Jermaine Dupri

Lore & Background

In late 2004, after years of critical scrutiny following the Glitter era and mixed results with Charmbracelet, Carey returned to music with The Emancipation of Mimi. The path to its lead single was not linear; "Shake It Off" was initially Carey's favorite demo for a first single. However, Dupri quickly identified that the album needed more melodic records regardless of their hip-hop influence. After Reid heard the Atlanta sessions, he ordered an immediate change in strategy. This pivot resulted in "It's Like That," which borrows its hook directly from Run–D.M.C.'s tracks "Hollis Crew" and "Here We Go (Live)." Dupri provided ad-libs and rap alongside Fatman Scoop, creating a sound that critics described as an "aggressive, off kilter joint with harshly stiff beat." The collaboration proved vital, turning what could have been another struggle into a top-twenty global hit that peaked inside the top-ten in over five countries.

In Their Own Story

The recording sessions in Atlanta became the catalyst for a massive career resurgence. Carey recalled Reid's reaction to the Dupri-helmed tracks with clarity: "He was like, 'Oh no! Now we've got to change the single, make these singles one and two.'" Despite her attachment to "Shake It Off," she agreed to the switch. The atmosphere in the studio reflected a renewed creative energy; they joked around, creating lines like "Them chickens is ash and I'm lotion," which Dupri explained meant finding an antidote to negativity rather than insulting someone. On January 7, 2005, "It's Like That" leaked online, sparking immediate radio interest. Within days, over 40 stations began playing the track after its debut on Hot 97 in New York City. The song's success validated Dupri's production approach, blending Carey's three-octave vocals with a bass-heavy, beat-driven cut primed for dancefloors.

Reader's Guide

Jermaine Dupri served as both writer and producer for "It's Like That," one of the defining tracks of Mariah Carey's mid-2000s comeback. His contribution involved co-writing the song with Carey, Fatman Scoop, Manuel Seal, and Johntá Austin, while also providing ad-libs and rap verses in the intro and outro. Dupri's production style introduced a specific up-tempo R&B club vibe that incorporated elements of hip-hop instrumentation, distinguishing it from her previous work. He worked closely with Carey to ensure the track balanced melodic warmth with a contemporary edge, a strategy that helped the song receive generally favorable reviews. Critics noted his "headbanging" rap and the song's ability to be both catchy and infectious. Dupri's involvement was instrumental in securing the album's commercial success, helping "It's Like That" become a top-twenty hit in the United States and contributing to an era where Carey felt "free and unashamed to be who I really am."

Did You Know?

• Jermaine Dupri co-wrote and produced "It's Like That" after a three-day session in Atlanta was suggested by L.A. Reid.
• The song samples the hook "It's Like That Y'all" from Run–D.M.C.'s tracks "Hollis Crew" and "Here We Go (Live)".
• Dupri provided ad-libs for the track, while Fatman Scoop delivered rap verses in the intro and outro.
• Despite Carey initially favoring "Shake It Off," Dupri's Atlanta demos convinced L.A. Reid to switch the lead single to "It's Like That".
• The song was nominated for a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.