Even though he will be guiding the label’s direction, Dupri is humble enough to know that he is not in total control.  As President, Dupri will report to Virgin Records Chairman and CEO Matt Serletic.  “You still have to work for somebody at the end of the day,” Dupri says, “and you have to understand that.”

Ever the visionary, Dupri already has several artists recording music for their forthcoming albums.  Dupri has recently signed Bossman, a rapper from Baltimore, to Virgin.  Other So So Def/Virgin artists include Daz Dillinger (of Tha Dogg Pound fame), R&B crooner Johnta Austin (songwriter for Aaliyah, Tyrese, Toni Braxton, Joe, Ginuwine), rapper The Kid Slim, rapper T. Waters, rapper SunN.y., and Dupri himself.

Many of Dupri’s new artists will get their first national exposure on Young, Fly and Flashy Vol. 1, a compilation scheduled for a July release that will be the first project Dupri releases as Virgin’s President of Black Music.  “The type of outcome that I’m trying to get is that all of the sudden, Virgin Records looks like a company that everybody else wants to be a part of,” Dupri says.

With his astonishing track record, it is no wonder that other entities want to be in business with Jermaine Dupri.  One such company is 3 Vodka Distilling Co., a Chicago-based business that named Dupri a partner and owner in May 2004.  3 Vodka is the only vodka in the world made from soy and Dupri has been using his knowledge of hip-hop culture and the music industry to help increase 3 Vodka’s international profile.

In May 2005, Dupri will be opening his first restaurant, Café Dupri.  The Atlanta eatery will feature a lively atmosphere and a menu that caters to diners hoping to enjoy a quality meal that is also healthy.  Turkey burgers and turkey sausage will be featured, as will a number of low carb options.

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