Producer Jermaine Dupri has broken his silence over his shock departure from Island Records Urban Music, insisting he was fired from his role as president because others were envious of his success.
Dupri was appointed to the post in 2007, overseeing the entire urban music operation at the Island Def Jam Music Group division. He was ousted from the label last week with Dupri’s contract reportedly “terminated effective immediately.”
Dupri has aired his grievances with Essence magazine, claiming he felt creatively stifled because the label heads were not keen on putting out too many new projects.
And Dupri admits he is a little disgruntled at the way his exit has been handled.
He continues, “I haven’t spoken to L.A. (Reid, Def Jam chairman) in three months. I don’t know if it (the split)’s amicable (considering) that they claim they put me out. I feel like it’s not amicable. Don’t lie, be real about the situation.”
