By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Jermaine Dupri is taking a novel approach for his next endeavor.
The hip-hop super-producer (of hits by Mariah Carey, Usher, Janet Jackson, Jay-Z and Nelly) will release his debut literary offering, titled 'Young, Rich & Dangerous,' on Oct. 16 via Atria/Simon & Shuster.
According to a book company rep, outside of chronicling Dupri's rise to fame and fortune, 'Young' will serve as a roadmap for young kids who dream the "new American Dream" of rapping or owning their own independent record label.
In February, it was announced that the So So Def Records founder made it through the major record company corporate ranks by being named President of Island Def Jam Music -- following his abrupt departure as head of urban music for Virigin Records.
Dupri is expected to recount in "colorful anecdotes" about being in the studio with some of the biggest names in the music landscape, along with dishing on his former rivals and talking about his close relationships, both professional and personal.
The 33-year-old North Carolina native (legally known as Jermaine Mauldin) is reportedly engaged to Janet Jackson -- eight years his senior. They have been romantically linked since 2001. He plans to talk candidly about her in the tome.
Never before seen archival photos of blast from the past acts like Kriss Kross, TLC, DaBrat and X-Scape will also be included in the book, alongside an exclusive Brett Rattner-lensed photo narrative of Dupri at work and play in his studio, in the clubs, "making rain" at the gentlemen's clubs (i.e. spraying stacks of single dollars at strippers).
The point, the rep said, will be to demonstrate him in action, as inspired by the chapter titled. "Every Time Tha Beat Drop."
Dupri wrote the book with Samantha Marshall, senior staff reporter for 'Crain's New York Business,' who previously had a byline with Warner Music Group big wig Kevin Liles' acclaimed tome 'Make it Happen: The Hip Hop Generation Guide to Success.'
AOL VIDEO: Jermaine Dupri feat. Ludacris -- 'Welcome to Atlanta'
Comments: (8)
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By: Cecil Jones on 7/25/2007 12:02PM
JD do you want to see what makes me old, poor, and dangerous? How's this for the power of words? Melting in their body armour some wonder if it's enough. Staring in the face of danger they knew going door to door would be tough. Not one wants to die today and one slip means they are blown away. Only a fool thinks they don't want this war to end, but what a good soldier allowed to say?// If we had equal time on the air, maybe someone like me could "Shock the World?" Something like this could hit us like Janet's pasties.
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By: jazmine on 8/01/2007 12:18AM
I just don't see the word dangerous associated with J.D. Janet probably beats his ass on a regular basis. lol
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By: nooneimportant on 8/03/2007 9:15AM
I thought JD was 34. He was born in Oct or Nov of 72.
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By: angel on 8/03/2007 1:40PM
What does any of these comments have to do with the article on Jermaine writing a book. It is amazing how people like to go in another direction with their own personal comments. Learn to stick with the title subject. Keep the unnecessary crap to yourself.
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By: Aaron on 8/03/2007 3:38PM
I agree with you Angel....stick to the topic, unless you're ADHD and even then there's Ritalin.
BIG UPS to JD, he definately has a story for the world to read, hear, and see. I mean, this guy and Kriss Kross hit the scene and the rest was history. I hope he'll give an account of all of his earlier acts, I always wondered how the two Chris' were doing since they only really had a few hit songs. Good luck JD with your book and Isaland Def JAM.
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By: Cee Cee on 8/03/2007 3:52PM
I think that I will be purchaseing the book.I'm sure that it is very interesting...
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By: GERARD on 8/03/2007 4:30PM
im over being intrested in these young lucky black men that have not paid the price as far as education or experiences in life,to me there playeing grown up, bling bling, not itrested in any of the older blacks that madehis or her life as it is today.
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By: Patt on 8/03/2007 7:28PM
Gerard, how dare you talk about JD, as a lucky black man that has not paid the price as far as education goes. From the looks of your post, you need to go back to school and take a spelling class, because dude you sure can't spell.
JD, God Bless you, I will buy your book. It sounds interesting and the fact that you want to share with other up and coming young blacks about the rap world is really great, and shows class on your part.
Good luck, in all your endeavors.
Pat
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