Jermaine Dupri facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jermaine Dupri
Dupri in 2012
Born	Jermaine Dupri Mauldin (1972-09-23) September 23, 1972 (age 52) Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.
Other names	Don Chi Chi
Occupation	Songwriter record producer rapper disc jockey entrepreneur music executive
Years active	1984–present
Works	Discography production videography
Partner(s)	Janet Jackson (2002–2009)
Children	2
Parent(s)	Michael Mauldin (father)
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	Hip-hop R&B
Labels	So So Def Columbia Arista Def Jam Island Urban Music Virgin

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin (born September 23, 1972) is a talented American songwriter, music producer, rapper, and music executive. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. His father, Michael Mauldin, was also a music executive. Jermaine started his career in music when he was only nine years old.

In 1991, he discovered the teen hip-hop duo Kris Kross. Dupri wrote and produced their 1992 hit song "Jump." This song became very popular, reaching the top of the Billboard charts. The next year, he started his own record label called So So Def Recordings.

Since then, Dupri has signed many famous artists to his label. These include Xscape, Bow Wow, Da Brat, and Jagged Edge. He has also worked with huge stars like Mariah Carey, Usher, and Nelly. Together, they created many songs that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jermaine Dupri also released his own music. His first album, Life in 1472 (1998), was very successful. It included popular songs like "The Party Continues" and "Money Ain't a Thang." His second album, Instructions (2001), featured the hit song "Welcome to Atlanta." In 2015, he co-created the TV show The Rap Game with Queen Latifah. He has won a Grammy Award for his amazing work in music.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Jermaine Dupri Mauldin was born on September 23, 1972. His birthplace was Asheville, North Carolina. He grew up in College Park, Georgia. His father, Michael Mauldin, worked as a music executive for Columbia Records.

Jermaine's journey in music began very early. When he was just nine years old, his father arranged a Diana Ross concert. Young Jermaine surprised everyone by getting on stage and dancing with Diana Ross! This was his first taste of performing. By age twelve, he became a dancer for the hip-hop group Whodini. He even appeared in their music video for "Freaks Come Out at Night." He then performed across the country with other famous artists.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out and Big Hits (1990–1996)

In 1990, Jermaine Dupri produced his first music group, Silk Tymes Leather. A year later, he met Chris Kelly and Chris Smith at a mall. He formed them into the teen duo Kris Kross. Their first album, Totally Krossed Out, came out in 1992. It became a huge success with songs like "Jump" and "Warm It Up." Dupri wrote and produced both of these hits.

In 1993, he started his own record label, So So Def. Soon after, he discovered the R&B group Xscape and signed them. Their first album, Hummin' Comin' at 'Cha, was also a big hit. It featured songs like "Understanding" and "Just Kickin' It." That same year, he signed Da Brat to So So Def. Her first album, Funkdafied (1994), sold very well.

Dupri also started working with other major artists. In 1995, he teamed up with Mariah Carey for her number one song "Always Be My Baby." He also contributed to songs for Lil' Kim, MC Lyte, and The Braxtons.

Working with Superstars (1997–2003)

In 1997, Dupri helped write and produce several songs for Usher's album, My Way. Songs like "You Make Me Wanna" and "Nice & Slow" became huge hits. These songs helped Usher become a superstar. Dupri also worked with Monica on her successful album, The Boy Is Mine, producing the number one song "The First Night."

In 1998, Jermaine Dupri released his own first album, Life in 1472. It included popular songs like "The Party Continues" and "Money Ain't a Thang" with Jay-Z. This album was certified platinum, meaning it sold over a million copies. Around this time, he also met and signed an 11-year-old rapper named Lil' Bow Wow.

More Chart-Toppers (2004–2009)

Dupri in 2005

In 2004, Dupri worked with Usher again on his album Confessions. He helped create three number one songs: "Burn", "Confessions Part II", and "My Boo." This album won a Grammy Award and sold millions of copies worldwide.

In 2005, Dupri reunited with Mariah Carey for her album The Emancipation Of Mimi. This album featured the massive hit "We Belong Together." This song stayed at number one for many weeks and won two Grammy Awards. He also produced hit songs for Bow Wow and Nelly.

In 2006, Dupri signed Dem Franchize Boyz to his So So Def label. He also worked on albums for his partner at the time, Janet Jackson, helping to produce her album 20 Y.O. and her later album Discipline. He continued to produce songs for many artists, including Paul Wall and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. In 2007, he published his book, "Young, Rich and Dangerous: The Making of a Music Mogul."

Recent Work and Achievements (2010–Present)

In 2013, Jermaine Dupri became Mariah Carey's talent manager for a period. They continued to work together on her music. In 2015, Dupri and Queen Latifah created a reality TV show called The Rap Game. The show premiered in 2016 and followed young artists trying to become rap stars. Dupri and guest stars like Usher and Ludacris gave them advice.

In 2018, Jermaine Dupri was honored by being inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. This is a very special achievement, recognizing his talent in writing songs. He was only the second hip-hop artist to receive this honor, after Jay-Z. Also in 2018, the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles featured an exhibit celebrating "Jermaine Dupri & So So Def, 25 Years Of Elevating Culture." In 2024, Dupri released a new song called "This Lil' Game We Play."

Personal Life

Jermaine Dupri has two daughters. His oldest daughter, Shaniah Mauldin, appeared on the TV show Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta. From 2002 to 2009, Dupri was in a relationship with singer Janet Jackson. They also worked on music together.

Dupri is a vegan, meaning he does not eat meat or animal products. He has promoted this lifestyle through ads for PETA. He encourages people to "Feel the beets. Lose the meats."

Discography

Studio albums

• Life in 1472 (1998)
• Instructions (2001)

Awards and Nominations

Grammy Awards

See also

In Spanish: Jermaine Dupri para niños