Jermaine Dupri Won't Work With Janet Jackson Again Because Of Fans' Criticism

BYErika Marie22.4K Views
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Jermaine Dupri, Janet Jackson

While they were dating, Jermaine Dupri helped produce Janet Jackson's ninth studio album—a record that not all critics were fond of.

People were perplexed when the Atlanta hip hop producer and the soft-spoken music icon got together, but the romance between Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson was real. The pair of superstars were in a relationship for seven years between 2002 to 2009, and as expected, the lovers even worked in the studio together. Janet's ninth studio album 20 Y.O., released in 2006, had heavy involvement from Dupri, Johnta Austin, Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, and many others. The record was criticized and received mixed reviews, and fans didn't hold back when targeting Jermaine Dupri about the album.

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Page Six caught up with the So So Def icon and asked him if there was a possibility that he would reunite, musically that is, with his famous ex. He made it clear that a collaboration involving himself and Janet was something that people shouldn't wait on. “The only reason I say that is because I feel cheated in a way from the 20 Y.O. album that I did... a lot of people discredit me for that album. It has nothing to do with me and her." 

“I saw a lot of fans say, ‘JD messed her career up with that album,' he continued. "That album almost sold 400,000 copies in its first week and produced a No. 1 hit. I don’t know why that’s not a success." 20 Y.O. was crafted to commemorate Janet Jackson's Control, the album that launched the singer's career into new heights, and hosted features from Nelly and Khia.

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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.