Jermaine Dupri

May
10
Rap-Up TV: Behind the Scenes of Leah LaBelle’s ‘Sexify’ Video

You’ve seen the sexy video. Now Leah LaBelle takes Rap-Up TV behind the scenes of her debut single “Sexify,” with cameos from JoJo and her mentors Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri.

The Seattle songstress was discovered by The Neptunes producer through the Internet. “I connected with Pharrell and J.D. off of the strength of my YouTube videos,” said the former “American Idol” contestant. “Pharrell actually came across my videos two years ago and he felt at one point it was the right time. He reached out to me and showed my video to J.D. and they collectively decided to do the project.”

In addition to the hip-hop hitmakers, she is working closely with L.A. Reid on her I-Am-Other/So So Def/Epic Records debut, due out late summer/early fall. “He’s been an amazing person in my corner and somebody that I’ve learned from,” said Leah.

May
9
Video: Leah LaBelle – ‘Sexify’

Leah LaBelle

Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri’s protégée Leah LaBelle makes her introduction in the colorful video for her debut single “Sexify,” directed by Sarah Chatfield. When her girlfriends need relationship advice, they dial up Leah, who tells them how to spice things up in the bedroom. Her phone never stops ringing, whether she’s in the bathttub or going through her wardrobe.

Skateboard P makes a cameo as a pizza delivery boy and J.D. plays the angry landlord, who comes knocking at her door to tell her to turn down the music. In the end, she meets up with her girlfriends including JoJo for a pizza party.

The “American Idol” alum will release her debut in late summer/early fall on I-Am-Other/So So Def/Epic Records. Preview five tracks from the album including “So Hot,” “Make Me Get Up,” “What Do We Got Lose,” and “Mr. Scissors.”

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May
1
Leah LaBelle Previews 5 Tracks Off Debut Album

Leah LaBelle

Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri’s protégée Leah LaBelle gives us a taste of her upcoming I Am Other/So So Def/Epic Records debut with a 5-track album sampler. In addition to the seductive single “Sexify,” the former “American Idol” contestant captivates as she coos over beats by her hitmaking mentors. Play and replay the five cuts including “So Hot,” “Make Me Get Up,” “What Do We Got Lose,” and “Mr. Scissors.”

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Apr
19
Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri, & Mariah Carey Welcome Leah LaBelle to NYC

Pharrell, Leah LaBelle, L.A. Reid, Mariah Carey, and J.D.

Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri hosted a coming out party to welcome their new artist Leah LaBelle to New York City last night. Mariah Carey and L.A. Reid showed their support for the Seattle singer, who will release her debut album on I Am Other/So So Def/Epic Records.

Guests dined on crispy rice cakes and herb roasted branzino at seafood restaurant Catch, while catching up with the Season 3 “American Idol” contestant.

“An EPIC moment at my dinner tonight,” tweeted Leah, whose debut single “Sexify” was produced by Pharrell. “I can’t even express my joy.”

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Mar
26
Leah LaBelle Shoots ‘Sexify’ Video with Pharrell, Jermaine Dupri

Leah LaBelle

Leah LaBelle partied all night long while shooting the video for her debut single “Sexify” over the weekend. The former “American Idol” contestant, who is now signed to a joint deal with Pharrell and Jermaine Dupri, was joined by a few famous friends on set, including her mentors. Pharrell played a pizza delivery boy, while J.D. took on the role of her angry landlord.

In an episode of “Living the Life,” the So So Def mogul takes us behind the scenes at the Los Angeles shoot, with appearances from Leah’s mother, JoJo, and choreographer Fatima Robinson. Leah will release her debut album on I Am Other/So So Def/Epic Records.

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Feb
4
New Music: Brandon Hines f/ Jermaine Dupri – ‘Yes You Are’

Brandon Hines

Jermaine Dupri introduces his newest artist Brandon Hines. The R&B singer, who is signed to So So Def/Revel/Epic, pens a love letter to his girl on his tender single “Yes You Are.” “Girlfriend, wifey, my boo, you are everything,” he sings on the ’90s-reminiscent R&B jam, which was written and produced by J.D. and Bryan-Michael Cox. If you like what you hear, the song will be available on iTunes this Valentine’s Day.

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Jan
31
Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri Rekindle Their Magic in the Studio

Jermaine Dupri and Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri burned the midnight oil while recording for the pop diva’s upcoming album. The insomniacs checked in with their fans at 7 a.m. in a new episode of J.D.’s “Living the Life,” revealing that they have done about five songs for the follow-up to 2009’s Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.

“The first night we did about three sketches for songs,” said Mariah, who is set to debut new material at the Mawazine festival in Morocco in May.

Mariah also teased J.D. for spending too much time online and the dangers of technology in the studio. Listen up, Lambs.

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Jan
27
Mariah Carey Back in the Studio with Jermaine Dupri

Mariah Carey and Jermaine Dupri

After nursing her husband Nick Cannon back to health, Mariah Carey returned to work. The pop diva hit the studio with longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri last night at Southside Studios in Atlanta. She showed off her curvaceous figure (thanks to Jenny and Dem Babies) while posing in front of the console.

“I said MC they don’t expect you to be camera ready,she said Yes they do LOL!!” tweeted J.D., who shared a couple photos from their session.

The dynamic duo is cooking up new music for Mariah’s upcoming fourteenth album. We hope to hear more classics like “Always Be My Baby” and “We Belong Together.”

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