Jermaine Dupri is an American music producer, songwriter, and rapper, known for his influential role in the hip-hop and R&B genres. He was born on September 23, 1972, in Asheville, North Carolina, and later moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he began his career in music. Dupri founded the record label So So Def Recordings in 1993, which helped launch the careers of several successful artists. Throughout his career, Dupri has worked with numerous high-profile musicians, including Mariah Carey, Usher, and Bow Wow. He is recognized for his ability to blend different musical styles and has received multiple awards, including Grammy Awards, for his contributions to the music industry.