Jermaine Dupri, the renowned producer and music mogul, is making a bold claim as the inventor of the popular club tradition known as ‘making it rain.’ In a recent interview on “The Estelle Show” on Apple Hits, Dupri shared the story behind this now iconic practice and its humble origins. Although it may seem like a glamorous display of wealth, Dupri reveals that it wasn’t always seen as cool as it appears.
Key Takeaway
Jermaine Dupri claims to be the originator of ‘making it rain’ in clubs, attributing his 1998 collaboration with Jay-Z as the starting point for the trend. Despite initial confusion, Dupri’s extravagant displays of wealth caught on, making him unintentionally pioneering this widely recognized practice.
Birth of the Trend: 1998 Collab with Jay-Z
Dupri points to his 1998 collaboration with Jay-Z on the track “Money Ain’t a Thang” as the catalyst for what would later become the ‘making it rain’ phenomenon. It was during this time that Dupri decided to test out the extravagant gesture himself in real life, not fully aware of the impact it would have.
The First Encounter: Magic City and a Puzzled Stripper
According to Dupri, his first experience with ‘making it rain’ took place at Magic City, a popular strip club in Atlanta. As he tossed money in the air, he recalls the bewildered reaction of the stripper, who questioned his intentions, saying, “You want me to get down on the floor and get my money???”
The Epiphany: Pioneering Something Big
Undeterred by initial confusion, Dupri continued his cash splashes at other venues, only to be met with similar perplexed reactions. It was at this moment that he realized he was onto something groundbreaking. The concept of ‘making it rain’ was born, and Dupri became an unintentional pioneer of this extravagant display of wealth.
Teaching Strip Club Etiquette
As the trend eventually caught on, Dupri took it upon himself to educate dancers on proper strip club etiquette. He taught them how to efficiently divide the money once it hit the ground, ensuring that the party could continue smoothly and in good spirits.
An Iconic Figure in Strip Club Culture
With years of experience in Atlanta’s strip club scene, Dupri proudly asserts that he introduced prominent figures such as Quincy Jones and Janet Jackson to their first Magic City experiences. His expertise and understanding of strip club culture make him a true authority on the subject.
Insights for an Upcoming Documentary
Dupri’s adventures in strip clubs have provided him with invaluable insights for his upcoming documentary, titled “Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told.” This project has garnered significant attention as attendees of the infamous ’90s event anticipate the possibility of being caught in compromising positions all these years later.
