Jermaine Dupri and So So Def celebrated the label’s 30th anniversary with a memorable medley of their biggest hits as part of the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2023.
Beginning with Jermaine Dupri paying homage to Kris Kross and their 1992 single “Jump,” the mogul, clad in a backwards Atlanta Braves jersey in the duo’s honor, harkened back to the genesis of the seismic smash that ushered in the So So Def era.
“Yeah, back in 1991, I was sitting in my room and I wrote this song,” he told the crowd, letting the opening verse and chorus to play before Ludacris stepped out on the stage to join JD for their 2002 anthem “Welcome 2 Atlanta.” Crowned with his vintage afro and wearing an Atlanta Hawks jersey, Luda was joined by JD, who switched the style up with and Atlanta Hawks jacket, bringing everyone in attendance out of their seats.
In this image released on October 10, 2023, Buddie, Jermaine Dupri and Bow Wow perform onstage during the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2023 on October 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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For the next portion of the set, Lil Jon appeared and serenaded the crowd with the YoungBloodz’s 2003 release “Damn!” followed by his own song “Snap Yo Fingers.” Bone Crusher joined the party for his thunderous party starter “Neva Scared,” while Nelly made a surprise appearance and teamed up with JD for their 2005 chart-topper “Grillz.”
Flanked by dancers donning Atlanta Braves jerseys and So So Def shirts throughout the set, Dupri and his cohorts continued to delve in their bag of anthems, performing his own breakout hit “Money Ain’t a Thang.” Switching the mood to a more intimate setting as Tyrese and Chingy came out for “Pullin Me Back,” the 50-year-old boasted, “I write the songs that the whole world sings,” a testament to his vast catalog and longevity.
No So So Def affair or reunion would be complete without the presence of Bow Wow and Da Brat, both of whom joined JD and Dem Franchize Boyz for a spirited performance of the “I Think They Like Me” remix, closing the proceedings on a festive and nostalgic note.
In this image released on October 10, 2023, (L-R) Parlae and Jermaine Dupri perform onstage during the BET Hip-Hop Awards 2023 on October 03, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Founded in 1993, So So Def became one of the prominent record labels in music of its time. Launched following Dupri’s success with multi-platinum rap duo Kris Kross, the label produced legendary acts such as Xscape, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, and rap’s first Platinum-selling female soloist Da Brat. Continuing the label’s legacy into the ’00s, So So Def’s roster was bolstered with the addition of soulful crooner Anthony Hamilton and Atlanta rappers Bone Crusher, YoungBloodz, Dem Franchise Boyz, and more.
The So So Def performance is the latest in a string of events commemorating the label’s anniversary and legacy. Dupri and the label will be holding their own festival in 2024, which will feature many of So So Def’s most popular artists.
