In February 2024, Jermaine Dupri, the esteemed producer and founder of So So Def Recordings, entered into a significant multi-year partnership with Create Music Group. This collaboration aims to rejuvenate So So Def’s legacy and propel it into a new era of musical innovation.

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Key Aspects of the Partnership:

• Leadership Transition: Dupri stepped down from his role as CEO of So So Def Recordings to assume the positions of Chairman and Founder. He appointed Bryan Patrick Franklin as the new CEO and Joe Romulus Esq. as Head of Legal Business Affairs. In his capacity as Creative Director for Create Music Group, Dupri focuses on expanding the company’s influence at the intersection of music and culture. ​

• Catalog and Future Projects: The agreement encompasses So So Def’s extensive catalog, publishing rights, and recordings. It also sets the stage for the release of new music and the development of emerging artists under Dupri’s expert guidance.

• Strategic Vision: Dupri expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “​I have been looking for a home for the entire So So Def brand so I can continue to do what I started.” Jonathan Strauss, Founder and CEO of Create Music Group, praised Dupri’s impact on the industry, remarking, “​Jermaine has been one of the most successful and impactful forces in music for the last three decades.” ​

Looking Ahead:

This collaboration signifies a pivotal moment for So So Def Recordings, promising a blend of its rich musical heritage with innovative future projects. Fans can anticipate a series of new releases and artist signings that honor the label’s storied past while embracing contemporary musical trends.