After serving up one of the messiest album campaigns in recent memory, Mariah Carey is cleaning house.
As widely reported, the diva’s latest LP ‘Me. I Am…Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse’ totally tanked on the charts upon release in May. And, though no stranger to career peaks and troughs, the project registered Carey’s lowest selling first week numbers since Nielsen began tallying numbers in 1991.
For many, after Mariah herself, blame was primarily directed at manager Jermaine Dupri – who began steering the star’s career in the latter half of 2013. Indeed, the singer’s loyal Lambs made it routine to slam the hitmaker on social media and often felt the fire of his clap-backs.
All appears to have come to a head. Because, in the newest issue of Billboard Magazine, it’s being reported that Carey and the man who crafted many of her chart triumphs have severed ties managerially.
Details below…
In a scan, said to be from the newest issue of Billboard, JD is seen to confirm his departure from his duty. He tells the publication:
“I’m a very hands-on person when it comes to my work. I put my all into every project. But when I’m not allowed to do what I do, then I know it’s time for me to move on. Mariah and I enjoy working together and will continue to make great music in the future.”
The story goes on to add that sources close to Camp Mimi are murmuring that she may be close to signing with Kevin Liles – Def Jam’s former president, who now manages the career of Trey Songz.
Interestingly, the change marks be one of many in recent years for Carey.
For, as the article points out, in 2013 alone Mimi was managed briefly by a tag team of Randy Jackson and Christina Aguilera manager Irving Azoff, as well as Bruce Eskowitz of Red Light Management shortly after. Prior to that, she was looked after by J.Lo’s current career steerer Benny Medina between the years 2003-2008 and the late Chris Lighty from 2008-2012.
Needless to say, it’s clear Mimi has no qualms with ex-ing folk out of her career equation with the swiftness. That said, we feel she’d be better off assessing her own antics, performances, and overall brand vision in trying to source the root of her present day career troubles. Sometimes, it’s the mirror that holds the most telling answers.