Mariah is taking a break from working with Jermaine Dupri

Mariah Carey and longtime manager and producer Jermaine Dupri are taking a break -- perhaps for good.

Dupri tells Billboard, “I’m a very hands-on person when it comes to my work. 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 together in the future.”

Dupri has been behind some of Mariah's biggest hits, including "We Belong Together," and was the executive producer of Me. I Am Mariah...The Elusive Chanteuse album. The project only sold 58,000 copies its first week -- her lowest first-week total ever -- and the lack of Jermain's creative control may be partly to blame.

Carey is now reportedly working with former Def Jam executive Kevin Liles, who now runs the new label, 300.