Jermaine Dupri, a key figure in Atlanta’s thriving contemporary R&B and rap scene, rose to fame in April 1992 with the chart-topping hit ‘Jump’ for Kris Kross. Despite being just a teenager himself, Dupri founded So So Def Recordings, a record label that nurtured talents like Xscape, Da Brat, and Jagged Edge, paving the way for numerous platinum releases and number one hits for artists like Usher and Monica.
Born in Asheville, North Carolina, Jermaine Dupri Mauldin, son of music executive Michael Mauldin, entered the music industry at a young age. His journey started with producing hits for artists like Silk Tymes Leather and discovering young talents like Kris Kross. Throughout the ’90s and into the 2000s, Dupri continued to make waves with hit albums like Instructions and collaborations with artists such as Bow Wow, Usher, and Mariah Carey, solidifying his legacy as a music industry powerhouse.