Jermaine Dupri Explains Why Hip Hop Needs Help

BYErika MariePublished on February 15, 20231.7K Views

Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit Day 2 State Farm Arena Concert

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 07: Jermaine Dupri performs onstage during the Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit State Farm Arena Concert at State Farm Arena on May 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for Strength Of A Woman Festival & Summit)

The megaproducer believes the subject matter has become "narrow-minded."

Few people have a Hip Hop history like that of Jermaine Dupri. The So So Def icon helped catapult careers into superstardom, and the megaproducer remains one of the most acclaimed hitmakers in the genre. Dozens of Dupri classics are staples on playlists regardless of how long ago the songs were released, so when he gives a hot take about Hip Hop, people pay attention.

Dupri was the most recent guest on the I Am Athlete podcast, and during the chat, he explained why he believes Hip Hop needs help. He recognized that Hip Hop is the NO. 1 genre but said, "We still in trouble because the Hip Hop that's at the top is very, very limited." He added, "The subject matter ain't wide. It's very, very narrow-minded."

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 14: Jermaine Dupri performs at halftime during the Milwaukee Bucks v Atlanta Hawks game at State Farm Arena on November 14, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Read More: Jermaine Dupri Answers Critics Who Say He’s Not Relevant

Dupri added, "If it's gonna be across the board, it's gotta open us up." The producer was asked how can this be fixed. Unfortunately, he didn't have a solution for what he believes ails Rap music. It isn't a sentiment that is far-fetched; often, "old heads" are criticized for sharing similar opinions about the current state of the genre. The newer artists seemingly clap back, expressing that all eras of Hip Hop face pushback from previous generations.

Responses to Dupri's comments have been a mixed bag. Some agreed and complained about the lack of lyricists in this current generation. Others thought Dupri was being too harsh on new artists. Elsewhere during the conversation, he answered critics who accused him of no longer being relevant in today's music landscape.

Read More: Jermaine Dupri Claims Credit For NYC Radio Playing Southern Hip-Hop

Within the last few years alone, Dupri has earned himself several accolades. He was instrumental in developing Ari Lennox's "Pressure" hit, and he worked alongside dvsn, as well. Now, fans are waiting for him to face off against a worthy opponent on Verzuz. If you ask Dupri, his choice is Diddy as Bad Boy could potentially meet So So Def in an epic match-up. Do you agree with Dupri's take about Hip Hop being in trouble?

About The Author

Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.

...