Superproducer Jermaine Dupri isn't here for any slander against Michael Jackson's most iconic album Thriller.
Recently, he publicly expressed his frustration with Rolling Stone Magazine for their dismissal of Michael Jackson’s song, “The Lady in My Life,” labeling it undeserving of its spot on the iconic Thriller album. The critique appeared in a Rolling Stone article titled, “50 Terrible Songs on Great Albums,” which argued that the ballad felt out of place alongside monumental tracks like Billie Jean, Thriller, and Beat It.
The article stated, “Jackson delivered a strong vocal, but it’s in service of a song that has no business being on the same album as Human Nature or Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.” This stance struck a nerve with Dupri, a staunch defender of R&B and its legacy, prompting him to call out the publication.
Taking to social media, Dupri didn’t hold back. He criticized Rolling Stone for perpetuating a pattern of sidelining R&B music, which he believes has contributed to the genre’s diminished recognition in recent years.
“This is the reason R&B music no longer gets the love that it’s supposed to,” Dupri wrote. “The Grammys don’t televise the categories, and then one of our longest-lasting music publications, Rolling Stone, prints some BS like this.”
Dupri went even further, humorously calling for accountability by referencing an iconic scene from the 1984 film Beverly Hills Cop. “Who eva wrote this needs to be thrown out of the building like Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop,” he quipped, driving home his point with a mix of sarcasm and frustration.
Dupri’s comments quickly sparked debate across social media, with fans and fellow artists weighing in on “The Lady in My Life.” Many R&B lovers rushed to defend the track, which they consider an unforgettable showcase of Jackson’s emotional depth and vocal mastery.
Supporters also echoed Dupri’s broader argument about R&B’s treatment within the music industry. From the Grammy Awards cutting R&B categories from televised broadcasts to publications like Rolling Stone offering harsh critiques, it’s clear many feel the genre is continuously undervalued.