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.
Jermaine Dupri, the renowned rapper, record producer, songwriter, and DJ, has a staggering net worth of approximately $2.5 million US dollars as of 2024, as per Celebrity Net Worth. From a career that spans over three decades, Dupri has gathered this fortune by pushing the boundaries of the music industry and, in the process, creating chart-topping hits and iconic anthems.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 20: Jermaine Dupri attends Cassette Hosted by Kenny Burns Featuring Ginuwine at The District on September 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Born in 1972, Dupri developed an early passion for music, which would later be the foundation for his net worth. Beginning as a dancer for the hip-hop group Whodini at the tender age of twelve, Dupri’s involvement in the music industry was precocious. His big break came in 1992 when he formed the young rap duo Kriss Kross and produced their debut album. An instant hit, the album launched Dupri to fame and fortune.
After his initial success, Dupri didn’t rest on his laurels. In 1993, he established his record label, So So Def Recordings, and began to shape the careers of numerous successful artists. This venture significantly contributed to the rise of Jermaine Dupri’s net worth, as the label was home to several platinum-selling artists, including Xscape, Da Brat, and Bow Wow.
Dupri’s Influence Beyond Music: Expanding The Jermaine Dupri Net Worth
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 09: Jermaine Dupri attends Compound 15 Year Anniversary Celebration at Compound on June 9, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Although Dupri is primarily known for his music, his efforts and influence extend beyond this realm. He has shown his prowess as a businessperson, dabbling in various other industries to expand his portfolio, subsequently boosting his net worth. Dupri became a partner in 3 Vodka and developed the plant-based ice cream brand, JD’s Vegan.
In addition to these ventures, he was also heavily involved in Lifetime’s The Rap Game, which launched the careers of Latto and J.I. These endeavors highlight the multi-dimensional aspect of Dupri’s career, which has undoubtedly helped to increase his net worth over the years.
Evaluating Jermaine Dupri’s Net Worth In The Broader Context
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 05: Jermaine Dupri performs onstage at Wynwood Walls Presents: humanKIND 2017 at Wynwood Walls on December 5, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Goldman Properties)
When comparing Jermaine Dupri’s net worth to other industry moguls, it may seem modest. However, it’s important to consider the vast impact he has made on the music industry. His influence goes beyond his personal wealth, extending to the careers he has helped shape, the hit records he has produced, and the trends he has set in the industry.
Dupri’s net worth is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. It reflects his success not just as an artist, but also as a savvy businessperson, record label owner, and television personality.
Concluding Thoughts on Jermaine Dupri’s Net Worth
While the figures behind Jermaine Dupri’s net worth are impressive, they tell only part of the story. His impact on the music industry, his contribution to artist development, and his role as a trendsetter are invaluable. The net worth of $2.5 million US dollars in 2024 tells the story of a man who has turned his passion for music into a successful career spanning several decades and multiple industry facets. Here’s to Jermaine Dupri, a true embodiment of the hip-hop spirit.
Season 4 of Lifetime’s reality TV show, The Rap Game, had a fair amount of highlights. From beef between contestants to music videos with the multitalented Keke Palmer, the season was fun to watch. Moreover, the contestants also brought a heap of talent to the show. There were dancers and singers, not to mention future actors on board the program. But what have these teenage contestants been up to since they left the show?
Street Bud was the winner of the fourth season of The Rap Game. While this contributed to his fame and shot his rap career forward, the Atlanta-based MC was already famous before winning the show. In 2016, two years before the reality show, he released his debut album, Get Cha Mind Right. After winning The Rap Game in late 2018, Street Bud became even more popular and secured a deal with Atlanta record label Quality Control. That same year, he appeared on the label’s compilation project, Control the Streets Volume 2. This served as the stepping stone for new singles, as well as an album in 2020.
This 2020 album was Street Bud’s second album, and it featured hits like “Open House” ft. Quavo and “What’s The Move.” Since 2020, he has not released another project, but he has multiple singles in his name. Furthermore, he has garnered millions of streams on various platforms. However, his most streamed song on Spotify to date is “Open House” with over four million streams.
Lil Bri (Brianna Burns)
Lil Bri has starred in reality TV shows: The Rap Game and The Four. She starred in the latter in 2018, the same year The Rap Game season 4 ended. Since then, Lil Bri has released multiple singles with thousands of Spotify streams. “I Deserve” and “I Should Have Cheated” are some of her biggest records yet. Today, Lil Bri still maintains an active social media presence, sporting close to 300k followers on Instagram. She uses the platform to keep her fans abreast of the latest happenings in her career.
After leaving The Rap Game in 2018, Jordan Air Young put out some notable songs like “Tell Me What It Takes” and “CRASH & BURN.” He also continued to put out singles until 2021, when he released his first EP, 4 UR LATE NITES. Since 2021, the Los Angeles-based rapper has not released any music. However, he recently surprised his fans by announcing that he’d be dropping new music soon, alluding to a “body of work” on an Instagram post. So, it’s safe to say Jordan Air Young has a new project in the works.
Rap-Unzel (Brazil Barber)
Rap-Unzel took her time between starring in The Rap Game and releasing music. She released one single every year from 2017 to 2021, with the exception of 2020. In 2021, she finally put out her first EP, titled Pun Intended. In an interview with Forbes, Rap-Unzel explained that this project should have come earlier, but as an independent artist, she had financial limitations. However, she was happy she took her time because those two years she spent working on Pun Intended allowed her to grow and make necessary changes to her craft. Since Pun Intended, Rap-Unzel has only released one single, “F ‘Em.” However, she has been up to other projects. For example, she has been partnering with brands like Hanes. She also makes content on Instagram, where she has over 200k followers.
Ricci Bitti dropped a few singles after The Rap Game, season four. She had hits like “Ooh Wooh” and “Squares Can’t Fit in My Circle.” Coming from a family of entertainers, she was exposed to showbiz from a very young age. However, as time went on, her passions seemed to change, and she became more inclined towards acting and social media influencing. Ricci Bitti now goes by her real name, Lyric Thomas, and it is pretty uncertain whether she will drop new music anytime soon.
Even though the 80s were a landmark time for R&B groups, the 90s were an even more interesting period. This decade saw the rise of various groups that revitalized and defined the genre. Between the harmonies of Boyz II Men and the versatility of Xscape, 90s R&B is often regarded as a pinnacle of the genre. Several groups became widely impactful due to their aesthetics and mass appeal to fans. However, of the bulk of R&B groups that soared in the 90s, these seven were indomitable.
When it comes to R&B powerhouses, look no further than Boyz II Men. The group initially got their big break at the start of the ’90s, thanks to their singles“It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday,” and “Mowtownphilly.” However, at the peak of their career in the mid-90s, they were untouchable. In fact, they have spent a cumulative of 50 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. Now a trio, Boyz II Men’s lineup includes Nathan Morris, Wanyá Morris, and Shawn Stockman.
Jodeci
Another iconic quartet that dominated the 90s R&B scene was Jodeci. Made up of two pairs of brothers, the men of Jodeci realized that their talents were well suited to each other. What resulted was one of the most musically diverse groups of the 90s. They also had a steady streak of platinum-certified R&B albums during the 90s, beginning with their debut, Forever My Lady.
TLC
T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli made up TLC, the best-selling American girl group in the world. Their unique blend of hip-hop and R&B, paired with their tomboyish aesthetic set them apart from their contemporaries. The group was formed in 1990 but it was not until the release of their Diamond-certified second album, CrazySexyCool in 1994 that they were catapulted to stardom. Their third album, Fanmail was released in 1999 and assisted in cementing their spot in R&B history.
Dru Hill
Dru Hill dabbled in various genres of music, drawing inspiration from groups that came before them. Their number one hits, “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “In My Bed” are some of their best-known works. Their first two albums, Dru Hill, and Enter The Dru gained them four American Music Awards nominations, and two Soul Train Music Awards wins. Dru Hill has become widely known for aiding the rise of contemporary R&B in the 90s.
SWV
Sisters With Voices lived up to their name, armed with their harmonic and melodious voices. This quickly made them one of the best R&B groups of the 90s. Cheryl Gamble, Tamara George, and Leanne Lyons started their group as a gospel trio, but soon pivoted to R&B. Some of their standout hits include “Weak,” “I’m So Into You,” and “You’re the One.” Moreover, they are among the best-selling girl groups of all time, with more than 25 million records sold.
Xscape
Xscape was one of the first groups signed on to So So Def, the record label owned by Hip Hop juggernaut Jermaine Dupri. They had a unique, ear-grabbing style, and their gospel infusion was notable. Furthermore, their debut album, Hummin’ Comin’ At Cha, delivered the hits that gained them mainstream success. Their next two albums were also commercial successes, and the group sold over 9 million records globally.
Although they reached even greater heights by the 2000s, Destiny’s Child is still an immovable presence in the 90s R&B scene. Singles like “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name,” and several multi-platinum albums are a testament to their early success. Even though the trio of Beyoncé, Kelly, and Michele is the most popular, LaTavia Roberson and Letoya Luckett greatly contributed to the rise of Destiny’s Child. Their sophomore album, The Writing’s on the Wall, was certified 8x platinum as far back as 2001.
As documentarians, networks, event organizers, award shows and more celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, Mitchell & Ness revealed their unique way of paying homage to the genre. Hip-hop is a culture that extends far beyond its most popular pilar, namely rap music. Since its inception, everyone who emerged in the scene has curated a flavorful fashion sense.
Throughout the decades, several staple garments have entered the mainstream scene thanks to hip-hop influence. One of the early 2000s biggest trends include Mitchell & Ness throwback jerseys. To spotlight that, the brand has rolled out a new line to highlight some of the genre’s most impactful record labels including Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records, Snoop Dogg’sDeath Row Records, Jermaine Dupri’sSo So Def, Ruff Ryders, and Top Dawg Entertainment.
How To Buy Mitchell & Ness’ Rap Label Throwback Jerseys
Mitchell & Ness’ rap label throwback jerseys, as part of their Hip-Hop Heritage Jersey Collection, will be made available to ComplexCon 2023 attendees first on November 17 and 18. After which the items will be made available on the company’s official website here. Each item will fall in the $275 to $325 price range.
In a statement, Mitchell & Ness CEO Eli Kumekpor spoke about the line. “We are thrilled this partnership presents fans a unique opportunity to celebrate Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary as well as their favorite artists and labels through this collection,” he said. “These jerseys represent an era that revolutionized music, fashion, and popular culture, and we’re proud to honor that legacy.”
View the jerseys including includes the re-release of JAY-Z’s 2003 Roc-A-Fella Records coveted piece below.
The summer of 1994 was marked by a history-making debut album by Da Brat. Funkdafied was the album that largely unleashed the talents of the rapper into the limelight. Da Brat quickly cemented herself in the history books with the nine-track project. Looking back 29 years later, it’s easy to see how she became a pioneer female MC.
As the album inches closer to its third decade, it’s important to note how Da Brat’s debut inspired women in rap worldwide. A solo woman rapper selling one million copies at the time was an arduous task. Nonetheless, Da Brat came out swinging, becoming the first female solo act to achieve a Platinum certification with an album. The rest, as they say, was history.
The History Behind Da Brat’s Rise
When he was just 19 years old, Jermaine Dupri discovered the chart-topping hip hop duo Kriss Kross. In 1992, they had become mainstream acts and watched a then-unknown Da Brat win a rap battle in Chicago. Enthralled by her flow, the pair encouraged Dupri to bring her on the So So Def label. Although reluctant, Dupri decided to give her a chance.
“She was introduced to me by Kriss Kross. They saw her while they were on tour, and they came to me and said, “We got this female rapper you should check out,” Dupri told Angela Yee for Fox Soul. “And when they did it, I didn’t want no female rapper. But I thought that since they said I should check her out… I’m like, what does she do that made them want me to look at her? So I at least decided to give it a listen.”
The Success Of Funkdafied
Funkdafied was released on June 28, 1994 to overwhelmingly positive reviews. Importantly, Da Brat was only 20 years old when her debut album hit the airwaves. This left more than enough room for the artist to carve out a distinct rap career for herself. Funkdafied housed the lead single of the same name, which also achieved Platinum status two months after the album’s release.
Da Brat has previously mentioned that while Dupri expressed the near-impossibility of a largely successful debut, she wasn’t deterred. Things would later work in her favor, as Funkdafied sold over a million copies, the first by a solo woman in rap to do so. Da Brat quickly became a noteworthy act, especially for her edgier rap style that many women artists would later emulate.
Jermaine Dupri also earned significant acclaim for his impressive production on the album. Funkdafied peaked at the eleventh spot on the Billboard 200. It further hit the top spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Featured acts on the project include Kandi Burruss, LaTocha Scott, Y-Tee, Mac Daddy from Kris Kross, and Dupri himself on the lead track.
Besides the title track, two other singles were released from Brat’s debut album. “Fa All Y’all” and “Give It 2 You” also succeeded, becoming her second and third consecutive songs to hit the Top 40. However, none of Da Brat’s other songs have enjoyed the success of “Funkdafied,” which peaked at the sixth spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The G-funk single was praised for its infusion of parody, funk music, and heavy-hitting rap lyrics.
Funkdafied’s Legacy
With her debut album, Da Brat paved the way for many after her. By breaking the Gold-certification hold others had before her, she proved a woman could sell a million copies in rap solo. Today, it’s impossible to highlight Hip Hop’s most iconic albums without including Funkdafied. While Da Brat has found success with other ventures, she will still be widely heralded for her stellar debut album and her impressive catalog of hits.
Jermaine Dupri, the renowned rapper, record producer, songwriter, and DJ, has a staggering net worth of approximately $2.5 million US dollars as of 2023, as per Celebrity Net Worth. From a career that spans over three decades, Dupri has gathered this fortune by pushing the boundaries of the music industry and, in the process, creating chart-topping hits and iconic anthems.
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 20: Jermaine Dupri attends Cassette Hosted by Kenny Burns Featuring Ginuwine at The District on September 20, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Born in 1972, Dupri developed an early passion for music, which would later be the foundation for his net worth. Beginning as a dancer for the hip-hop group Whodini at the tender age of twelve, Dupri’s involvement in the music industry was precocious. His big break came in 1992 when he formed the young rap duo Kriss Kross and produced their debut album. An instant hit, the album launched Dupri to fame and fortune.
After his initial success, Dupri didn’t rest on his laurels. In 1993, he established his record label, So So Def Recordings, and began to shape the careers of numerous successful artists. This venture significantly contributed to the rise of Jermaine Dupri’s net worth, as the label was home to several platinum-selling artists, including Xscape, Da Brat, and Bow Wow.
Dupri’s Influence Beyond Music: Expanding The Jermaine Dupri Net Worth
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 09: Jermaine Dupri attends Compound 15 Year Anniversary Celebration at Compound on June 9, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Although Dupri is primarily known for his music, his efforts and influence extend beyond this realm. He has shown his prowess as a businessperson, dabbling in various other industries to expand his portfolio, subsequently boosting his net worth. Dupri became a partner in 3 Vodka and developed the plant-based ice cream brand, JD’s Vegan.
In addition to these ventures, he was also heavily involved in Lifetime’s The Rap Game, which launched the careers of Latto and J.I. These endeavors highlight the multi-dimensional aspect of Dupri’s career, which has undoubtedly helped to increase his net worth over the years.
Evaluating Jermaine Dupri’s Net Worth In The Broader Context
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 05: Jermaine Dupri performs onstage at Wynwood Walls Presents: humanKIND 2017 at Wynwood Walls on December 5, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for Goldman Properties)
When comparing Jermaine Dupri’s net worth to other industry moguls, it may seem modest. However, it’s important to consider the vast impact he has made on the music industry. His influence goes beyond his personal wealth, extending to the careers he has helped shape, the hit records he has produced, and the trends he has set in the industry.
Dupri’s net worth is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. It reflects his success not just as an artist, but also as a savvy businessperson, record label owner, and television personality.
Concluding Thoughts on Jermaine Dupri’s Net Worth
While the figures behind Jermaine Dupri’s net worth are impressive, they tell only part of the story. His impact on the music industry, his contribution to artist development, and his role as a trendsetter are invaluable. The net worth of $2.5 million US dollars in 2023 tells the story of a man who has turned his passion for music into a successful career spanning several decades and multiple industry facets. Here’s to Jermaine Dupri, a true embodiment of the hip-hop spirit.
Be prepared to get your “one, two, step” on as we reflect on how Ciara dominated the charts in the 2000s. The Atlanta artist stormed the industry with “Goodies,” a track that fused Pop & R&B to perfection. The track arrived on her debut album of the same name—a record that spawned several fan favorites. Undoubtedly, CiCi’s contributions to the 2000s shaped her into a formidable R&B-Pop-Hip Hop force, and we’re looking back at those jams we still can’t get enough of.
From her chart-topping debut “Goodies” to the sultry collaboration “Love, Sex, Magic” with Justin Timberlake, Ciara has consistently demonstrated her versatility and talent throughout the decade. Not only will we delve into the success of hits like “1, 2, Step” and “Oh,” but we’ll also discuss the empowering messages behind songs such as “Like a Boy.” Additionally, we’ll celebrate Ciara’s growth as an artist, from her first album Goodies to her later work on Fantasy Ride. These memorable tracks cement why Ciara remains an undeniable hitmaker.
“Goodies” ft. Petey Pablo (2004)
“Goodies” featuring Petey Pablo, one of Ciara’s massive 2000 hits, skyrocketed the singer to fame in 2004. This catchy debut single topped charts and became an instant fan favorite. Released in June, “Goodies” dominated summer airwaves and earned a spot on Ciara’s debut album, Goodies, released later in September. Fans and critics praised Ciara’s fusion of R&B and Hip Hop, catapulting the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven consecutive weeks. The track has gone down in music history as a quintessential 2000s hit and a defining moment in Ciara’s career.
“1, 2, Step” featuring Missy Elliott also took the music world by storm in 2004. Following the massive success of “Goodies,” Ciara released this irresistible dance anthem in October, featuring Elliott’s iconic verse. Fans helped the record quickly climb the charts to peak at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. As the second single from Goodies, “1, 2, Step” continued to map out Ciara’s superstardom.
“Oh” ft. Ludacris (2005)
Ciara continued to impress with “Oh” featuring Ludacris, a chart-topper released in March 2005. This collaboration showcased Ciara’s sultry R&B stylings paired with Luda’s dynamic bars. This was the third single from Goodies, confirming that Ciara and her team were off to a meteoric climb. The song peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The collaboration won over listeners, further solidifying Ciara’s place in the music industry.
“Like a Boy” (2006)
“Like a Boy” resonated with fans after its 2007 release. This thought-provoking single challenged gender stereotypes and offered a fresh perspective. As a standout track from Ciara’s sophomore album The Evolution, “Like a Boy” was also a fast favorite, peaking at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s empowering message and unforgettable music video earned Ciara rave reviews.
“Promise” (2006)
“Promise,” a sultry slow jam, earned critical acclaim upon its 2006 release. As the lead single from The Evolution, “Promise” showed Ciara’s maturation as a performer. The song made its way to No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its seductive melody resonated with listeners. This also confirmed Ciara’s adaptable talent exceeded her signature dance anthems.
“Get Up,” an energetic collaboration between Ciara and Chamillionaire, arrived in 2006. This dance anthem was featured on both the Step Up movie soundtrack and Ciara’s The Evolution. Ciara’s dynamic performance, alongside Chamillionaire’s verse, drove the song to success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ciara’s career is also known for the singer’s effortless ability to collaborate with notable rappers who aren’t often known for Pop-adjacent releases.
“Can’t Leave ‘Em Alone” stormed the industry in 2007. 50 Cent joined Ciara on the single—another from The Evolution. Fans embraced the chemistry between the two artists, propelling the song to chart success, where it peaked at No. 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. In more recent years, TikTok users revisited the collaboration, which had a brief and small viral moment online. Additionally, Fif and CiCi were rumored to have dated around the time that this song came out.
“Go Girl” ft. T-Pain (2008)
They’re two hitmakers at the top of their games in the 2000s, so it is no surprise that Ciara and T-Pain collided on a track. “Go Girl” added to Ciara’s 2000 hits with its 2008 release. This high-energy dance track, featured on Ciara’s third studio album Fantasy Ride, got bodies moving. This one wasn’t as successful on the charts, peaking at No. 78 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the charts can’t predict which songs will go down as a fan favorite in history.
“Love, Sex, Magic” ft. Justin Timberlake (2009)
“Love, Sex, Magic,” a sizzling collaboration between Ciara and Justin Timberlake, was released in 2009. This seductive track, also from Fantasy Ride, enthralled fans with its contagious rhythm. The chemistry between Ciara and Timberlake’s vocals created a charting hit, which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Seeing Ciara and the N’SYNC frontman come together made perfect sense as two Pop icons.
On September 8th, Diddy and Jermaine Dupri Verzuz will finally happen. This highly anticipated matchup between the two hitmakers has been a long time coming. Last year, the two went on Instagram Live to discuss a potential Verzuz-like event. Though Timbaland nor Swizz Beatz have confirmed the alleged battle, apparently it is taking place at Madison Square Garden.
In an Instagram post, the Bad Boy founder tells veteran rappers Busta Rhymes and Fabolous about the planned event. “September 8th at the Garden, n***a. We’re gon’ have you out the rafters flying out the sky,” he says enthusiastically. Since the Verzuz platform came out, fans have wanted to see who would come out on top between Bad Boy Records and So So Def.
This Verzuz event will be like no other. Fans always have their own songs that they want to hear. Diddy and Jermaine Dupri will perform 20 of their biggest hits to date. With two of the strongest catalogs in hip-hop, we’ve created a list of five songs from both Bad Boy and So So Def that we want to hear during Diddy-Jermaine Dupri’s Verzuz battle.
Diddy – “All About The Benjamins” Ft. Lil’ Kim, The L.O.X., And The Notorious B.I.G.
”It’s All About The Benjamins (Remix)” should be considered a New York Anthem. With all artists hailing from different boroughs, Puff Daddy, Lil Kim, The L.O.X., and the Notorious B.I.G. created one of the most recognizable anthems in hip-hop history. Some would argue that it’s the Bad Boy founder’s best song. From the star power attached to the record to the infectious production, “All About The Benjamins” is undoubtedly a definitive record in Diddy’s illustrious career.
Puff Daddy is more of a producer than a rapper, but his verse on “It’s All About The Benjamins (Remix)” is certainly a stand-out. In 2020, Jadakiss spoke to Talib Kweli on the People’s Party podcast where he detailed writing Diddy’s verse for the hit song. It reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the rap charts.
Jermaine Dupri – “Money Ain’t A Thang” Ft. Jay-Z (1998)
The East and the South combine for “Money Ain’t A Thang.” At this time, New York’s grip on Hip Hop was at its height, although Atlanta currently wears Hip Hop’s crown. ”Money Ain’t A Thang” is a feel-good song and the video matches the energy.
Like Diddy, Jermaine Dupri is a producer first, but his rapping skills are nothing to sleep on. With Jay-Z on the track, JD had to come with his best. Many thought The Blueprint rapper even wrote his verses for him, but the So So Def founder confirmed that he penned his own lyrics. The song was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1999 Grammy Awards. It’s still considered one of Jay-Z’s best songs. ”Money Ain’t A Thang” embodies the late 90s Hip Hop sound. It’s no doubt that it’s an important song in both artists’ catalogs.
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy” (1994)
Hip Hop shifted when The Notorious B.I.G. made “Juicy.” Although hesistant to jump on the record, it’s a good thing Biggie trusted Diddy’s intuition. Diddy, alongside Poke of the Trackmasters, sampled the funk and soul group Mtume’s song “Juicy Fruit” for Biggie and the rest is history. Not only is the production fantastic, but the Brooklyn rapper’s lyrics are iconic. His rags-to-riches story details his ascent in rap, from reading Word Up! Magazines to sipping champagne when he’s thirsty. Almost 30 years later, “Juicy” remains a classic anthem that many would argue is the greatest Hip Hop song of all time. There’s no way Diddy doesn’t play this during the Verzuz.
Bonecrusher – “Never Scared” Killer Mike & T.I. (2003)
To this day, “Never Scared” can be heard at any sporting event. From the production to the lyrics, you can feel the energy in the song. Jermaine The song features fellow Atlanta rappers, Killer Mike and T.I. ”Never Scared” is Bonecrusher’s biggest hit, marking his only entry on the Billboard Hot 100. The song peaked at number 26 chart, although its impact is everlasting.
“Never Scared” ultimately carried Bonecrusher’s debut album, AttenCHUN!, to number one on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop albums charts. Over the years, it’s become a mainstay in pop culture, especially video games, such as Madden NFL 04. On top of that, the song is cemented in Atlanta’s sports history ever since the Braves used it as their anthem in the 2003 MLB season. “Never Scared” stands as an iconic song in So So Def’s storied history, even if Jermaine Dupri didn’t produce the song.
Diddy – “I Need A Girl (Part One)” Ft. Loon & Usher (2002)
Diddy’s ability to weave through hip-hop and R&B effortlessly remains one of his strongest traits as a producer. On “I Need A Girl (Part 1), he delivered a quintessential 2000s R&B hit with the help of Usher and Bad Boy artist Loon. While both part 1 and 2 were incredibly successful in their own right, the former boasts an incredibly personal verse from Diddy that takes inspiration from his break-up from Jennifer Lopez.
”I Need a Girl (Part Two)” also achieved great success as it reached number four on the Hot 100. Not too many artists have had the opportunity to say that both parts of one song became top-five hits. ”I Need a Girl (Part One and Two)” are crucial to Bad Boy’s reign into the 2000s.
Jagged Edge – “Let’s Get Married (Remix)” Ft. Rev. Run (2000)
Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married” is a certified R&B hit but, the remix turned it into a classic Hip Hop record. The addition of Rev. Run from Run DMC fame gave the record a face-lift. The King Of Rock rapper’s appearance was a surprising edition and made “Let’s Get Married (Remix)” a staple in So So Def’s catalog.
Craig Mack – “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” Ft. The Notorious B.I.G., LL COOL J, Busta Rhymes,& Rampage (1994)
Though Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear” received a Grammy nomination, the remix is more popular. ”Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” is one of the best posse cuts in Hip Hop. Craig Mack, Biggie, LL Cool J, Rampage, and Busta Rhymes make for a memorable collaboration. Diddy’s infamous intro to the song puts the Bad Boy stamp on it. It’s definitely one of the label’s greatest hits, especially since it was included on Bad Boy’s 10th Anniversary…The Hits album.
Dem Franchize Boyz – “I Think They Like Me (Remix)” Ft. Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat & Bow Wow
So So Def signed artists that captured eras in Southern hip-hop. Dem Franchize Boyz, for instance, became catalysts to the rising snap sound that informed the viral dance moves that came from the South. “I Think They Like Me” ft. Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, and Bow Wow served as a remix to “Oh I Think They Like Me.” With its infectious production, the record brings life through the speakers at every function while the “snap ya fingers” dance was an inevitable accompaniment to this song. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and topped the Rap Songs chart. The So So Def founder is behind many of Atlanta’s hits!
112 – “Peaches & Cream” (2001)
112 was an important part of Bad Boy’s success. In the early 2000s, they were one of the leaders in R&B. ”Peaches and Cream” added to their hit-filled catalog. This sexy song, produced by Diddy, makes you want to dance whenever it comes on. ”Peaches and Cream” falls in line with the rest of Bad Boy’s records that make you move.
It’s clear Diddy specializes in making music like this. 112 was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal in 2002. ”Peaches and Cream” also reached the number four spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It even stayed in the Top 40 for over six months! Another Bad Boy hit makes for one of the best records of the 2000s.
Youngbloodz – “Damn!” Ft. Lil’ Jon (2003)
The Atlanta duo, YoungBloodz will be remembered for “Damn!” Jermaine Dupri executive produced the duo’s album, Drankin’ Patnaz but Lil Jon produced the hit single. Lil Jon’s energy can be heard and felt throughout the track. There was even a dance to this as you can see many people doing it throughout the video. ”Damn!” is YoungBloodz’s best song as it reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Many believe it is one of the best Hip Hop songs of the 2000s and in So So Def’s catalog.
The long-awaited return of Verzuz is upon us, and the comeback event will ensure it’s well worth the wait. After a nearly year-long hiatus since the last event, which featured R&B stars Mario and Omarion, Verzuz will return on September 8, pitting superproducers Diddy and Jermaine Dupri against each other in a matchup the duo previously confirmed in October. On Sunday, Busta Rhymes posted a video to his Instagram Story in which Diddy confirmed the next Verzuz date and promised to have Busta “in the rafters” of Madison Square Garden, “flying out the sky.”
No doubt, Diddy’s gift for showmanship will serve him well at the next Verzuz, which he initially refused to do as a result of Swizz Beatz and Timbaland’s lawsuit against Triller. However, it seems once the Verzuz founders reached a settlement with the streamer, all bets were back on the table. The battle between the Bad Boy Records and So So Def founders could see appearances from the likes of former Verzuz participants The Lox, Mase, Mary J Blige, and more on Diddy’s side, while JD could tap Bow Wow, Da Brat, and a string of JD’s collaborators including Ludacris, Usher, Monica, and more. You can find more info at VerzuzTV.com.
(@itsrikip_)