How Jermaine Dupri Became a Music Hall of Famer | Blueprint

Jermaine Dupri’s discovery of rap duo Kris Kross at the age of 19 became the springboard for a 25-year career that has spawned 33 No. 1 hits across genres and an induction into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. Find out how Jermaine worked with Usher, Xscape, Bow Wow, and more to become a forefather of the Atlanta music scene on Blueprint.

There are more ways than ever to "make it" these days, and like snowflakes, no two journeys are identical. On "Blueprint," a diverse range of influential people reveal the lessons they learned on their paths to success—direct to camera with no filter. From the origin stories of Lyrical Lemonade founder Cole Bennett and TV mogul Mona Scott-Young to the career pivot of rapper-turned-exec Lil Bibby, learn how small victories can add up to big wins. Also featured in the series: unconventional advice from Twitch's most popular streamer Hasan Piker and words of wisdom from Netflix CMO Bozoma Saint John. These are their blueprints—it's up to you to create yours.

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[amgaku]

He doesn't get the recognition that he truly deserves. He has been known for having many "firsts" & a pioneer. Definitely a LEGEND!

[LeighKelleyMC]

This is THE BEST Blueprint yet! "The South got somethin' to say"

[thecunninlynguist]

He is underrated when mentioned as producers

[SuperTrey]

At least ONE of everybody’s favorite songs starts with “y’all already know what this is” 😆

[timmclean]

I really like this interview and have mad respect for JD’s contribution to music! Respectfully, I just wanted to point out that Q-tip from A Tribe Called Quest was rocking a baseball jersey in the Check the Rhime video, which came out before Kris Kross. And, there were other hip hop acts that wore baseball jerseys before and around the same time. Wearing baseball jerseys was a common fashion, among “everyday people, ” long before ‘92. We were rocking them in ‘89/‘90, as 19/ 20 year olds.

[Jdotosmith]

It's really disturbing that this video only has 70k views. Jermaine is a pioneer in the music industry. I hope one day he receives his flowers.

[NAJErEa]

OH MY GOSH!!! THE VIBRANCY OF THE COLORS!!! THE SWAG! THE ARTISTRY!!! #SALUTE THE gOD !💯💯💯

[drcentertainment]

I'm 50yo and JD is the producer i always wanted to be. That statement in itself probably explains why I didn't like him when I first took notice. But now, the brotha is a legend. My hopes is for him is to continue to make hit songs that I enjoy to this day. Keep bagging the 3000!

[sososanchez]

2 Words..About Time..
We Love you JD!!

[BatsiraiMusuka]

Definitely one of my personal top ones: Rick Rubin, Salaam Remi, JD, Darkchild, The Neptunes.

[jakelex]

I'm watching this 2 in da morning and it has me inspired to write again I haven't written a song in years and he was my favorite producer I always look up too so I'm really take this one shot at it again and make it happen

[cbrown]

Pioneering legend, maximum respect. Salute!

[FennyWhopper]

I love that they brought the Blueprint series back, but i also miss the sit down interviews where it was simple journalism at its best. Nonetheless this video is still pretty damn good

[jjsan]

Kris Kross and So So Def “Still spending that Kris Kross cream….”

[DJWOLFLIVE]

Jermaine Dupri is no doubt one of the most underrated but successful producers of all time with the most well known artists of all time. For years I was not a fan of his out of jealousy but now have mad respect for what he’s done for the industry and built his brand into legend status on his own terms.

[KALIQX]

"JD" IS THE G.O.A.T. OF R&B/HIP-HOP

[bivensify]

JD deserves what he has earned and then some.

[hiphopjewels]

Interesting that he didn't feel respected for so long. In my eyes he always has been. I always admired his versatility. He has always been in my top 10 producers of all time.

[MassGainingGuy]

He was the mastermind behind Kris Kross...that's how!

[jackpotjunkie]

oh wow! I didn't know *Babyface* words to *J.D.* motivated him to do more when he thought he was the biggest w/ that "criss cross" joint, he thought to himself to do better, to do more!