Jermaine Dupri Gets the Boot from Island Records

It looks like rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri's time as head of the urban division at Island Records has come to an end. According to reports, Dupri's termination became effective immediately, despite the label making a formal statement.

Rumors of Dupri being on his way out of the door began following disappointing sales of his girlfriend Janet Jackson's last album 'Discipline.' Not long after the album's release Jackson announced that the label had "stopped all promotion of the album" and later amicably parted ways with them.

The label's urban division was created two years ago, just before Dupri was appointed president. In his position he reported directly to label chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid and president of Island Music, Steve Bartels. Following the success of Mariah Carey's comeback album, 'The Emancipation of Mimi,' Dupri was allotted the opportunity to produce songs for all the artists on the label.

Last year, Dupri also signed a deal with Proctor and Gamble's TAG body-spray to create SoSo Def/TAG Records under the Island/Def Jam umbrella. Under the stipulations of the partnership, artists on the label were to be cross-promoted with the body spray opening the door for wider marketing opportunities.

Dupri who is vocal on his blog has yet to comment on his departure from the label. A noted music industry heavyweight and staple in bringing Atlanta's musical sound to the mainstream. He is the man behind hits for Usher, TLC, Carey, and Da Brat.