distribution partnership with record label Columbia Records later that year. The albums he produced under his new label with R&B group Xscape and rapper Da Brat (“Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha” and “Funkdafied,” respectively) were also awarded platinum status. Between 1995 and 1997, Dupri worked on songs and albums for A-list singers and rappers such as Mariah Carey, Lil’ Kim, and Usher. In 1998, Dupri helped Destiny’s Child release their eponymous album. In this same year, Dupri released his debut studio album, “Life in 1472.”His deal with Columbia Records terminated in 2002 and he switched to Arista Records in 2003. He continued working with Usher and Mariah Carey in the early 2000s on their albums “Confessions” and “The Emancipation of Mimi” respectively. He published his memoir, entitled “Young, Rich and Dangerous: The Making of a Music Mogul” through Atria Books in 2007. In 2013, he replaced Randy Jackson as Mariah Carey’s manager for one year until they parted ways. Dupri and rapper/actress Queen Latifah created “The Rap Game,” a reality T.V. rap competition, in 2017.
Career timeline
Hip-hop duo Kriss Kross’s debut album produced by Dupri is certified platinum by the R.I.A.A.
Dupri establishes his record label So So Def.
Dupri releases “Life in 1472,” his first album as a solo artist.
Dupri releases his autobiography entitled “Young, Rich and Dangerous: The Making of a Music Mogul.”
Dupri begins a reality T.V. rap competition show called “The Rap Game” with rapper Queen Latifah.
Dupri produces the all-female hip hop trio Silk Tymes Leather.
Jermaine Dupri FAQs
Did Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri date?
The musicians were not romantically involved but maintained a professional working relationship.
Did Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson get married?
Although the two were dating, they never married as Jackson said the producer was “married to his work.”
Are Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri related?
No, they had a professional relationship.
5 Surprising Facts
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He’s a businessman
The rapper has a line of dairy-free frozen desserts called J.D’s Vegan.
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He danced with Diana Ross
Dupri climbed on stage at a Diana Ross show that his father had organized and danced with the iconic songstress, much to fans’ delight.
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He dated Janet Jackson
The rapper dated the famous singer in the mid-2000s and even helped her produce several albums.
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He’s in a Hall of Fame
Dupri was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in the late 2010s.
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He has a Grammy
Technically, Mariah Carey has a Grammy for Best Song (“We Belong Together”) but Dupri co-wrote and produced it.
Why We Love Jermaine Dupri
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He gives back to the community
Dupri regularly donates to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The organization provides after-school care and programs for children.
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He cares for animals
Dupri has said he is a vegan. He also supports People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, an organization that works to promote animal rights.
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He wants to use music for good
Dupri plans to use his recording and producing skills for the betterment of the lives of the people around him. The producer is in the works to produce a charity song called ‘Change,’ inspired by the global hit charity song ‘We Are the World.’
Jermaine Dupri’s birthday dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 23 | Monday |
| 2025 | September 23 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | September 23 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | September 23 | Thursday |
