Drake is being criticized by ATL Hip-Hop pioneer Jermaine Dupri for not attending the historic LilWeezyAna Festival honoring Lil Wayne in New Orleans over the weekend.
Dupri let Drake feel the heat after the festival, but Drizzy was tied up courtside at the Toronto Raptors game.
Dupri wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “This is amazing !! Southern HipHop at its best,” before adding: “I cant believe drake missed that, couldn’t have been me.” The So So Def founder then added, “Pardon me for getting excited about the amazing show they just had, ima HipHop nigga and this was a moment.”
Dupri was referring to the monumental reunion of all the Hot Boys members, including Turk, B.G., Mannie Fresh, and Juvenile. This was the first time all Hot Boys were on stage together in over 25 years.
Cash Money head honcho Birdman and in-house producer Mannie Fresh joined the crew on stage to perform “I Need a Hot Girl,” sealing the Cash Money reunion after decades of feuding and legal issues.
To cap off the historic moment, Mayor LaToya Cantrell and NOLA rap legend Master P gave Weezy his own day and the key to the City of New Orleans.
Jermaine Dupri has seen it all and done it all. He’s made stars from scratch, elevated stars to superstars, and helped fallen superstars regained their groove. He gets it. The producer has taken a step back in the last few years, barring his brief appearance during the 2023 Super Bowl Halftime Show. That said, he has some thoughts on the current generation of artists. Jermaine Dupri has nothing but respect for the talent and artistry of the current wave. He just feels like the way they’re rolling out their music is proving to be a hindrance.
Jermaine Dupri fired off two tweets with this sentiment on October 22. The first was brief. “Hits don’t allow you to be secretive,” he wrote. The second, however, saw the producer expand on his issues with the “secretive” approach. “N**gas all extra secretive on dey IG like they coming with that killa,” he wrote. “Y’all done let these none going out executives trick you.” Dupri believes that artists should follow a more traditional rollout when it comes to building anticipation for new releases. Rappers and singers are doing less, and the numbers support the producer’s claims.
There has also been frustration on the part of fans. 2024 has seen artists like Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti and Frank Ocean tease new music. Some have dropped new songs, but have yet to announce plans for a release date. The timing of Jermaine Dupri’s tweets led some to speculate as to whether he meant to refer to Lamar, in particular. The Compton rapper released an interview with Harper’s Bazaar the day before, in which he still refused to reveal info about new music. Some in the comment section felt Dupri was out of touch. Others, meanwhile, agreed with his sentiments.
This is not the first time Jermaine Dupri has criticized the current state of the music business. The producer went semi-viral for his take on AI music back in February. “I don’t even know why people are excited because… it’s fake,” he said during an Atlanta conference. “It takes away from what you actually feel… AI comes in and it’s like washing away all of this.” To be fair, Dupri is putting his money were his mouth is. He recently launched a partnership with Create Music Group to focus on developing a new crop of artists.
Legendary Music Mogul Jermaine Dupri Presents ASoSo R&B Experience, an unforgettable night of R&B music on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Wolf Creek Amphitheater in Atlanta, Georgia. The star-studded lineup features live performances from today’s hottest R&B artists including Muni Long, DVSN, Eric Bellinger, Vedo, and Jermaine Dupri himself with special surprise guests and a “Ladies Love R&B” presentation from songwriters and producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Keith Thomas rounding out the evening.
“R&B music is making a huge comeback, and I wanted to put together a show to celebrate that,” said Jermaine Dupri, music legend and CEO of SoSo Def Recordings. “A SoSo R&B Experience is going to be an amazing night of intimate performances and collaborations from some of the genre’s brightest stars.”
As founder of SoSo Def Recordings, Jermaine Dupri, a Grammy Award winner, has worked with and developed many of music’s biggest stars including Mariah Carey, Usher, TLC, Xscape, and more. His imprint, SoSo Def, has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Kris Kross, and Anthony Hamilton. His ability to stay connected to the cultural zeigiest is why he continues to remain relevant and develop new talent which is evident with the recent success of Ari Lennox’s “Pressure” becoming her highest charting solo single and Muni Long’s global and viral smash “Made for Me.”
Tickets for the SoSo R&B Experience are on sale now at VarietyEnt.net. starting at $55 and gates open at 3 p.m. with the show starting at 5 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to experience an unforgettable night of R&B music from some of the genre’s hottest stars and today’s reigning hitmakers. For more information, visit VarietyEnt.net.
A SoSo Def R&B Experience arrives on the heels of Jermaine Dupri announcing an exciting, new SoSo Def Internship in partnership with Emory University. Dupri made the announcement during the keynote session of the inaugural Ideas Festival on Sept. 20.
On this date in 1998, Jay-Z and his Roc cohorts dropped his third album Vol.2…Hard Knock Life on their independent Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam imprint.
Recorded in some of NYC’s most coveted studio spaces, Vol. 2…Hard Knock Life featured some of the games best producers, including Jermaine Dupri, Swizz Beatz, and Timbaland, Hov’s third album was the proof that Jigga had found the formula to produce the most successful full-length project of his career at that time.
Debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling 350K in its first week, Vol.2 …Hard Knock Life was certified 5x platinum within two years of its release, setting Hov’s album bar so hight that it won a Golden Phonograph for Best Rap Album at the 41st Grammy Awards. Some of the top singles from the 14 track gem include “Nigga What, Nigga Who(Originator 99)”, “Hard Knock Life,” “Can I Get A…” and “Money Ain’t A Thang” featuring Jermaine Dupri.
Salute to Jigga, Dame, Biggs, Memphis Bleek, Sauce Money, and the rest of the Roc for putting out such a timeless piece of Hip Hop history!
Grammy Award-winning producer and So So Def Recordings founder Jermaine Dupri unveiled a new internship opportunity for Emory University students during his keynote address at the inaugural Ideas Festival on September 20. The internship, set for spring 2025, will offer two undergraduates the chance to work directly with Dupri and his record label, gaining real-world experience while earning academic credit.
“I’ve always been a person that gives younger individuals and people who want to be in this business a chance,” says Jermaine Dupri. “I’m looking for superstars that are not on the stage and I hope that I can find them in this So So Def/Emory intern partnership.”
“Experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom are critical for Emory students to extend their knowledge,” says Branden Grimmett, vice provost for career and professional development and associate dean in Emory College of Arts and Sciences, who is working with Bridgette Gunnels, associate dean and director of Oxford College’s Center for Pathways and Purpose, to develop and administer the internship. “I am thrilled Jermaine Dupri is partnering with Emory to provide a unique and transformative learning experience for our students to explore the music industry.”
Eligible students from Emory College, Oxford College, Goizueta Business School, and the School of Nursing can apply later this fall. Dupri will collaborate with faculty mentors throughout the program.
“We are committed to creating meaningful connections between innovators, creators, and students,” says Carter. “This internship is a perfect example of the kind of knowledge sharing that bridges the gap between ideas and application, giving students a unique opportunity to engage with experts in a hands-on, impactful way.”
Hosted by Emory’s Center for Public Scholarship and Engagement at Oxford College, the Ideas Festival connected students with innovative thought leaders, musicians, and scholars, including Dupri, who discussed Atlanta’s influence on global hip-hop culture. The festival, which ran through September 22, featured over 40 speakers and various events, celebrating the intersections of art, science, and entrepreneurship.
Jermaine Dupri recently issued a hot take via Twitter about Kamala Harris’ perceived inefficiency as a political figure in the White House, and the replies were quite scathing. “Real quick, I want to talk about the DNC,” he began. “I feel like the DNC has been going amazing. But I also feel like tonight, Kamala Harris has a pretty difficult job, right? And it’s interesting because the Republican correspondent that’s been doing the round-up after the DNC has ended [every night], he asked the question that I kind of asked Kamala when we had our second meeting. You know, the fact that she’s in office right now, she’s in the White House right now.
“And the guy, he said, ‘What makes y’all believe that she’s going to get this stuff done if she becomes President if she’s already in the [White] House?’” Jermaine Dupri pondered. “And it’s a tricky question because I asked Kamala basically the same thing, right? In so many words. I asked her, as the Vice President, why they don’t let her talk when Biden seems like he needed someone to speak up for him. I thought that’s what the role of the Vice President was: to help the President.” Check out the criticisms of this take, as well as his full statement, in the Instagram post below.
“Basically, she kind of let me know that her hands was tied,” Jermaine Dupri continued. “That they didn’t really allow her to be a voice like that in that space. And tonight, I want to see if she even touches on this. Because if she doesn’t touch on it, that’s the question that I feel like the people that have mixed decisions about voting for her, this is one of the questions.
“This is the top question that they have,” Jermaine Dupri concluded. “Like I said, this is what the Republicans are saying. They never heard the part about her hands being tied. If she says something about her hands being tied, it makes it look like the White House or the Democratic Party didn’t really want her to exceed. So she can’t really say her hands was tied. But she does have to step into that space. This is something I do believe.”
Jermaine Dupri found himself a bit surprised by a recent take from Steph Curry. As you have probably seen by now, Curry exposed himself as someone who is completely tired of “Not Like Us.” Overall, this is the number-one song in the world. However, many have grown tired of it. Before a recent Team USA exhibition game, Curry noted that it isn’t the only song in the world and that he would like to hear something else from time to time.
This led to a video message from Durpi. In this message, the music mogul noted that the record is one that has had a massive impact. However, this current generation isn’t used to records lasting for more than a few weeks. Consequently, that is why someone like Curry may think that the song is getting overplayed. It’s certainly an interesting take from Dupri, especially given his track record as an industry leader who knows a whole lot about the music business.
Kevin Durant ended up replying to Dupri and noted that he thinks the music mogul is incorrect in his assessment here. “Maybe bro just wanna hear another song,” KD replied. Needless to say, there is a bit of division right now over the song. Although that is certainly going to be expected when it comes to diss tracks. Only time will tell for how much longer this track is going to end up lasting.
Let us know what you think of Dupri’s remarks, and KD’s subsequent reply, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that “Not Like Us” has been getting a bit old over the last few weeks? Do you believe that this record deserves to be number one right now? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Bow Wow burst into hip-hop at a remarkably young age. Discovered by Snoop Dogg and nurtured by Jermaine Dupri, Bow Wow, real name Shad Moss, made his debut at just 13 years old. He quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. His youthful charisma, lyrical skill, and energetic performances earned him a massive following and a string of hits that solidified his place in music history. Bow Wow’s journey from a teen sensation to an influential artist has been marked by significant milestones and memorable tracks.
Over the years, Bow Wow has transitioned from a child star to a versatile artist, actor, and television personality. He has an innate ability to evolve and remain relevant in a constantly changing entertainment terrain. His music reflects this growth, with each album and single capturing different phases of his life and career. Bow Wow’s discography offers a comprehensive look at his artistic development from his early days of playful, youthful anthems to more mature and introspective tracks.
1. Bounce With Me (2000)
Bow Wow burst onto the scene with his debut single, “Bounce With Me,” featuring R&B group Xscape. Released in 2000, this track was the lead single from his debut album, Beware of Dog. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, the song was an instant hit. Bow Wow’s confident delivery resonated with a wide audience, propelling the song to the top of the charts. Further, “Bounce With Me” was more than just a successful debut; it was a statement of arrival. The track’s success laid the foundation for Bow Wow’s burgeoning career. It highlighted his potential as a major player in the hip-hop industry. The single peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart, making Bow Wow one of the youngest rappers to achieve such heights. The song’s playful, party-ready vibe captured the essence of early 2000s hip-hop. It also established Bow Wow as a youthful voice with a promising future.
2. Bow Wow (That’s My Name) (2001)
After his debut single’s success, Bow Wow returned with another hit, “Bow Wow (That’s My Name).” Released in 2001, this track featured the legendary Snoop Dogg, who originally discovered Bow Wow. The song was a powerful follow-up and was a key highlight of his second album, Doggy Bag. “Bow Wow (That’s My Name)” demonstrated Bow Wow’s ability to hold his own alongside industry heavyweights and helped further define his image as a rising star. The song’s success was evident as it climbed to No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. Snoop Dogg’s presence added a layer of credibility, linking Bow Wow to hip-hop royalty. This track remains one of Bow Wow’s most recognizable hits and a defining moment in his early career.
3. Take Ya Home (2001)
Bow Wow continued to dominate the charts with “Take Ya Home,” a hit single from his second album, Doggy Bag. Released in 2001, this track saw Bow Wow transitioning from a child prodigy to a teen heartthrob. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, “Take Ya Home” emphasized Bow Wow’s evolving style and his ability to craft songs that resonated with a younger audience.
Moreover, “Take Ya Home” became an anthem for fans. The track’s upbeat tempo and charismatic delivery made it a favorite on radio stations and music video channels. Its success was a testament to Bow Wow’s growing influence in the industry, peaking at No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and further establishing him as a prominent figure in early 2000s hip-hop. The song remains a nostalgic favorite, capturing the essence of Bow Wow’s early career and his rise to stardom.
4. Let Me Hold You (2005)
In 2005, Bow Wow helped craft a timeless hit with “Let Me Hold You,” a smooth collaboration featuring Omarion. From his album Wanted, this track marked a significant departure from his earlier, more playful singles. It reveals a more mature and polished sound. “Let Me Hold You” climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Bow Wow’s biggest hits. The track’s success was fueled by its catchy chorus and relatable themes of love and companionship, making it a favorite among fans. The accompanying music video, featuring smooth choreography and a romantic storyline, further solidified the song’s impact.
5. Like You (2005)
“Like You,” featuring Ciara, is another standout track from Bow Wow’s 2005 album, Wanted. Bow Wow and Ciara delivered an irresistible duet that quickly became a fan favorite. Released at the height of both artists’ careers, “Like You” captured the chemistry between the two, resulting in a smooth, melodic hit that dominated the airwaves. The song’s success was also reflected in its chart performance. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot Rap Songs chart. “Like You” resonated with listeners due to its relatable lyrics about young love and the palpable connection between Bow Wow and Ciara.
“Like You” also benefited from a stylish music video highlighting the duo’s chemistry and added to the song’s appeal. The collaboration was pivotal in Bow Wow’s career, demonstrating his ability to create chart-topping hits and maintain relevance in a competitive industry. This track remains a significant part of Bow Wow’s catalog, symbolizing his versatility and talent for crafting memorable songs.
6. Shortie Like Mine (2006)
“Shortie Like Mine,” featuring Chris Brown and Johntá Austin, is a quintessential hit from Bow Wow’s 2006 album, The Price of Fame. Released at a time when both Bow Wow and Chris Brown were at the peak of their popularity, “Shortie Like Mine” celebrated love and admiration in a way that was both relatable and catchy. The track’s success was undeniable, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing a spot in the Top 10 on various other charts. The “Shortie Like Mine” music video set in a high school further amplified its appeal. This collaboration bolstered Bow Wow’s status as a hitmaker and demonstrated his keen sense for partnering with other top-tier artists to produce chart-topping tracks.
7. Outta My System (2007)
“Outta My System,” featuring T-Pain and Johntá Austin, is a standout track from Bow Wow’s 2007 album, The Price of Fame. This song marks Bow Wow’s more introspective and vulnerable side, addressing themes of heartbreak and regret. The collaboration with T-Pain and Johntá Austin added a melodic and emotional depth. Further, the song’s poignant lyrics reflect on the end of a relationship. Bow Wow expresses his struggle to move on and get his former lover “outta his system.” The sincerity in his delivery, combined with T-Pain’s signature Auto-Tuned vocals and Johntá Austin’s smooth harmonies, created a powerful ballad. “Outta My System” struck a chord with fans, peaking at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple on R&B and hip-hop playlists. The accompanying music video further emphasized the song’s emotional narrative, depicting Bow Wow grappling with memories and the pain of lost love. The video’s storytelling and Bow Wow’s heartfelt performance resonated with viewers, adding to the song’s impact.
Jermaine Dupri and Kamala Harris spoke with one another about Freaknik? That is what the record producer and hip-hop mogul claims to have happened recently via an Instagram post. According to AllHipHop, the North Carolina-born rap figure met up with the Democrat mostly because she was beginning to launch her nationwide Economic Opportunity Tour. Kamala was heading to Georgia specifically for this campaign. Additionally, the trip down South was also for the $158 million in federal funding the city received for “The Stitch” project. “The Stitch” is a “civic infrastructure investment needed to reconnect Downtown and Midtown Atlanta.” “It will span 14 acres and consist of urban greenspace and transportation enhancements,” according to the project’s website.
“In Collepark with THE Vice President @kamalaharris talbout Freak Nik,” Dupri said in the IG post. Unfortunately, their chat in inaudible, so we kind of just have to take his word for it. But part of the reason that Jermaine was chatting with Harris supposedly about Freaknik was because he had a major hand in producing a recent Hulu documentary about the annual spring break festival that took place at the Atlanta University Center.
The massive event took place in the 90s but has not happened since that decade due to the people’s efforts to avoid the police. Since Kamala was in the ATL for this new public hub’s construction, maybe Jermaine was trying to chat about Freaknik to possibly bring it back? Maybe he was trying to convince her to have it be hosted in this new spot? More could come of this, so be sure to stick around for more.
What are your thoughts on Jermaine Dupri claiming to have spoken with Kamala Harris about Freaknik? Do you believe him, why or why not? How do you think they decided to meet up? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Jermaine Dupri and Kamala Harris. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around worlds of music and politics.
Jermaine Dupri knows talent when he hears it. The producer has worked with some of the most popular artists of the last few decades, including Mariah Carey and Usher. He’s also a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, which is a testament to his musical versatility. It’s for these reasons and more that Dupri is upset with the current state of the industry. During a recent interview with AllHipHop, the producer said that he was “disgusted” by the advent of the AI music generator Udio. In his estimation, the generator should be boycotted by real artists.
Udio is an AI music generator that allows users to create a song within 40 seconds. It does not require knowledge of musical scales or instruments. Dupri believes the low barrier for entry is an insult to those who had dedicated time to mastering their craft. “N***as that’s been playing music they whole life that take piano lessons, keyboard lessons, whatever, guitar lessons,” he said. “We’re allowing a company of people that are probably not musicians to say, ‘We making an app so everybody and anybody can make music and be a music virtuoso’.” Furthermore, the producer points out that Udio could hurt the financial earnings of artists.
Jermaine Dupri criticized former So So Def affiliate Chris Lyons for his involvement with Udio, and likened the music generator to the lack of music regulation on TikTok. “I ain’t understood this for a long time,” he admitted. “It’s starting to be more apparent now. It’s the same reason that [Universal Music Group CEO] Lucian [Grainge] pulled the plug on TikTok. That’s what I’m saying. I don’t understand why we keep allowing this s**t to happen.” The resentment on Dupri’s end largely stems from the fact that those pushing Udio are not part of the music business.
“Why do we keep having or keep allowing people from different backgrounds, people from different walks of life, come in our business?”, he asked the AllHipHop interviewer. “You don’t do this to the NBA. They don’t do this to football. They don’t do this to no business because the business don’t allow this.” Dupri’s comments about AI could not have come at a better time. Fake AI diss tracks have run rampant in the last few weeks, especially in relation to the ongoing Drake and Kendrick Lamar feud. Dupri may have a point.
Y’all done let these none going out executives trick you
