[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 158 (Thursday, September 28, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E903]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF SO SO DEF RECORDS AND ITS FOUNDER 
                             JERMAINE DUPRI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NIKEMA WILLIAMS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2023

  Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
coming 30th anniversary of So So Def Records and its founder, Jermaine 
Dupri. On October 12, 1993, So So Def released Hummin Comin' at `Cha by 
Xscape, officially debuting one of Hip Hop's greatest producers.
  As we know, Atlanta Influences Everything, especially music. 
Originally from Atlanta's southside, Grammy Award-winning artist, 
songwriter, and producer Jermaine Dupri founded So So Def Records in 
1993. Over the past 30 years, So So Def has welcomed people to Atlanta. 
and become one of the music industry's most successful and influential 
labels. Serving as the home for artists like Da Brat, Xscape, Bow Wow, 
Anthony Hamilton and Jagged Edge, So So Def Records have dominated the 
airways with a young and refreshing sound.
  Through his work at So So Def Records, Dupri has produced and shaped 
the sound of modern hip-hop and R&B music of the 2000's. His talent and 
dedication have earned him highly coveted awards and accolades, 
including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
  The party continues with So So Defs successes beyond music. Dupri's 
infectious work ethic built a culture of innovation and creativity 
within the label and the city of Atlanta. His tireless work to develop, 
mentor, and introduce new talent pushed the boundaries of what was 
possible in the music industry. Dupri and So So Def's musicians led the 
charge behind a cultural shift in music, showing the country Atlanta's 
deep love and appreciation for Hip-Hop--and that the South has 
something to say.
  Beyond his work at So So Def, Dupri has also been a dedicated 
philanthropist, using his platform to support numerous charitable 
organizations and causes. He has been known for the use of his talent 
and resources to spread a wealth of knowledge to not only upcoming 
artists, but also his community and supporters at large. A longtime 
advocate for youth empowerment, Dupri has supported Boys and Girls 
Clubs of America and City of Hope, creating opportunities and providing 
resources to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive, no matter 
your race, bank account, or ZIP Code. He has also stood as a longtime 
advocate for social change in the Black community, working closely with 
the Social Change Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at providing 
support and solutions for problems that have continued to affect the 
Black community. Dupri's philosophy of bridging gaps of service has 
become his calling card far past his contributions to music.
  As a beloved figure in his hometown of College Park, he has been a 
cornerstone in shaping the foundation of the city's cultural landscape. 
He has been a leader and advocate for Atlanta's music scene and has 
helped to put the city on the map as a cultural mecca for hip-hop, R&B, 
and all things entertainment. Dupri has spearheaded the growth and 
development of modern Black entertainment and a generation of talented 
and influential musicians. His dedication and investment into our city 
and our people are a testament to his character and his commitment to 
raising a community up with him.
  As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of So So Def Records, I would 
like to take a moment to recognize Jermaine Dupri for his contributions 
to the music industry and his commitment to Atlanta. His perseverance 
and imagination have shaped the last 30 years of hip hop, and we know 
there's at least 30 more years to keep building his legacy. On behalf 
of the people of Atlanta, we say . . . Thank You to Jermaine Dupri.

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