Jermaine Dupri Reminisces On 7-Year Romance With Janet Jackson

BY Erika Marie 9.7K Views
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Janet Jackson, Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson were an item from 2002 to 2009 and during a chat with T.I., Durpi talks about how he met the music icon.

There are a few romances that sometimes give the public pause, and when Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson came forward as a couple, people struggled with understanding the pairing. It makes sense why the two artists would link up, but in the early 2000s, people couldn't believe that Dupri was able to seal the deal with one of the most famous singers in the world who was also from one of the most notable musical families.

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The topic of Dupri's seven-year relationship with Janet Jackson came up in conversation during the So So Def mogul's interview with T.I. on ExpediTIously. Even Tip admitted that when he heard that Jermaine Dupri had locked things down with Ms. Jackson, he couldn't believe it. Jermaine revealed that he and Janet first met at a Kriss Kross concert and later they all attended one of her shows. This was before he was the hitmaker that he is today, and he was seen as just a member of Kross Kross's entourage.

Dupri and Janet knew a few of the same people and Jermaine said that he would joke around with a stylist and say flirtatious things about the singer. One day, the stylist called his bluff and got Janet on the phone, and as the stylist was talking to J.J., she dropped a few flirtatious remarks of her own. It took J.D. by surprise, but the two began to talk seriously, and it led to the them dating between 2002 to 2009.

Watch Jermaine Dupri share details of his romance with Janet Jackson around the 46:30 mark below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.