Super-producer Jermaine Dupri is in negotiations with Universal Music Group about joining its Island Def Jam label, according to several music industry executives.
These executives said that the talks between Island and Dupri are centered on his possible role at the label, but specific details of his duties have yet to be determined.
A deal with Island would reunite Chairman L.A. Reid with Dupri, who is seen as a double threat – functioning both as a producer and as a special guest rapper on albums from such heavyweights as Jay-Z. Dupri brought his So So Def Records to Arista when Reid was CEO of that label.
As a producer, Dupri helped produce Usher’s “Confessions” album, which sold 7.9 million copies and was the top-selling album of 2004. He also produced Mariah Carey’s comeback album, “The Emancipation of Mimi,” which ranked as 2005’s best-selling album with 4.9 million copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
In January 2005, Dupri joined EMI’s Virgin Records label as the head of its urban music division. But he resigned in October, just 21 months into his tenure.
Representatives for Dupri declined comment for this story, and Island Def Jam could not be reached.