Jermaine Dupri Dropped from Island
On Thursday Jermaine Dupri was released from Universal Music. Dupri had been the president of the Island Records Urban Music division there, and had been collecting his paycheck but not bothering to actually show up and work. This went on for a few months before resulting in termination. A “source” told Page Six, “After Janet Jackson’s album and tour bombed, he didn’t come back to work … he just lost heart.”
Dupri hadn’t been bothering about any of his job responsibilities – he had not been finding new artists, or releasing any new records or even showing up. This behavior seems to have stemmed from the disappointing sales of Jackson’s record Discipline. Jackson left Island Records last September.
Dupri maintained his position at Island/Universal for less than two years. During his career there, Dupri was overseer of the urban music operation, and his only bosses were label head Antonio “L.A.” Reid, and Island Music president/COO of Island Def Jam Music Group Steve Bartels. Reid did not comment on the dismissal of Dupri.
Dupri, however, maintains his job with TAG, the joint venture between Island and Procter and Gamble’s TAG brand. The alliance involves the marketing of new musical talents, like Q, to promote and be promoted by TAG Body spray advertisements.
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