Like father, like son. Jermaine Dupri, son of former Columbia Records President, Michael Mauldin, was destined to be a star. More than just a producer or executive, his writing skills, foresight and ear for music have helped him to establish many iconic acts and led him to produce some of the biggest records across hip-hop's timeline. A chance meeting with two young artists in a local shopping mall spawned the multi-platinum success of Kris Kross' unforgettable single "Jump," which ruled the airwaves upon its release in 1992.

Dupri rode the wave, launching his label, So So Def, and had an unbelievable run throughout the 1990s, signing acts like the platinum-selling girl group Xscape, his one-time protege Da Brat, young superstar Bow Wow and crooners Jagged Edge. He also flexed his pen, helping to craft Usher's debut album, My Way, which made the singer a star. People may often forgot that accolades include his early work with Mariah Carey and all the grind he put into Destiny's Child's early songs like "With Me" -- the group was signed to Columbia Records by his father.

JD also had a chart-topping solo rap career, during which he released two albums peppered with hip-hop and R&B royalty. Life in 1472 featured the mega-hit "Money Ain't a Thang" featuring Jay-Z, while his sophomore effort, Instructions, featured the summer anthem "Welcome to Atlanta" featuring Ludacris.

Over the past 16 years, since the ball dropped on Y2K, JD has won awards for his work on Mariah Carey's mojo-regaining Emancipation of Mimi -- amongst other insane singles. He also had a very public romance with singer Janet Jackson, released a memoir and most recently served as a judge on Lifetime's The Rap Game. He even dropped a new track this summer with Da Brat and The-Dream, "F U Pay Me." His accolades far exceed our capacity to fully encapsulate in a post, but on his birthday, we at XXL thought we'd give a salute to the iconic hitmaker with a run down of the best records he's produced (whether on his own or serving as co-producer) over the years. So, turn up and get goosebumps as the bassline pumps.

  • ​ "Jump"

    Kriss Kross
  • "Just Kickin' It"

    Xscape
  • "Funkdafied"

    Da Brat
  • "Live and Die for Hip Hop"

    Kris Kross Featuring Aaliyah, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri and Mr. Black
  • "You Make Me Wanna"

    Usher
  • "Ghetto Girls"

    Bow Wow
  • "Confessions, Part II"

    Usher
  • "Grillz"

    Nelly Featuring Paul Wall, Ali and Gipp
  • "We Belong Together"

    Mariah Carey
  • "Money, Hoes and Power"

    UGK Featuring Jermaine Dupri
  • "Everytime Tha Beat Drop"

    Monica Featuring Dem Franchize Boyz
  • "Keep On Keepin' On"

    MC Lyte Featuring Xscape
  • "I Gotcha Back"

    Aaliyah
  • "Money Ain't a Thang"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring Jay Z
  • "Welcome to Atlanta"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring Ludacris
  • "Girlfriend"

    Alicia Keys
  • "I've Got to Have It"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring Nas and Monica
  • "Sweetheart"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring Mariah Carey
  • "Ballin' Out of Control"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring Nate Dogg
  • "Gotta Getcha"

    Jermaine Dupri
  • "Where the Party At (Remix)"

    Jagged Edge Featuring Jermaine Dupri, Da Brat, R.O.C., Lil Bow Wow and Tigah
  • "Jazzy Hoes"

    Jermaine Dupri Featuring 8Ball, Too $hort, Mr. Black and YoungBloodZ
  • "In My Bed (So So Def Mix)"

    Dru Hill Featuring Jermaine Dupri and Da Brat
  • "It's Like That"

    Mariah Carey Featuring Jermaine Dupri and Fatman Scoop
  • "Wat Da Hook Gon Be"

    Murphy Lee featuring Jermaine Dupri

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