The Songwriters Hall of Fame named multi-platinum selling artist and producer Jermaine Dupri as part of its 2018 class. The honor makes the Atlanta native the second Hip Hop artist to ever receive the honor following JAY-Z was inducted last year. Dupri’s vast list of credits includes classics like Mariah Carey’s platinum-selling “Always Be My Baby,” Usher’s double-platinum single “Make Me Wanna” and more recently, Bryson Tiller’s smash hit “Don’t.”
Dupri’s big break came in 1992, writing and producing for acts like Kris Kross, Xscape and TLC — all of which he groomed into superstars. He even had a hand in releasing Destiny’s Child’s self-titled debut during his tenure with Columbia Records before splitting in 2002 to take on the role of president of Virgin Records’ urban division.
He shaped the careers of artists like Bow Wow, Da Brat and Jagged Edge. His legacy also includes helping bring Atlanta’s unique brand of Hip Hop culture to the mainstream. He managed to stay relevant over the years too by producing massive songs, introducing newer acts like Dem Franchize Boyz, writing a memoir and even producing his own Lifetime reality show Rap Game.
On top of everything, Dupri had his own solo career, which includes two studio album. His debut, Life in 1472, was certified platinum and peaked at #3 on the Billboard 200. In honor of JD’s induction, we at HipHopDX decided to rank the Top 10 songs he released as a solo artist.
Check it out below, and sound off in the comment section.
10. “The Party Continues” f. Usher & Da Brat
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position: #6 Billboard Hot Rap Singles
9. “Ballin’ Out Of Control” f. Nate Dogg
Album: Instructions
Highest Chart Position: N/A
8. “Jazzy Hoes” f. Eightball, Too $hort, Mr. Black
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position On Hot 100: N/A
7. “Don’t Hate On Me” f. Krayzie Bone and Da Brat
Album: Life In 1472
Highest Chart Position: N/A
6. “Get Dealt Wit” f. Ma$e and Lil’ Kim
https://youtu.be/V2VXafJj7Mw
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position: N/A
5. “Turn It Out” f. Nas
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position: N/A
4. “Sweetheart” f. Mariah Carey
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position: #45 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay
3. “Let’s Talk About It” f. Clipse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsmbkyRBN6s
Album: Instructions
Highest Chart Position: N/A
2. “Welcome To Atlanta” f. Ludacris
Album: Instructions
Highest Chart Position: #35 Billboard Hot 100
1. “Money Ain’t A Thang” f. Jay Z
Album: Life in 1472
Highest Chart Position: #10 Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks
That Life in 1472 album was a banger. It had some super fire joints on that album.
He had a few other jams.. seems like this list was just a reason to dick ride Jay z a little bit more. Hahaha
You know you’re out of stuff to talk about when you’re ranking the top 10 Jermaine songs.
He just got inducted into the songwriters hall of fame. And you accomplished what in your life?
Taking 10 dumps in a single day*
They call me 50 Tyson
im from the northside zone
twin cities minnesota is where i’m from
Welcome to Atlanta is still hard af
This list was wasted on songs that were released as JD songs. He wrote a lot of songs that he wasn’t actually featured on, the only songs from this list that would belong if you included all the Usher, Mariah, or other R&B acts he wrote for would be #1 and #2. You didn’t even include songs from “Young Fly and Flashy”. Anyone remember “gotta getcha”? If you were gonna rank his solo songs, that one should have been included.
I NEVER LIKED MONEY AIN’T A THING. I WAS INTO RAP DURING THE SHINY SUIT/JIGGY ERA, BUT THAT SONG WAS A BIT MUCH.