Podcast Summary: The Breakfast Club – R&B Money: Jermaine Dupri
Episode Information:
- Title: R&B Money: Jermaine Dupri
- Release Date: June 2, 2025
- Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
- Description: The Breakfast Club is renowned as "The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show," featuring DJ Envy, Jessie J, and Charlamagne Tha God. This episode delves into the illustrious career of Jermaine Dupri, a pivotal figure in the R&B and hip-hop industries.
Introduction to Jermaine Dupri
The episode begins with Tank and Jay Valentine setting the stage as authorities on all things R&B. They warmly welcome Jermaine Dupri to the "R&B Money" podcast, highlighting his legendary status in the music world.
Notable Quote:
Jay Valentine [03:03]: "We are the authorities on all things R and B."
Early Beginnings and Studio Setup
Jermaine shares his humble beginnings in music, starting at a young age. He recounts the challenges of not knowing industry professionals and having to rely solely on his creativity.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [04:15]: "I remember the first time I met you when I was working with Jagged... we were breaking the ice and getting to know each other."
Tank elaborates on how Jermaine's studio, Noontime, was more than just a recording space—it was a comprehensive compound equipped for all aspects of music production and artist development.
Notable Quote:
Tank [10:02]: "Yeah, I mean, it wasn't always like that. I think I gathered that stuff from being young and not knowing people."
Kris Kross and Artist Development
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Jermaine's discovery and development of Kris Kross, the young rap duo that brought him considerable success. He explains the innovative idea of having Kris Kross wear their clothes backwards, which became a cultural phenomenon.
Notable Quote:
Tank [32:15]: "They were walking through the mall with their Jumper backwards, and the mall stopped."
Jermaine discusses his approach to artist development, emphasizing the importance of identifying genuine talent and fostering it, even if it meant stepping outside his comfort zone.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [38:55]: "Because most people don't know what they're good or bad at and won't be honest with themselves."
Transition to R&B and Formation of Xscape and Jagged Edge
Transitioning from pure rap, Jermaine delves into his venture into R&B, forming groups like Xscape and Jagged Edge. He highlights the challenges of adapting to a different genre and the learning curve associated with producing R&B music.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [46:47]: "We are the authors on all things R and B."
Tank reflects on the industry's reception to young R&B groups and the difficulties they faced in gaining acceptance in adult R&B radio formats.
Notable Quote:
Tank [45:43]: "I know where they had to be. It was home for them, their home."
Collaborations with Usher and Mariah Carey
Jermaine shares anecdotes about working with superstars like Usher and Mariah Carey. He narrates the spontaneous creation of hits like "Nice and Slow" with Usher, showcasing his adaptability and creative prowess.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [60:44]: "She wanted to sing over street Hoodie going. Whatever it is. Hood New York. That's what she comes to the studio like. She's the rapper."
He also discusses his efforts to mentor Usher, contributing to the latter's rise in the R&B scene.
Notable Quote:
Tank [62:14]: "I took Usher in, I started talking to him, I started training him. I started doing everything that I thought he needed to become who he is today."
Challenges and Industry Insights
The conversation shifts to broader industry challenges, particularly the lack of collaboration within the R&B community compared to the competitive nature of hip-hop. Jermaine and the hosts express concerns about the fragmentation and lack of camaraderie among R&B artists.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [108:37]: "We were never taught that R and B was a team sport."
They discuss the importance of fostering a collaborative environment to elevate the R&B genre collectively.
Notable Quote:
Jermaine Dupri [109:24]: "And it's gotten even more watered down that we don't even have groups."
Future Plans and Closing Remarks
Jermaine reveals his ambitious plans for the future, aiming to release more records than he has in the past two decades. He emphasizes the importance of keeping R&B at the forefront of the music industry and nurturing new talent.
Notable Quote:
Tank [124:56]: "I plan to put out more records this year than I put out in probably the last 20 years."
He concludes with a commitment to honoring R&B legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince while infusing his unique style and passion into future projects.
Notable Quote:
Tank [117:54]: "The R in R B is Stevie Wonder. So that voice has to be Stevie. He is the voice of R B."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with heartfelt appreciation from the hosts towards Jermaine Dupri for his invaluable contributions to R&B and the broader music landscape. They encourage listeners to support and collaborate within the R&B community to continue its rich legacy.
Notable Quote:
Jay Valentine [128:17]: "You are one of the greatest of all times."
Key Takeaways:
- Jermaine Dupri's pivotal role in shaping modern R&B and hip-hop.
- The innovative approach to artist development, exemplified by Kris Kross.
- Transitioning and adapting to different music genres.
- Collaborations with top-tier artists like Usher and Mariah Carey.
- The need for increased collaboration and camaraderie within the R&B industry.
- Jermaine's ongoing commitment to producing and mentoring the next generation of R&B talent.
Notable Quotes:
- Jay Valentine [03:03]: "We are the authorities on all things R and B."
- Tank [10:02]: "I think I gathered that stuff from being young and not knowing people."
- Tank [32:15]: "They were walking through the mall with their Jumper backwards, and the mall stopped."
- Jermaine Dupri [38:55]: "Because most people don't know what they're good or bad at and won't be honest with themselves."
- Jermaine Dupri [62:14]: "I took Usher in, I started talking to him, I started training him."
- Jermaine Dupri [108:37]: "We were never taught that R and B was a team sport."
- Tank [117:54]: "The R in R B is Stevie Wonder. So that voice has to be Stevie."
This episode offers an insightful deep dive into Jermaine Dupri's enduring influence on R&B, his strategic artist development, and his visionary outlook on fostering unity within the genre. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have defined Jermaine's illustrious career.