One quick follow on from our big EMI story on Friday. Word has it the launch of the previously reported new Jermaine Dupri headed venture within EMI's US division is now off.
As previously reported, after Dupri stood down as President of Urban at EMI's Virgin US, word had it that the major had agreed plans for the producer to set up his own imprint (rather than jumping ship to a rival). But now it seems that, with the departure of EMI Music bosses Alain Levy and David Munns, and the planned overhaul of the whole company by top man Eric Nicoli, those plans have been called off.
Which has caused speculation that Dupri will be let out of his commitments to EMI, and will most likely heading to Universal's Island Def Jam to form a similar joint venture. Rumour has it he will also take girlfriend Janet Jackson with him, who will possibly be hoping that IDJ chief LA Reid can help her have a Mariah Carey style renaissance after her recent underperforming releases on EMI (Carey's EMI to IDJ leap working out kind of well for all concerned, as you'll remember).