The 30 Best So So Def Songs

Jermaine Dupri and his label are back. This is great news.

Not Available Lead
Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

Not Available Lead

Jermaine Dupri will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of his So So Def record label at a performance in Atlanta next month, so what better time to highlight the output of one of the most successful companies in hip-hop history than a trip down memory lane? From Xscape to Jagged EdgeJ-Kwon to Dem Franchize Boyz, the So So Def label has been churning out hits since the label's inception in 1993. While Dupri's production never had the distinctive, easily-branded qualities of super-producers like The Neptunes, his mercenary ability to adapt to changing musical trends gave him longevity that most in the music business have struggled to match.

As a result, Dupri has been underrated as a producer, businessman, and an A&R. Despite working behind chart-topping smashes, it seems like he doesn't have the same respected pedigree of other producer-auteurs. Dupri hasn't been an innovator in the traditional sense; instead, he understands talent, feels the way the winds are blowing, and knows how to combine those skills to drop hits.

Ironically, his earliest successes weren't on his own label. Although Kris Kross will be performing at the anniversary show in February, they were signed to Ruffhouse/Columbia, the duo was never signed to So So Def Records, and so are absent from this list. Also missing is much of the work Dupri did as an outside collaborator; records for Mariah Carey or Monica, for example, were released on other labels.

This list combines official So So Def remixes and singles released by his label, making it the consummate compilation of the business savvy and musical sensibilities of Jermaine Dupri.

Written by David Drake (@somanyshrimp)

RELATED: Which Artist Had the Best Run at Def Jam?

30. Destiny's Child f/ Bow Wow, Jermaine Dupri & Da Brat "Jumpin' Jumpin' (So So Def Remix)" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

29. Playa Poncho "Koochie Kuterz" (1995)

Not Available Interstitial

28. Harlem World f/ Ma$e & Kelly Price "I Really Like It" (1999)

Not Available Interstitial

27. Rocko "Umma Do Me" (2007)

Not Available Interstitial

26. Jermaine Dupri f/ Nas, Monica and Lil Bow Wow "I've Got to Have It" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

25. Da Brat f/ Tyrese "What'chu Like" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

24. Dem Franchize Boyz "Oh I Think They Like Me (So So Def Remix)" (2006)

Not Available Interstitial

23. Lil' Bow Wow f/ Snoop Dogg "Bow Wow (That's My Name)" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

22. Jermaine Dupri "Sweetheart" (1998)

Not Available Interstitial

21. Corina "Summertime Summertime" (1997)

Not Available Interstitial

20. Xscape "My Little Secret" (1998)

Not Available Interstitial

19. Jagged Edge f/ Rev. Run "Let's Get Married (Remix)" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

18. Dem Franchize Boyz f/ Peanut and Charlay "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It" (2006)

Not Available Interstitial

17. Anthony Hamilton "Charlene" (2003)

Not Available Interstitial

16. Bone Crusher f/ Killer Mike & T.I. "Never Scared" (2003)

Not Available Interstitial

15. Xscape "Who Can I Run To" (1995)

Not Available Interstitial

14. Jagged Edge "Promise" (2000)

Not Available Interstitial

13. J-Kwon "Tipsy" (2004)

Not Available Interstitial

12. Da Brat "Give It 2 You (Remix)" (1995)

Not Available Interstitial

11. YoungBloodZ f/ Lil Jon "Damn!" (2003)

Not Available Interstitial

10. INOJ "Love You Down" (1997)

Not Available Interstitial

9. Playa Poncho & LA Sno "Whatz Up, Whatz Up" (1995)

Not Available Interstitial

8. Jermaine Dupri f/ Ludacris "Welcome to Atlanta" (2001)

Not Available Interstitial

7. Mariah Carey "My All/Stay Awhile (So So Def Remix)" (1998)

Not Available Interstitial

6. Da Brat f/ Jermaine Dupri "Funkdafied" (1994)

Not Available Interstitial

5. Jagged Edge f/ Nelly "Where the Party At" (2001)

Not Available Interstitial

4. Dru Hill f/ Jermaine Dupri & Da Brat "In My Bed (So So Def Remix)" (1996)

Not Available Interstitial

3. Xscape "Just Kickin' It" (1993)

Not Available Interstitial

2. Jermaine Dupri f/ Jay-Z "Money Ain't a Thang" (1998)

Not Available Interstitial

1. Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo" (1996)

Not Available Interstitial

Latest in Music