Bow Wow is stirring up nostalgia for one of the 2000s’ most iconic celebrity couples—Jermaine Dupri and Janet Jackson. During a heartfelt interview on Club Shay Shay, the rapper opened up about his admiration for the former couple, expressing a sincere desire to see them reunite.
Jackson and Dupri were romantically involved for seven years, from 2002 to 2009, and shared not only a personal connection but a powerful creative partnership. Dupri helped produce some of Jackson’s most intimate work, including the albums 20 Y.O. and Discipline.
Bow Wow Reflects on “Spin the Block” Love Stories
Around the 1:42:00 mark of his interview with host Shannon Sharpe, Bow Wow touched on recent celebrity reunions, notably praising Ashanti and Nelly’s rekindled romance as one of the greatest “spin the block” moments in pop culture.
When asked if he hoped Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri could follow that path, his response was immediate and heartfelt:
“I do want that to happen.”
Janet Felt Like Family, Says Bow Wow
The rapper spoke warmly about Janet Jackson, recalling their close bond during her relationship with Dupri. To him, she wasn’t just a global superstar—she was like family.
“She’s the sweetest, coolest person ever. It’s like the best stepmom you could have,” he shared.
Bow Wow fondly remembered simple, down-to-earth moments with Jackson—watching her do dishes or grabbing tacos without any celebrity pretense.
“Ms. Janet, man, was everything.”
A Breakup That Hit Close to Home
According to Bow Wow, the split between Dupri and Jackson didn’t just affect the couple—it impacted everyone around them.
“You know it’s real when they split and you’re mad at your boy. That’s how we all felt about JD. We were like, ‘Man, please fix it. Get her back.’”
He emphasized the peace and happiness Dupri radiated while with Jackson, calling her a “beautiful person” who had a soothing, grounding presence.
Dupri’s Regret and Missed Opportunity
After their breakup, Jackson went on to marry Qatari billionaire Wissam Al Mana in 2012. The couple welcomed a son before divorcing in 2017.
Meanwhile, Dupri has reflected publicly on his past with Jackson, even appearing in her 2022 Lifetime documentary. He admitted that his own actions—particularly infidelity—led to the downfall of the relationship.
“Girls wanted to talk to me more because I was dating her, which was weird,” he confessed. “And I was a man.”
In June 2023, Dupri tweeted a cryptic but telling statement:
“I fumbled.”
Unfinished Business?
While years have passed, Bow Wow’s emotional reflection taps into a shared sentiment among fans who witnessed the couple’s journey in the early 2000s. For many, the idea of Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri rekindling their relationship feels like a love story that deserves a second chance.
Whether or not a reunion is in the cards, one thing is clear: the bond they once shared continues to leave a lasting impression on those who were close to them—and those who watched from afar.