"Because I was in Atlanta, people didn't realize I'm one of the real forefathers in the game"

In this quote, Jermaine Dupri is revealing his aggravation with not getting enough recognition for his contributions to the music industry. He thinks that due to the fact that he is based in Atlanta, a city that is not generally associated with the music industry, individuals overlook his effect and stop working to acknowledge him as one of the leaders in the game. Dupri sees himself as a "predecessor," someone who has actually laid the structure for the existing state of the music industry, but his location has caused him to be ignored. He is highlighting the importance of recognizing and providing credit to those who have actually paved the way for others in their field.