2018 will be a special chapter in the illustrious career of Jermaine Dupri.
Beyond being the walking definition of hitmaker, Dupri has pioneered, engineered, and curated the Atlanta sound that has evolved into what we have today. His production may not be as distinct as hitmakers of this current era, but the foundation he laid has influenced generations. From getting his start as a dancer in the Fresh Fest Fest Tour in 1983 to launching So So Def and the careers of Kriss Kross, Da Brat, Xscape, Jagged Edge, and more — JD’s golden ear, touch, and vision have altogether earned him a place in the hip-hop history books. So it’s fitting to see his heavy contribution get its just due.
This year, Dupri celebrates the 25-year anniversary of So So Def Recordings. Later this month, he will receive the coveted Breaking Barriers Award at the 2018 Global Spin Awards, which will air on REVOLT. Now, it’s been announced that the mogul will also step foot into the hallowed halls of the Songwriters Hall of Fame later this year.
In an announcement made today (February 6), Dupri leads the 2018 class of honorees, which also includes Alan Jackson, Kool & the Gang and John Mellencamp. This makes Dupri the second hip-hop act to be honored, following JAY-Z’s entry last year.
“The 2018 roster of Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees is a prodigious representation of creators of cross-genre hits, certain to resonate with everyone,” Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, the organization’s co-chairs, and Linda Moran, the president and CEO, said in a joint statement to AP. “Each year, the slate of songwriters we induct is more diverse and illustrative of the history and contributions that we strive to acknowledge and honor.”
Songwriters are eligible for the Hall of Fame after writing hit songs for at least 20 years.
JD’s catalog spans many genres, having had a hand in hits for Xscape (“Just Kickin’ It”), Mariah Carey (“Always Be My Baby,” “We Belong Together”), Dru Hill (“In My Bed” Remix), Usher (“You Make Me Wanna,” “Burn”), Jagged Edge (“I Gotta Be,” “Where the Party At”), Destiny’s Child (“Jumpin’ Jumpin’ Remix), Monica (“The First Night”), and many, many more. As such, the Hall of Fame entry is overdue.
The Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony, which is in its 49th year, takes place on June 14th at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.
While we’re on the subject, relive JD’s career in his 20th anniversary So So Def anniversary concert below.
The 2018 Global Spin Awards air Thursday, February 22 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on REVOLT TV. Looking for the channel? Use our locator here!