Where Would You Rank Jermaine Dupri as a Producer?

A few years ago, Jermaine Dupri was judgmental about the current roster of female rappers, describing the majority of them as “strippers rapping.” Now, it’s time to put him on the panel — not for negative energy, but for the purpose of a debate.

When it comes to longevity, JD is on the list. He produced his first hit with Kris Kross’ debut, Totally Krossed Out in 1992, over 30 years ago. After launching his own label, So So Def, he continued to put out hits with signees, Da Brat and Bow Wow. In addition to R&B acts, Xscape, Jagged Edge, and Anthony Hamilton.

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Ironically, JD has gotten flack for working with teenagers such as the aforementioned Kris Kross and Bow Wow. In Dupri’s defense, he was young himself — age 19 — when he started out.

And it’s not like he hasn’t produced for adult rappers. Jay-Z and Nelly’s “Money Ain’t a Thang” and “Grillz,” respectively, production was courtesy of the So So Def founder.

Seems like JD’s strength is R&B. He had a major impact on Usher’s top albums, My Way, 8702, and Confessions.

Also, JD was the redeemer of Mariah Carey’s career. She had taken a significant blow after her 2001 Glitter flopped. He was the mastermind behind her comeback album, The Emancipation of Mimi, which featured the hit, “We Belong Together.”

There are many ways to define a dope producer. The beatsmith can be chart toppers like The Neptunes. Or they can be known for shaping the sound of an artist like Mannie Fresh and RZA.

Or they could be the people who help shaped and mold a whole era like Dr. Dre and DJ Premier. No matter where you put JD, in his own account, he “make the big moves, do the big things, take small groups, turn them into big names.”