Jermaine Dupri

Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri On 'We Are The World: 25 For Haiti'

16 Feb 2010 16:47:00 EST

Songwriter Sean Garrett calls for Ne-Yo, Jay-Z to join him in creating a new anthem.
By Shaheem Reid

Photo: MTV News

During NBA ALL-Star Weekend in Dallas, Jay-Z called the original version of "We Are the World" "untouchable." Although Hov called the remake, "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti," a "valiant effort," he said he felt that re-creating the magic from the original is impossible, and MTV News readers seem to be split on the song's musical merits.

We talked with some luminaries from the hip-hop and R&B world about the song at All-Star weekend. "I'm glad they did that," Ludacris said. "That was a staple in history. It may be a lot of people saying it's hard to duplicate what happened before, but it was so long ago. I'm glad they attempted to do it. I feel it's extremely strong. The same thing the past [version] did for me, I'm hoping this new one will do for the new generation." Jermaine Dupri agreed with Jay-Z that remaking such a classic tune is a daunting task. "It's a hard record to touch," Dupri said from his seat at the All-Star game shortly before tip-off. "I think the idea and the thought process of putting the new young talent in the mix of 'We Are the World' and helping the situation in Haiti, I thought it was a brilliant idea on Quincy's part. Ironically, it happened to be 25 years later. It just happened to be enough time in between so it felt like it was something that needed to happen." Dupri said he's been communicating frequently with "We Are the World" helmer Quincy Jones, because JD is remaking another of the Q's classics, "Secret Garden" (from Jones' hip-hop-leaning 1989 LP, Back on the Block). He said the two had a long conversation about "We Are the World" on Saturday. "I was talking to him about how he put the pieces together," Dupri explained. "I thought he moved everybody around in a cool way and he let everybody get a piece of the song. In the original version, Michael [Jackson], Lionel [Richie] and the main people controlled it. Everybody else was just singing background. They switched it up in a cool way to make it new and fresh." Super-producer Jimmy Jam (Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige) said, "I've only seen just parts of it. I haven't seen the whole thing. I think it is wonderful. It shows the relevance of the music community. In [times] of crisis, [they] always come together, raise the spirits, raise the hopes of people. The fact they are using the words of a song that was written 25 years ago shows the greatness of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie and the people that were involved in making that. I think it's great; it pertains obviously to a new generation. [It is] just as relevant today if not more so to when it was originally done." One of the ways that the new version is different from the timeless original is many rappers were involved. Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Wyclef Jean, Will.I.Am, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J and Nipsey Hussle are just a few of the MCs who were present at the session. "I thought that was hot," Dupri said about incorporating hip-hop. "I love the fact that Lil Wayne was singing — I know rappers always wanna sing. You could feel his happiness of just being a part of it, to hear him sing. I thought that was cool to see that. I like the rappers coming together doing one part — it was cool to see the younger and older crews together." "Hip-hop has been around a long time," Jimmy Jam said. "It's made its mark and it's gonna continue to be here. Great! Add it to the pot. The gumbo is nice." One of the points Jay-Z made when talking about the remake of "We Are the World" is that he would have loved it if Jones and Richie would have pooled together their endless array of talent to make a new song. One of the game's premier songwriters, Sean Garrett, said he's willing to step to the plate. "I think that's a great idea," he said. "Me and Ne-Yo been talking about doing something real big. Jay-Z is a leader — so thank you, Hov, for bringing that to us. I think we need to take him up on that offer! The 25th anniversary was a great opportunity for us all to remember a great cause and come together and sort of reignite that type of unity we need around the world. With so much going on these days, it's time for us to come together and use music more than for just making money and dancing in the clubs. I'mma challenge my man Ne-Yo to get together with his boy Sean Garrett and Hov and get together and do something great like come up with a brand-new song to help the world." What do you think of "We Are the World: 25 for Haiti"? Do you like the remake, or do you think a new song should have been written? Let us know in the comments below! Learn more about what you can do to help with earthquake-relief efforts in Haiti, and for more information, see Think MTV. Visit HopeForHaitiNow.org or call (877) 99-HAITI to make a donation now.

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Russell Simmons, Jermaine Dupri Aren't Mad At John Mayer For Playboy Interview

16 Feb 2010 18:11:00 EST

'He didn't mean anything by it,' Simmons says of Mayer's controversial comments.
By Shaheem Reid

Photo: MTV News

John Mayer has apologized for his multiple controversial comments in his recent Playboy interview — one of which involved a racial slur — and rappers like N.O.R.E. and Talib Kweli took Mayer to task for his statements last week. But Russell Simmons and Jermaine Dupri said during NBA All-Star weekend that they aren't mad at him — in fact, Simmons even gave Mayer "a pass" (although he didn't mean 'hood pass).

"He's a nice guy. He don't know," Simmons said on the red carpet at Jay-Z and LeBron James' "Two Kings Dinner and Afterparty" presented by Bing and Sprite. "If you live in Beverly Hills, you might think there's a post-racial society and the pain is gone. A lot of black people use that word, all the time — myself included — kind of as a way to ease the pain from it. You sort of forget that it even existed. We can do that. But when you see people outside of the community do that, it's more hurtful. He didn't mean anything by it. I give him a pass. He's hard on his girls [Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Aniston], though, ain't he? On the black community, it's not so hard. That's my opinion." Jermaine Dupri had a different but related take on Mayer's comments. "I thought it was a funny-ass interview," Dupri said on Sunday at the NBA All-Star game. "I personally think he thought he was talking to Playboy and it wasn't gonna get to the rest of the world. I guess he underestimated his power and how famous he is and people took it the wrong way. Not to say what he said was cool, but I thought it was a funny interview. It's his private parts and whatever he wants to do with 'em, that's what he wants to do with 'em. That's not for us to judge. I think we in his business too much. I think he [went] the wrong way about saying it. I love the Jessica Simpson part though." What do you think of the debate over John Mayer's Playboy interview? Are you surprised people are still talking about his comments? Let us know below!

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Jermaine Dupri Remakes 'Secret Garden' With Usher, Trey Songz, Robin Thicke

17 Feb 2010 15:06:00 EST

JD keeps Barry White's original verse on the Quincy Jones cover: 'I had to leave him.'
By Shaheem Reid

Photo: MTV News

DALLAS — It's apparently the season to remake the classics. Mary J. Blige recently recorded a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" and we all know about the remake of "We Are the World." Now, Jermaine Dupri is spearheading a new version of a classic song, and just like "We Are the World," it's another Quincy Jones tune.

JD has called on Usher, Robin Thicke, Tyrese and Trey Songz to cover Jones' 1989 hit "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)." The original version starred seductive vocalists James Ingram, Al B. Sure, El DeBarge and the incomparable Barry White. Right before the NBA All-Star Game, Dupri talked about his and his team's rendition. "It took a minute for me to even think about touching it," JD admitted. "It's a couple of components in that record that you don't wanna touch — Barry White being one of the main components. I had to leave him [on the song]. There's nobody out there in the world that's got a voice like his or even sounded the way he sounded. So I had to make sure I could leave that. It's gonna be interesting for y'all to hear how these young guys sound mixed in with him." In 1989, "Secret Garden" was one of the highlights of Quincy Jones' Grammy-winning Back on the Block LP. Each vocalist had a verse and an opportunity to sing to the ladies. "Luckily, it's a record that hip-hop really embraced as a ballad," JD said. "It was a record I lived with so much. I kinda felt it was a record that was a part of my life. So it wasn't that hard for me to get into it. But I just had to figure out all the ways and who to put on the song. I feel that at the time [Quincy] made the record, each one of the guys had a certain thing for the ladies." Jermaine said his version will woo the females all over again. "I think Robin Thicke got something for the ladies," Dupri said. "Usher, definitely. Trey, definitely. And Barry White. That was hard, because I wanted to put Anthony Hamilton on there, Maxwell on there. But it's hard, because it's only a four- or five-man [song]. That was the hardest part for me." Jermaine said the "Secret Garden" remake will appear on a new Quincy Jones album; no release date has been announced. What are your thoughts on Jermaine Dupri's remake of "The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)"? Which singers would you like to see in the remake's lineup? Let us know below!

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Jermaine Dupri Says New Janet Jackson Song Is 'A Good Record'

18 Feb 2010 19:27:00 EST

'Y'all haven't heard her sound like this in a long time,' producer says of Jackson's tune for the 'Why Did I Get Married Too?' soundtrack.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Shaheem Reid

Photo: Jim Spellman/ WireImage

Jermaine Dupri recently told MTV News he had produced a new Janet Jackson song for the upcoming Tyler Perry film in which the singer also stars, "Why Did I Get Married Too?" According to the So So Def boss, the track is slated to be the first single from the movie's soundtrack — the film is scheduled to arrive in theaters April 2.

"I watched the movie with [Jackson and Perry] and it's incredible," Dupri said. "I'm not married but married people go through what I seen in this movie. I think Tyler hit it on the head again. But the song is perfect for the movie and it's a good record." The producer was tight-lipped about the track, only revealing that the title was "Nothing." He promised, however, that the song will showcase a Jackson that fans haven't seen in a while. "I can say this — y'all haven't heard her sound like this in a long time," he teased. Jackson is currently working on her next album, one that Rodney Jerkins told MTV News would be more emotional that her past efforts. "You gotta understand, she lost her brother," Jerkins said. "She was in a relationship for seven years [with Jermaine Dupri] that's over now. There's things that she told me that I didn't even realize. You know, certain [things] like self-esteem that I didn't even realize that she dealt with for years that, you know. ... She's working on her book and she'll deal with that in her book, but also in songs, certain songs we're dealing with that head on. And sometimes it can be a touchy subject for us to even go into, and I kinda had to persuade her, 'Let's just go, let's talk about that.' And she's been doing it, and she's a pro about it." Check out everything we've got on "Why Did I Get Married Too?" For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Jermaine Dupri Relaunches So So Def With Dondria

19 Feb 2010 16:13:00 EST

Producer goes independent with Dallas singer he discovered on YouTube.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by Shaheem Reid

Dondria
Photo: NBA

Just over a year ago, Jermaine Dupri made headlines after an acrimonious split with Island Records and Island Def Jam head L.A. Reid.

The multi-platinum producer left his post as president of the Island Records Urban Music department last January, shortly after on-again, off-again girlfriend Janet Jackson left the label On the way out, JD voiced his displeasure with the company and said Reid was jealous of the younger music executive. Now, the hit-maker and his label, So So Def, are back, this time on the independent route with his artist Dondria, a Dallas native who performed around her hometown with Dupri during last week's NBA All-Star festivities. "We on the grind with new artists," JD told MTV News. "And we're making sure people understand that the only way the music business is gonna live is if you keep putting out new music. So, we keep bringing new artists. I'm out here with my sleeves rolled up doing that I gotta do. As always, you know?" His comments echo the criticism he levied at Reid about his tenure at Island Records. (At the time of his departure, an Island source told the New York Post that Dupri sulked and collected a hefty paycheck without contributing much work after Jackson's Discipline album wasn't received as well as the label hoped.) "It was a situation where it felt very stagnant to me," Dupri said of Island last year. "As a person who is used to putting out new records and continuing to do that, it just wasn't turning over as being that place to me where I should stick to it and see if it was going to turn around." Dupri discovered Dondria via YouTube a few years ago, and the singer has been with the So So Def CEO ever since. Currently, Dondria is promoting her new single, "You're the One," which is rising on the R&B charts and resting in the #42 position with no major backing. "We're looking to take it ever further," said Dupri, who also said he produced a new Janet Jackson song for her upcoming movie, "Why Did I Get Married Too?"

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Dondria Signed By Jermaine Dupri Thanks To YouTube Videos

26 Apr 2010 16:52:00 EDT

'I put a video on YouTube just to see what people would say,' singer says of path that led her to a contract with So So Def Recordings.
By Steven Roberts

Dondria
Photo: MTV News

YouTube has given plenty of singers a shot at stardom, the most notable being teen sensation Justin Bieber. The website offers people a venue to showcase their talents, and sometimes they cultivate their own fanbase using the power of the Internet — in the case So So Def's R&B singer Dondria, the right person just happened to be watching her channel. Dondria began posting videos to the site under the alias Phatfffat in 2006, because she wanted to see what people really thought of her as a singer.

"I put a video on YouTube just to see what people would say — besides my mom or my friends, because they [might] tell you you can sing but you probably can't. I wanted to get that honest opinion on YouTube. A year later I had 25 videos up, people were coming out [from] everywhere trying to sign me or collaborate with me [and] one of those people was [Jermaine Dupri]." The So So Def boss flew her and her mother out Atlanta to start work — but it took a couple of months to convince Dondria he was actually JD. "First, he tried to reach me over YouTube, but I never got that message. Then he went over to MySpace, and at first I didn't think it was him, so I was kind of ignoring him. 'Don't play with me, I'm smarter than that,' " Dondria replied. "But it was really him. I'm so mad — like, what if he had stopped writing me. I wouldn't be here," she offered. "I finally responded and realized that it was really him, and ever since then I've bugged him like, everyday. 'Let's work, like, right now! Let's get it done!' " Dupri worked her tirelessly in hopes of bringing out her best and gave her the chance to work with the likes of Johnta Austin and No I.D., learn about the recording process and discover her own sound. Her debut album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat, is expected to be released in June. However, despite the title's implications, the album isn't a fight between personalities. "It's not really an alter-ego thing — it's really kind of explaining to everbody that I could be more than Phatfffat that you saw on YouTube that was singing other people's songs, forgetting words and eating pizza. Dondria, she's singing her own music. She's proving to everybody that she can be an artist and not just a person on YouTube." Are you looking forward to Dondria's debut album? Let us know in the comments below!

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'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Puts Spotlight On 'Dirty South' Pioneers

19 May 2010 18:28:50 EDT

Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, 2 Live Crew and more will be honored at the show, airing June 7.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Photo: MTV News

Rick Ross, Gucci Mane and recently ousted "Dancing With the Stars" contestant Chad Ochocinco will be among the performers and presenters at this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" festivities, recognizing "The Dirty South." The show is set to be taped June 3 at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom and air Monday, June 7, at 9 p.m. on VH1. For the first time since the production's inception, a new host will take the reins, as "Hot Tub Time Machine" star Craig Robinson steps into Tracy Morgan's unlaced Adidas shell-top sneakers. Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organize Noise will be this year's honorees. This is the second year in a row "Hip Hop Honors" centers on a theme; last year, Def Jam Records was honored. The production also returns to Hammerstein Ballroom after a one-year absence. Last year's taping occurred at the BAM Theater in Brooklyn, New York. A slew of performers and presenters were announced Wednesday (May 19), including Bun B, Paul Wall, Kelly Rowland, Pitbull, Kid Rock, Taraji P. Henson, Trick Daddy, Mystikal, Plies, Slim Thug, David Banner, Danny Glover, Eddie Griffin and NFL star Terrell Owens, among others. In past years, Snoop Dogg and the Wu-Tang Clan were feted, as were icons ranging from Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One and Run-DMC. Four years ago, the ladies took center stage during the show, as Lil' Kim and MC Lyte rallied their female counterparts, including Remy Ma and Da Brat, for a memorable performance. Are you excited by this year's "Hip Hop Honors" lineup? Let us know in the comments!

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'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Producers Discuss Their 'Dirty South' Selections

24 May 2010 21:53:00 EDT

Some have criticized the 2010 honorees for who was included or omitted.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Fab 5 Freddy and Nelson George
Photo: VH1

The executive producers of "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" have responded to various Southern rap pioneers who have criticized the production for its 2010 selections, which include Timbaland, Jermaine Dupri, Rap-A-Lot Records founder J Prince, Luther Campbell and 2 Live Crew, Master P and Outkast producers Organized Noise. "We try to pick people from different eras, whether it was closer to the beginning or from the late '80s into the '90s," Fab Five Freddy said of the process, which has drawn criticism from Suave House Records founder Tony Draper and rappers Scarface and Uncle Luke. "And people that carved out specific lanes and styles in the music." The onetime "Yo! MTV Raps" host and writer Nelson George, who have overseen each show since its inception, admitted that every show will have detractors. "I don't know if you do anything with hip-hop and not have people speak up," George said in an interview posted on VH1.com. George said that for every person upset with the process, there are just as many people satisfied, noting that fans of Timbaland or Rap-A-Lot Records will see their favorites. "Depending on where your point of view is [coming from], the show works," he said. "They say all politics are local, all hip-hop is too. People want their place represented." Draper has voiced his displeasure in several interviews, saying the process is flawed if only one act or person that represents each facet of Southern hip-hop is selected. Luke felt he alone should be recognized for his endeavors, not the 2 Live Crew collective with whom he worked only on a limited basis. Scarface lashed out over what he perceived was an oversight since his group, the Geto Boys, were omitted, although the influential rappers were signed to Rap-A-Lot. George suggested fans celebrate the moment and those that will actually be feted, a diverse group that they sought to honor the region's successes. Fab Five Freddy defended himself and his production partner, both native New Yorkers, overseeing a show that honors "The Dirty South." The two were also criticized for their lack of credentials below the Mason-Dixon Line, however, Freddy dismissed that particular barb and UGK's Bun B also defended the production. "With 'Yo! MTV' and with my curious nature, I got an opportunity to go to these other places where these new forms or new artists where emerging," Freddy said. "So many people have gone with me to Liberty City in Miami to see what the 2 Live Crew was really about, to go to the 5th Ward in Texas to see the Geto Boys and, of course, most people's favorite show, the ride on the flatbed truck through Compton with N.W.A. I got to share those experiences with a lot of other people to show it's not just about us in [New York], it's cats in Philly and other places that are making viable music with a unique culture. 'Hip Hop Honors' is still trying to do that thing. Let's take people places and really show them and help them understand where it comes from and give props to the people that paved the way." Are you excited to watch "VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The Dirty South"? Let us know in the comments!

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Dondria Says Mentor Jermaine Dupri Keeps Her 'Grounded'

19 Jul 2010 17:38:51 EDT

'He's definitely pushed me the hardest,' she says of her So So Def boss.
By Mawuse Ziegbe

Dondria
Photo: MTV News

Dondria might be new to the music game, but she proves she has plenty of confidence when it comes to the fellas in her latest video "Shawty Wus Up." The YouTube sensation-turned-So So Def star keeps an eager suitor at bay in the latest video from her album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat.

"Shawty" is a collaboration with singer/songwriter Johnta Austin, and the rising star said the track is one of her favorites from her debut. "He's flirting with me and I'm flirting back, but I'm independent, like, I don't need you, but we can make it happen," Dondria told MTV News about the track. Austin and Dondria definitely bring the heat as they work some flirtatious scenes together. In addition to Austin, femcee Diamond makes an appearance in the clip, and So So Def boss Jermaine Dupri pops up as well. Although JD makes a cameo in the fun, lighthearted video, Dondria said the Atlanta mogul is the person in her life who pushes her the hardest when it comes to her career. "Ever since I said I want to work hard and I need to be challenged, he took that and ran with it," Dondria said. "He's definitely pushed me the hardest — pushed my voice, just pushed me to the max." The mogul has been touting the singer's star power since he discovered her online, but Dondria said he makes sure that his protégé's rising fame doesn't go to her head. "When I'm doing something well, he won't tell me that, because he doesn't want me to get too comfortable. He'll just be like, 'Oh, that was a'ight.' It could have been the best recording of my life, but he's just gonna be like, 'That was cool,' " the singer said. "He definitely keeps me grounded and always pushes me. Sometimes I'll be like, 'Dang, just slow down.' But, no sleep." What do you think about Dondria's new music? Let us know in the comments!

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Cali Swag District's M-Bone Remembered By B.o.B, Jermaine Dupri, Red Cafe

17 May 2011 18:37:59 EDT

'He brought a lot of the life with the dance moves,' B.o.B tells MTV News of his 'Teach Me How to Dougie' remix collaborator.
By Rob Markman

Cali Swag District's M-Bone
Photo: Getty Images

Cali Swag District's Mante "M-Bone" Talbert had his life and career tragically cut short when he was killed in a drive-by shooting in Inglewood, California, on Sunday. M-Bone may have only made his rap debut last year, but the 22-year-old has left a lasting impact on those he collaborated with. B.o.B, along with Jermaine Dupri, Red Café and Bow Wow, appeared on the official remix of Cali Swag's platinum hit "Teach Me How to Dougie" and remarked on M-Bone's positive demeanor. "You know, just from me, the time that I did work with him and just being around him, they definitely had a really good vibe," Bobby Ray said. "He was the one; he brought a lot of the life with the dance moves. He was really innovative in that aspect of it. Initially, when I heard about the news — when you hear it, it's almost like, damn, you don't even want to believe it."

Red Café echoed a similar sentiment for the fallen hip-hop star. "It was just a lot of fun, especially shooting the video. It was a whole lot of fun," Red said of the "Dougie" remix clip. "And M-Bone, he was killin' the dance, he was tryin' to teach me how to Dougie. He was definitely the dopest one, dancing-wise." "I believe that he was the one that they all looked to, to learn how to do the Dougie," Dupri said. "Everyone was about it, but he was the one who went hard with it." M-Bone hasn't rapped on any of Cali Swag's released material but provided the quartet with much of its energy, according to JD. "He was instrumental at showing people the dances," Dupri said. "He was the main inspiration behind the creative dances that ultimately defined the group. He was the fourth member, who didn't rap, but played his position by taking the lead on creating unique dances." Police are still investigating Talbert's murder. TMZ reported that Bone was possibly murdered by a "jealous man" who threatened Talbert over Twitter. An unnamed woman claiming to be M-Bone's girlfriend told the site that the man lived in their apartment complex and was envious of the success M-Bone had with Cali Swag District. As of Tuesday morning (May 17), the Inglewood Police homicide division could not confirm any of this information to MTV News, and at press time, the Los Angeles Times reported that detectives had no solid motive for the murder or clear suspects, though they have talked to several witnesses. The Inglewood Police Department is asking anyone with information to come forward and call its homicide division at (310) 412-5246 or its 24-hour anonymous hot line at (888) 41 CRIME, or (888) 412-7463. Stay tuned to MTV News for further details as this story develops.

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