Former En Vogue Singer Dawn Robinson Responds to Jermaine Dupri’s Criticism
In a recent episode of the Way Up With Angela Yee podcast airing on March 25, 2025, vocalist Dawn Robinson addressed comments made by music producer Jermaine Dupri regarding her unconventional living situation. Robinson expressed surprise and disappointment at Dupri’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of understanding an artist’s personal journey.
Robinson remarked, “artist to artist,”there should be mutual respect and not attacks based on assumptions. She reflected on Dupri’s familiarity with her circumstances, stating:
“It’s like where are you coming from? But it was a shock, and some people just have to be negative and he doesn’t know my story so he’s assuming. Instead of reaching out to me directly.”
Earlier this month, Robinson disclosed on social media that she has been living in her car for the past three years due to conflicts with her living situation with her mother. Following her revelation, many fans and supporters reached out offering assistance through various fundraising efforts.
Dupri’s Comments on Instagram Live
After Robinson’s disclosure, Jermaine Dupri addressed the situation during an Instagram Live session with Chad “Dr. Ceuss” Elliott. He commented on her “car life”and noted that it was a conscious decision on her part rather than a manifestation of financial struggle. He revealed that offers of support had been extended to Robinson but maintained that she did not appear to be in dire need.
“From my understanding, for her to speak on it the way she spoke on it, she was basically saying that she saw other people living in their vans, living in RVs, and she welcomed the idea of doing this,”Dupri explained.
Robinson Clarifies Her Choice
During her interview, Angela Yee pressed Robinson about the perception of her being “homeless.”Robinson firmly denied these claims, asserting that her decision to live in her car was intentional. She elaborated on her research into the lifestyles of others, making it clear:
“It’s almost like people think that I was just like thrown into car life. Like she’s just homeless. Like, no, I made a choice.”
She explained that alternatives, such as staying in hotels or arranging other accommodations with her manager, were available to her, yet she opted for her current lifestyle as part of her personal journey. Robinson criticized those who questioned her circumstances, stating:
“Somebody said, ‘Oh no, she’s not homeless. Look at her nails she got a nail polish.’ Its called POLISH.”
This led to further discussions about Dupri’s remarks, in which he implied that Robinson’s assistant was evidence she was not truly struggling financially. Reflecting on this, Robinson shared her surprise at Dupri’s assertion as she mentioned:
“I was like first of all I’ve only met him once in my life. I remember being around, but not directly meeting him.”
Living in a Car: A Unique Experience
Through an 18-minute video posted on her YouTube channel on March 11, Dawn Robinson shed light on her living situation, claiming that the experience had been challenging yet revealing. She emphasized the misconception that fame eradicates personal struggles:
“People see the fame and assume everything is perfect. But behind the scenes, there are struggles that many aren’t aware of.”
Throughout her journey, Robinson mentioned how support from close friends and her assistant, Niecy, has helped her navigate this unique chapter in her life.
Dupri’s Perspective on Robinson’s Situation
During his Instagram Live conversation, Jermaine Dupri raised the notion that having an assistant while living in a car raised eyebrows regarding Robinson’s financial situation. He interpreted this as an indication that she was not in a crisis:
“Because ain’t no goddamn way she got an assistant and she ain’t got no money. Ain’t no way. She might not have all the money in the world, but she definitely not broke with an assistant.”
Dupri elaborated that the idea of living in a car for an extended period, while still maintaining an assistant, seemed contradictory. Despite his initial critique, Dupri ultimately appeared to show support for Robinson’s autonomy in her choices.
As of now, Jermaine Dupri has not publicly responded to Robinson’s recounting of her experience and his remarks.