Jermaine Dupri

A rap/R&B producer to be reckoned with, Atlanta-born Jermaine Dupri was just 18 years old when he discovered pre-pubescent rappers Kriss Kross and turned them into stars, producing their debut album and releasing it in 1991 on his own label, So So Def. Dupri went on to launch the careers of Da Brat, Bow Wow, and Usher, among others, and was instrumental in helping Mariah Carey reclaim her superstar diva status in the early 2000s. Meanwhile, his own self-produced albums--with notable guest stars picked from a formidable roster of clients and friends--charted high, establishing Dupri's tough but romantic recording persona. In the early 2000's, Dupri was linked both professionally and personally with Janet Jackson.

• pop
• hip hop/rap