GetWiki

{{short description|American record label}}{{distinguish|Deaf Jam|Def Comedy Jam|Def Poetry Jam}}{{Use American English|date=May 2023}}{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2021}}

factoids

| image = Def Jam Recordings.svg| image_size = 140px| parent = Universal Music Group (UMG)TITLE=A TIMELINE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS THAT DEFINED DEF JAM’S LEGACY IN HIP-HOPBILLBOARD (MAGAZINE)>BILLBOARD, June 8, 2022,

• Rick Rubin
• Russell Simmons

{edih}| status = Universal Music Group {{small0207 Def Jam/EMI Records {{small>(United Kingdom)}}The Island Def Jam Music Group>Island Def Jam {{smallUniversal Music Enterprises {{small>(Reissues)}}Def Jam Africa {{small>(South Africa and Nigeria)}}}}Hip hop music>Hip hop and R&B| country = United StatesNew York City, New York (state)>New York, U.S.defjam.com}}}}Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.The label has a London-based, UK arm known as 0207 Def Jam (formerly Def Jam UK in the 1990s until the mid-2000s) and is currently operated through EMI Records. It has a Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria-based arm known as Def Jam Africa.As of {{currentyear}}, Def Jam’s current roster includes Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled, Alessia Cara, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Dave East, Wale, Jeremih, Pusha T, Fabolous, Jhené Aiko, Coco Jones, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Jadakiss, YG, Muni Long, Buju Banton, Fridayy, Benny the Butcher, Trinidad Cardona, DaniLeigh, Fredo Bang, Nasty C, Armani White, and Hit-Boy among otherswww.defjam.com/artists/#/ {{bare URL inline|date=February 2024}}

Company history

Founding and CBS Records Group era (1983–1994)

Def Jam was co-founded by Rick Rubin in his dormitory in Weinstein Hall at New York University,NEWS,www.nytimes.com/2007/09/02/magazine/02rubin.t.html?pagewanted=all, Herschberg, Lynn, The Music Man, New York Times Magazine, September 2, 2007, and its first release was a single by his punk-rock group Hose. Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to each other, according to one story, by Vincent Gallo.WEB, Turner, Edwin,biblioklept.org/2011/12/17/i-review-def-jam-25-the-overstuffed-illustrated-oral-history-of-a-record-label-that-helped-change-american-culture/, I Review Def Jam 25, the Overstuffed Illustrated Oral History of a Record Label that Helped Change American Culture, Biblioklept, December 17, 2011, February 28, 2013, Another cites DJ Jazzy Jay as their connector.NEWS,www.theguardian.com/music/2011/jun/13/def-jam-launched-simmons-rubin, Def Jam Records launched by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, The Guardian, June 12, 2011, Rubin has said he met Simmons on the TV show Graffiti Rock and recognized him then as “the face of hip hop”: “He was five years older than me, and he was already established in the music business. And I had no experience whatsoever.“NEWS,www.npr.org/2011/10/09/141181876/rick-rubin-russell-simmons-def-jams-first-25-years, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons: Def Jam’s First 25 Years, NPR, October 9, 2011, The second single released with the Def Jam Recordings logo was T La Rock & Jazzy Jay’s “It’s Yours”. The first releases with Def Jam Recordings catalog numbers were LL Cool J’s “I Need a Beat” and the Beastie Boys’ “Rock Hard”, both in 1984. The singles sold well, eventually leading to a distribution deal with CBS Records through Columbia Records the following year. However, the Hose and T La Rock releases were not part of the deal and are now controlled by different entities.This created a short-lived subsidiary label called OBR Records, short for Original Black Recordings, which catered toward R&B artists—the first artist signed to that imprint was Oran “Juice” Jones, who enjoyed success with his hit single “The Rain”. A few years later, Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen started an umbrella label called Rush Associated Labels to handle Def Jam and its numerous spinoff labels. RAL became the home to Nice & Smooth and EPMD after both acts were acquired due to the folding of their former label Sleeping Bag Records.WEB, Moore, Maurice, Indianapolis: CRUSH Ent Presents: EPMD & DJ Scratch @ The Vogue,bestevents.us/indianapolis-crush-ent-presents-epmd-amp-dj-scratch-the/418969, bestevents.us, Best Events, July 2, 2015, dead,bestevents.us/indianapolis-crush-ent-presents-epmd-amp-dj-scratch-the/418969," title="web.archive.org/web/20150703034718bestevents.us/indianapolis-crush-ent-presents-epmd-amp-dj-scratch-the/418969,">web.archive.org/web/20150703034718bestevents.us/indianapolis-crush-ent-presents-epmd-amp-dj-scratch-the/418969, July 3, 2015, Other acts under the RAL umbrella included Redman, Onyx, Flatlinerz, Domino, Warren G and Jayo Felony. Def Jam also signed its first and only thrash metal band, Slayer, in 1986, and the band’s third and fourth albums were the only two Def Jam releases to be distributed through Geffen Records via Warner Bros. Records as opposed to Columbia/CBS. As the decade drew to a close, the label signed Public Enemy, whose controversial lyrical content garnered the company both critical acclaim and disdain. Lyor Cohen became president of Def Jam/RAL in 1988, after winning a power struggle with Rubin, who would shortly thereafter leave the company to form Def American Recordings. Rubin would take Slayer and the rights of its Def Jam albums with him to Def American in its initial stages.In 1991, CBS Records was folded (or rather rebranded) to the music division of Japanese electronic giant Sony, bringing Def Jam and Columbia with it.NEWS, Reuters, 1990-10-16, CBS Records Changes Name, en-US, The New York Times,www.nytimes.com/1990/10/16/business/cbs-records-changes-name.html, 2022-03-18, 0362-4331, WEB, CBS Records to Change Name to Sony Music Entertainment,apnews.com/article/9a9fc07b083bc45f6c61f8f0b1d55650, 2022-03-18, AP NEWS, en, By 1992, despite recent multiple platinum selling releases from Public Enemy, and EPMD, Def Jam ran into major financial troubles and was faced with folding while at Sony.

PolyGram era (1994–1998)

In 1994, PolyGram purchased Sony’s 50% stake in Def Jam Recordings—subsequently bringing the label into the Island Records fold. Island would share in sales and marketing duties with select radio projects while Def Jam remained independent on all other label functions (A&R, video, promotion and publicity). The label venture went on to receive huge success with a slew of various other multi-platinum releases from Montell Jordan, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Redman, Method Man and more. RAL/Def Jam also distributed the Violator Records-signed artist Warren G’s debut album, Regulate... G Funk Era, which went triple platinum and brought much-needed revenue to Def Jam through its joint deal with Violator.WEB,www.thefreelibrary.com/PolyGram+acquires+50%25+of+Def+Jam.-a015864732, PolyGram acquires 50% of Def Jam, Business Wire, November 16, 1994, May 2, 2017, September 11, 2017,web.archive.org/web/20170911114613/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/PolyGram+acquires+50%25+of+Def+Jam.-a015864732, dead, PolyGram acquired an additional 10% stake in Def Jam, further strengthening its ownership of the label. Shortly thereafter, Rush Associated Labels were renamed to the Def Jam Music Group. The label remained profitable as its veteran star LL Cool J released his successful album Mr. Smith in 1995, a return to the rapper’s original credibility following the fallback of his 1993 album, 14 Shots to the Dome; his last album under the Def Jam/Columbia partnership.WEB, Tosiello, Pete, 2018-12-17, An Honest Evaluation of LL Cool J’s Entire Career,www.vulture.com/2018/12/an-honest-evaluation-of-ll-cool-js-entire-career.html, 2022-03-18, Vulture, en-us, The label later signed Foxy Brown, whose debut album, Ill Na Na (1996) became a platinum seller in 1997.WEB, Grove, Rashad, 2021-11-19, ‘Ill Na Na’: How Foxy Brown’s Debut Album Changed The Game For Women In Hip-Hop,www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/foxy-brown-ill-na-na/, 2022-03-18, uDiscover Music, en-US, Def Jam followed up with its then-new R&B act, Case, whose self-titled debut album (also in 1996), including the single, “Touch Me, Tease Me”, went gold.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}In June 1997, Def Jam acquired 50% of Roc-A-Fella Records for an estimated $1.4 million, giving co-founders Jay-Z and Damon Dash part ownership of the label, while Def Jam maintained distribution and co-marketing.WEB, Connley, Courtney, 2017-06-30, 5 strategies that helped Jay-Z build an $800 million career,www.cnbc.com/2017/06/30/5-strategies-that-helped-jay-z-build-an-800-million-career.html, 2022-03-18, CNBC, en, In 1997,MAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/dmx-def-jam-kevin-liles-lyor-cohen-interview-9561232/, Executives Lyor Cohen and Kevin Liles Remember DMX & Reveal How He Helped Save Def Jam, Billboard (magazine), Billboard, May 28, 2022, through Def Jam A&R Irv Gotti, Def Jam signed artist DMX. DMX’s first studio album, It’s Dark and Hell is Hot was released on May 12, 1998 and was co-executive produced by Irv Gotti. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 250,000 copies in its first week.WEB,www.xxlmag.com/today-in-hip-hop-dmx-drops-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot/, Today in Hip-Hop: DMX Drops ‘It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot’, May 19, 2016, May 28, 2022, The album went on to sell four million copies in America, being certified Quadruple Platinum by the RIAA, and sold five million copies worldwide.WEB,www.vibe.com/features/lists/dmx-its-dark-and-hell-is-hot-tracklist-ranked-587279/, DMX’s ‘It’s Dark And Hell Is Hot’ Tracklist, Ranked, May 23, 2018, May 28, 2022, The success of the album prompted Lyor Cohen to challenge DMX to record another album quickly to have another album released within the same calendar year.WEB,djbooth.net/features/2016-12-05-dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-bonus., DMX Earned $1 Million Bonus for ‘Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood’ by Recording Album in 30 Days, October 13, 2018, May 28, 2022, DMX’s second studio album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood was released on December 22, 1998 and debuted at number one the Billboard 200. The album sold over 670,000 units in its first week of release, and went on to sell over four million copies worldwide.WEB,www.hiphopscriptures.com/blog/2021/12/22/dmxs-flesh-of-my-flesh-blood-of-my-blood-album-anniversary, DMX’S FLESH OF MY FLESH, BLOOD OF MY BLOOD ALBUM ANNIVERSARY, December 22, 2021, May 28, 2022, DMX claimed that Def Jam made $144 million from the sales of his first two albums.WEB,www.thefader.com/2016/12/04/dmx-flesh-of-my-flesh-oral-history-ruff-ryders, Bring Your Whole Crew: The remarkable true story of how DMX’s Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood was made., May 28, 2022,

The Island Def Jam Music Group founding (1998–2000)

In 1998, PolyGram was purchased by Universal Pictures’ former parent, Seagram. It later merged with the MCA group of record labels. In early 1999, the label group was rebranded as the Universal Music Group. It then purchased the remaining interest of Def Jam Recordings from Russell Simmons for a reported $100 million. UMG merged over 14 record labels including Def Jam, Island, and Mercury Records together to form the Island Def Jam Music Group. Despite the formation of IDJMG, the Def Jam, Mercury, and Island labels continued to operate as separate imprints underneath the umbrella.{{citation needed|date=April 2021}} That same year, Def Jam and Island Def Jam signed rapper Ja Rule.Lyor Cohen was appointed co-president of IDJMG, and Kevin Liles succeeded him as president of Def Jam. In 1998, Def Jam created an R&B spin-off label called Def Soul Records to run under the label’s companionship. Def Jam inherited many of Island’s urban artists, including Dru Hill (including its lead singer Sisqó), the Isley Brothers (featuring Ronald Isley) and Kelly Price. Def Soul also issued recordings by Musiq Soulchild, Montell Jordan, Case, 112, Patti LaBelle, and Christina Milian. Liles also assumed presidency of Def Soul, which also formed a Classics subsidiary (active from 2003 to 2011).{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} Island’s 4th & B’way Records was also folded into Def Jam. Also starting in 1998, in preparation for the year 2000, Def Jam marketed and sponsored a new campaign titled Def Jam 2000. Def Jam 2000 was the featured name for Def Jam on Def Jam albums from 1998 until its end in December 2000.Also in 1999, the label began to distribute releases by Murder Inc. Records, the newly-founded label run by former Def Jam A&R executive and record producer Irv Gotti. The label’s roster of artists would include Ja Rule, Ashanti and Lloyd, among others. The first release from Murder Inc. under Def Jam was Ja Rule’s debut studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci. The album, released June 1, 1999, peaked in the top 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in America. In December 1999, DMX released his third studio album, ...And Then There Was X through Def Jam. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200, with close to 700,000 copies sold, making it his third straight album to debut atop the charts. The album sold over 4.9 million copies to date, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA.WEB,hiphop-n-more.com/2009/10/xxl-scans-def-jams-entire-discography-record-sales/, XXL Scans: Def Jam’s Entire Discography & Record Sales, October 18, 2009, March 1, 2020, The following year, it launched another subsidiary, Def Jam South, which focused on Southern rap and distributed releases from labels such as Disturbing tha Peace, whose artist roster included its co-founder Ludacris, Shawnna, Bobby Valentino and Playaz Circle. Russell Simmons tapped Houston hip hop legend and former Rap-A-Lot recording artist Scarface as the original head of Def Jam South.On October 10, 2000, Def Jam and Murder Inc. released Ja Rule’s second studio album, (Rule 3:36). Anchored by the success of the single Between Me and You, the album topped the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum in America.WEB,riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=&artist=ja%20rule&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=CertificationDate&perPage=50, Gold & Platinum - Ja Rule - search results, RIAA, 2010-05-01,

2000s

In 2000, The Island Def Jam Music Group announced the formation of Def Jam Germany, the first international Def Jam company. This increased the label’s presence around the world. Def Jam Germany signed German rappers Spezializtz and Philly MC. The label was located in Berlin and opened on May 23, 2000. In addition to signing and marketing local artists, Def Jam Germany also marketed all U.S. signed Def Jam artists in the German territory. But the German division folded just two years later in 2002. Many of the artists were picked up by Universal/Urban, while others did not get a new contract.WEB,netzfeuilleton.de/hiphop-geschichte-label-def-jam/, Hiphop Geschichte des Labels DefJam, Netzfeuilleton.de, November 10, 2014, November 14, 2014, The new millennium saw Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam’s subsidiary, begin to expand beyond one figurehead artist.WEB,www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wxfrxq80ldde, The Blueprint – Jay-Z – Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards – AllMusic, Jason Birchmeier, AllMusic, March 6, 2015, July 31, 2023,web.archive.org/web/20230731173118/https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-blueprint-mw0000013442, live, Roc-A-Fella Records artists proved successful with the Jay-Z’s (The Dynasty: Roc La Familia) (2001) and The Blueprint (2001), including the labels other signees gaining recognition with Beanie Sigel’s The Truth (2000) and Memphis Bleek’s The Understanding (2001).WEB,www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/def-jam-records-1984/, Def Jam Records (1984- ) •, June 16, 2007, The second international label is a Japanese branch, {{nihongo|Def Jam Japan|デフ・ジャム・ジャパン|Defu Jamu Japan}}, also founded in 2000.WEB,www.universal-music.co.jp/defjam/, Def Jam Japan (A Universal Music Company), Universal-music.co.jp, August 5, 2011, dead,www.universal-music.co.jp/defjam/," title="web.archive.org/web/20110805202837www.universal-music.co.jp/defjam/,">web.archive.org/web/20110805202837www.universal-music.co.jp/defjam/, August 5, 2011, The label was later rebranded as Def Jam Recordings; however, it is sometimes still referred to as Def Jam Japan.WEB, Def Jam Japan {{!, The Official Site |url=https://www.defjamrecordings.jp/ |access-date=May 10, 2022 |website=Def Jam Recordings |language=ja}} Their artist roster has included Japanese-American singer Ai, Teriyaki Boyz, AK-69, Nitro Microphone Underground, and South Korean boy band BTS.Ja Rule released his third studio album, Pain Is Love, on October 2, 2001 through Def Jam. Pain Is Love topped the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 361,000 copies and is certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The album was supported by the singles: Down Ass Bitch, Always on Time, and Livin’ It Up.In January 2003, Murder Inc. became the center of a money laundering investigation involving illegal profits from drug trading,WEB,www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,145482,00.html, Hip-Hop’s Irv ‘Gotti’ Surrenders to FBI - Celebrity Gossip | Entertainment News | Arts And Entertainment, Foxnews.com, January 27, 2005, August 5, 2011, leading to the label’s eventual release from its distribution contract by 2005. Def Jam also blocked Murder Inc. and TVT Records from releasing a Cash Money Click reunion album, due to Ja Rule’s contractual obligations, which alleged that Cohen paid Ja and Irv Gotti US$8 million not to submit the project to TVT, but instead to parent company Universal.WEB, TVT Records v. Island Def Jam Music Group, 279 F. Supp. 2d 366 (S.D.N.Y. 2003),law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/279/366/2386313/, 2022-03-18, Justia Law, en, WEB, Reid, Shaheem, Ja Rule Re-Teams With Cash Money Click For LP,www.mtv.com/news/1451354/ja-rule-re-teams-with-cash-money-click-for-lp/, 2022-03-18, MTV News, en, This resulted in TVT suing Def Jam, alleging infringement, fraud and tortious interference, winning $132 million in a judgment,WEB, Reid, Shaheem, Ja Ruling: Island Def Jam, Lyor Cohen Ordered To Pay $132 Million To TVT,www.mtv.com/news/1471747/ja-ruling-island-def-jam-lyor-cohen-ordered-to-pay-132-million-to-tvt/, 2022-03-18, MTV News, en, but was later reduced to $126,000 after Universal and Def Jam appealed the ruling, claiming that the existence of an agreement between the parties meant that their behavior was only a breach of contract and not fraud.WEB, Duhigg, Charles, 2005-06-15, Def Jam Judgment Set Aside,www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jun-15-fi-defjam15-story.html, 2022-03-18, Los Angeles Times, en-US, That September, DMX released his fifth album, Grand Champ. Though it was DMX’s fifth number one album and was certified platinum by the RIAA, it was his final album for the label before leaving in 2006. Also that September, Def Jam released the video game, (Def Jam: Fight for NY). The video game, which served as a sequel to Def Jam Vendetta, featured artists from the label. These artists include Method Man & Redman, N.O.R.E., Ludacris, Ghostface Killah, Memphis Bleek, and Joe Budden. The final shares of Roc-A-Fella Records were sold to Island Def Jam in 2004 for $10 million.WEB, Archive-Rashaun-Hall, Jay-Z, Dame Dash Sell Roc-A-Fella Records; Jay Named Def Jam Prez,www.mtv.com/news/1494616/jay-z-dame-dash-sell-roc-a-fella-records-jay-named-def-jam-prez/, 2022-03-18, MTV News, en, By that time, Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam had launched the career of rapper-producer Kanye West. His debut, The College Dropout, went on to sell over two million copies. Co-founder Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke were forced out of the label as Cohen left IDJMG for Warner Music Group, and was replaced by music executive Antonio “L.A.” Reid. Frustrated, Liles and now-chairwoman of Atlantic Records, Julie Greenwald eventually decided to follow Cohen to Warner.Ogunnaike, Lola (August 28, 2005). “Jay-Z, From Superstar to Suit”. The New York Times. Retrieved March 23, 2008. That same year, through Def Jam A&R executive Shakir Stewart, Def Jam signed Atlanta, Georgia based rapper Young Jeezy.WEB, 2008-11-03, Def Jam exec Shakir Stewart commits suicide,www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/03/def-jam-exec-shakir-stewart-suicide, 2022-03-18, the Guardian, en, His debut album, (Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation 101) was released the following year and was co-executive produced by Stewart. The album’s singles Go Crazy and Soul Survivor help push the album to double platinum status in America. Around this time, a bidding war for Jay-Z’s contract began, and Reid appointed Jay-Z president of Def Jam on December 8, 2004. Long time label veterans LL Cool J and DMX (the latter of whom had five number one albums under the label within a five-year gap between 1998 and 2003), as well as new signee Joe Budden expressed discomfort with Jay-Z’s leadership of the label, having altogether left the label since then.WEB, Reid, Shaheem, LL Cool J Still Unhappy With Def Jam -- But He And Jay-Z Are Not Battling,www.mtv.com/news/1571617/ll-cool-j-still-unhappy-with-def-jam-but-he-and-jay-z-are-not-battling/, 2022-03-18, MTV News, en, WEB, Ruff Ryders Founders Claim ‘Egos’ Led to Jay-Z and DMX Beef,www.complex.com/music/2020/08/ruff-ryders-founders-claim-egos-led-to-jay-z-and-dmx-beef, 2022-03-18, Complex, en, WEB, DMX Leaves Def Jam Over Jay-Z Beef,www.gigwise.com/news/18876/, 2022-03-18, www.gigwise.com, WEB, 2007-12-21, Joe Budden Explains Jay-Z Dis, Tells Hov To Retire,hiphopdx.com/news/id.6130/title.joe-budden-explains-jay-z-dis-tells-hov-to-retire, 2022-03-18, HipHopDX, Under Jay-Z’s leadership, Def Jam launched the successful careers of contemporary R&B singers Rihanna and Ne-Yo. At the end of 2007, after he released American Gangster, Jay-Z decided not to renew his contract as the president and CEO of Def Jam in order to start his new Live Nation venture, Roc Nation.WEB, Reid, Shaheem,www.mtv.com/news/articles/1578538/20071224/jay_z.jhtml, Jay-Z Stepping Down As Def Jam President/CEO, MTV News, December 24, 2007, August 5, 2011, Following Jay-Z’s departure, L.A. Reid took over leadership of the label, as opposed to hiring a replacement. In June 2008, Shakir Stewart was appointed as the executive vice president of Def Jam, a position that was previously left vacant since December 2007. However, on November 1, Stewart committed suicide, vacating the position again.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}}.WEB, 2008-11-03, Def Jam exec Shakir Stewart commits suicide,www.theguardian.com/music/2008/nov/03/def-jam-exec-shakir-stewart-suicide, 2022-03-18, the Guardian, en, WEB, Reid, Shaheem, Shakir Stewart’s Family, Fiancee Say Def Jam Exec Was In ‘Deep Pain’ Before Death,www.mtv.com/news/1598412/shakir-stewarts-family-fiancee-say-def-jam-exec-was-in-deep-pain-before-death/, 2022-03-18, MTV News, en,

2010s

In March 2011, it was announced that former Warner Bros. Records executive Joie Manda would become the first president of Def Jam since Jay-Z.WEB, Markman, Rob, March 12, 2012, Def Jam Names Joie Manda New President,www.mtv.com/news/articles/1681053/def-jam-new-president-joie-manda.jhtml, August 5, 2011, MTV.com, Around the summer of 2011, after Universal Music disbanded the Universal Motown Republic Group, Motown Records would be moved under the Island Def Jam umbrella. In 2012, Manda assumed the position of president until March 2013 when he exited his post. It was later announced by his former boss, Barry Weiss, that he would be in charge of the urban division at Def Jam’s sister Universal Music label, Interscope Records.MAGAZINE, Aswad, Jem, March 28, 2013, Joie Manda Resigns as Def Jam President, Moving to Interscope,www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/1554917/joie-manda-resigns-as-def-jam-president-moving-to-interscope, Billboard (magazine), Billboard, The-Dream served as Def Jam’s executive vice president of A&R at Def Jam between 2012 and 2014. No I.D. held the position of executive vice president after helping to establish GOOD Music with Kanye West.WEB, April 4, 2014, No I.D. Is The New Executive Vice President Of Def Jam Recordings,thesource.com/2014/04/03/no-i-d-is-the-new-executive-vice-president-of-def-jam-recordings/, The Source, He later became the executive vice president of the urban division at Def Jam’s sister Universal label, Capitol Music Group.On April 1, 2014, it was announced that the Island Def Jam Music Group would no longer be active following the resignation of CEO Barry Weiss.WEB, 2014-04-01, Barry Weiss out at Universal’s Island Def Jam in East Coast shakeup,nypost.com/2014/04/01/barry-weiss-out-at-universals-island-def-jam-in-east-coast-shakeup/, 2022-03-18, New York Post, en-US, A press release serviced by Universal Music Group stated that IDJMG, and all of its assets would be reorganized into Def Jam, Island and Motown, all as separate entities.WEB, Miranda, April 1, 2014, Island Def Jam Is Over,www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/04/island-def-jam-will-longer-exist/, XXL (magazine), XXL Magazine, WEB, UMG Disbands Island Def Jam,www.bet.com/article/7rlrnr/umg-disbands-island-def-jam, 2022-03-18, BET, en, Def Jam Recordings currently operates as a stand-alone label within the Universal Music Group. Def Jam signed DaniLeigh to the label in early 2017. Steve Bartels served as president and CEO of Def Jam since 2013 until an announcement commenced on August 3, 2017, stating that in January 2018, Eminem’s manager and co-founder of Shady Records, Paul Rosenberg would be appointed chairman and CEO of Def Jam.MAGAZINE, 2 August 2017, Eminem’s Manager Paul Rosenberg Named New CEO of Def Jam, en, Billboard (magazine), Billboard,www.billboard.com/articles/business/7889714/paul-rosenberg-ceo-def-jam-eminem-manager, August 3, 2017, On September 17, 2019, the launch of Def Jam South East Asia was announced at Music Matters, an annual music industry conference held in Singapore, where Joe Flizzow from Malaysia, Daboyway from Thailand, Yung Raja, Fariz Jabba and Alif from Singapore and A. Nayaka from Indonesia were announced as the label’s six inaugural signings.WEB, Stassen, Murray, September 17, 2019, Universal launches Def Jam South East Asia and Astralwerks Asia,www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-launches-def-jam-south-east-asia-and-astralwerks-asia/, Music Business Worldwide, That same month, Def Jam re-signed LL Cool J and DMX after nine and fourteen respective years apart from the label.WEB, 2019-09-22, LL Cool J Reportedly Returns Home To Def Jam Recordings,hiphopdx.com/news/id.52906/title.ll-cool-j-reportedly-returns-home-to-def-jam-recordings, 2022-03-18, HipHopDX, WEB, Fitzgerald, Trent, DMX Reunites With Def Jam, Signs New Deal,www.xxlmag.com/dmx-def-jam-new-deal/, 2022-03-18, XXL Mag, September 20, 2019, en, In late 2019, the label made its debut in the Philippines through Universal Music Philippines, led by former Sony Music Philippines and Sindikato Management executive Enzo Valdez. Pinoy hip hop quartet VVS Collective was the label’s first signed artists.WEB, 2021-04-16, Def Jam Philippines “brings together the best of Filipino hip-hop” in their ‘REKOGNIZE All-Stars’ mixtape series – listen,www.bandwagon.asia/articles/def-jam-philippines-brings-together-the-old-and-new-in-their-debut-recognize-mixtape-matthaios-alisson-shore-mike-swift-fateeha-scye-universal-music-2021, 2023-02-07, Bandwagon, en,

2020s

On February 21, 2020, Paul Rosenberg stepped down on his positions as chairman and CEO of Def Jam.WEB, February 22, 2020, Paul Rosenberg Steps Down As Def Jam Recordings’ CEO/Chairman,hiphopdx.com/news/id.54664/title.paul-rosenberg-steps-down-as-def-jam-recordings-ceo-chairman, HipHopDX, WEB, Woods, Aleia, February 23, 2020, Paul Rosenberg steps down from his CEO position at Def Jam,www.revolt.tv/news/2020/2/23/21149700/paul-rosenberg-steps-down-ceo-def-jam, February 24, 2020, REVOLT, en, He was replaced by the head of business affairs at Universal Music, Jeffrey Harleston, who instead assumed interim control over the label. That November, Def Jam teamed up with Alex and Alec Boateng to create a new UK spin-off label called 0207 Def Jam under Universal Music UK’s EMI Records.WEB, 2020-11-25, Universal launches new UK label 0207 Def Jam,www.nme.com/news/music/universal-announces-launch-of-new-uk-label-0207-def-jam-2825037, 2022-03-18, NME, en-GB, The UK roster currently consists of Stormzy.WEB, Stormzy first act to sign to new UK-based 0207 Def Jam label,www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/stormzy-is-first-act-to-sign-record-deal-with-new-uk-based-0207-def-jam-label__31754/, www.officialcharts.com, Def Jam also expanded to Africa with the creation of Def Jam Africa.WEB, 2020-05-26, UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF DEF JAM AFRICA,www.universalmusic.com/universal-music-group-announces-the-launch-of-def-jam-africa/, 2022-03-18, UMG, en-US, WEB, 2020-05-26, Def Jam Africa Launches in South Africa and Nigeria,www.okayafrica.com/def-jam-africa-launches-in-nigeria-south-africa/, 2022-03-18, OkayAfrica, en, On April 9, 2021, returning label veteran DMX died in a White Plains hospital a week after suffering from a drug overdose succumbing him to a fatal heart attack.WEB, Kaye, Kelsey Vlamis, Chris, DMX, the Grammy-nominated rapper from New York, has died at age 50 after a heart attack,www.insider.com/dmx-dead-at-50-heart-attack-2021-4, 2023-02-07, Insider, en-US, A month later, Def Jam released his posthumous album, Exodus, which debuted and peaked in the top ten on Billboard 200. Two digital greatest hits albums by DMX were also available for streaming under the label throughout the same period: A Dog’s PrayerWEB, 2021-04-09, EP of DMX’s ‘Prayer’ tracks released as he is reportedly near death,www.fox5ny.com/news/ep-of-dmxs-prayer-tracks-released, 2023-02-07, FOX 5 NY, en-US, and The Legacy.WEB, DMX DMX: The Legacy [Explicit Content] on PopMarket,www.popmarket.com/dmx-the-legacy/602438175307, 2023-02-07, PopMarket, en-US, {{Citation |title=DMX: The Legacy by DMX |date=2021-12-10 |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dmx-the-legacy/1597017205 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207050948music.apple.com/us/album/dmx-the-legacy/1597017205 |publisher=Apple Inc. (Apple Music) |language=en-US |access-date=2023-02-07 |archive-date=2023-02-07}}Later that year, Harleston conference-called hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg and named him the executive consultant of Def Jam. Snoop agreed to Harleston’s request and took over the consultancy role in July.WEB, Aswad, Jem, 2021-06-07, Snoop Dogg Joins Def Jam as Executive Consultant — Watch His Announcement Video,variety.com/2021/music/news/snoop-dogg-def-jam-consultant-watch-video-1234989838/, 2022-03-18, Variety, en-US, In August 2021, Harleston announced that he will replace himself as the interim president of Def Jam with former Interscope/RCA executive and Keep Cool founder Tunji Balogun, who agreed to take on the role as chairman and CEO, which he did on New Year’s Day 2022.WEB, 2021-08-18, Def Jam Announces Nigerian Chairman & CEO Tunji Balogun,www.okayafrica.com/def-jam-tunji-balogun-nigeria/, 2022-03-18, OkayAfrica, en, MAGAZINE, Eggertsen, Chris, August 10, 2021, Tunji Balogun Named Def Jam CEO, en, Billboard (magazine), Billboard,www.billboard.com/articles/business/executive-turntable/9612603/tunji-balogun-def-jam-ceo/, 23 August 2021,web.archive.org/web/20210823054311/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/executive-turntable/9612603/tunji-balogun-def-jam-ceo/, 23 August 2021, NEWS, 2021-08-11, Tunji Balogun named Def Jam Recordings Chairman and CEO - Music Business Worldwide, en-US, Music Business Worldwide,www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/tunji-balogun-named-def-jam-recordings-chairman-and-ceo/, 2022-03-18, In late-October 2022, Def Jam ended their partnership with GOOD Music, Kanye West’s label, in response to the founder’s online and public media outbursts, including his 2024 presidential campaign, antisemitic and pro-race remarks.WEB, McGahan, Michelle, 2022-10-17, Kanye West’s ‘White Lives Matter’ Scandal, Aftermath: Everything to Know,www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/kanye-wests-white-lives-matter-drama-everything-to-know/, 2023-02-07, Us Weekly, en-US, WEB, Ye (Kanye West): What You Need to Know {{!, ADL |url=https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/ye-kanye-west-what-you-need-know |access-date=2023-02-07 |website=www.adl.org |language=en}}WEB, Krol, Charlotte, 2022-10-25, Kanye West is reportedly no longer signed to Def Jam,www.nme.com/news/music/kanye-west-is-reportedly-no-longer-signed-to-def-jam-3335238, 2023-02-07, NME, en-GB, Although, West had already been exiled from the label after releasing Donda on August 29, 2021,NEWS, Sisario, Ben, Friedman, Vanessa, Testa, Jessica, Barry, Ellen, 2022-10-24, Kanye West’s Offensive Behavior Makes Corporate Partners Squirm, en-US, The New York Times,www.nytimes.com/2022/10/24/arts/music/kanye-west-adidas-balenciaga-yeezy.html, 2023-02-07, 0362-4331, as so Pusha T after It’s Almost Dry on April 22 earlier that year,WEB, Pusha-T’s Manager Steven Victor Says Next Album Fulfills Def Jam Contract, Rapper Owns Masters & Is ‘Still With Ye’,www.complex.com/music/pusha-t-next-album-fulfills-def-jam-contract-still-with-kanye-good-music-owns-masters-says-steven-victor, 2023-02-07, Complex, en, making 070 Shake’s You Can’t Kill Me the final release under the GOOD/Def Jam partnership.On October 31, 2023, the label’s core artist, Jeezy, had fulfilled his contract with Def Jam.WEB, Horowitz, Steven J., 2023-10-30, Jeezy to Exit Def Jam, Announces Double Album ‘I Might Forgive… But I Don’t Forget’,variety.com/2023/music/news/jeezy-def-jam-departure-new-double-album-1235773429/, 2023-10-31, Variety, en-US, WEB, 2023-10-30, Jeezy Announces ‘Meticulous’ New Double Album, Confirms Def Jam Departure,hiphopdx.com/news/jeezy-new-double-album-def-jam-departure, 2023-10-31, HipHopDX, en, Meanwhile, the label had already signed Washington, D.C. rapper Wale.WEB, 2023-10-19, Wale Signs New Deal With Def Jam As He Readies Return To Music,hiphopdx.com/news/wale-def-jam-deal, 2023-10-31, HipHopDX, en, WEB, II, C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman, 2023-10-19, Wale Signs With Def Jam Recordings,www.xxlmag.com/wale-signs-def-jam-recordings/, 2023-10-31, XXL Mag, en,

Presidents

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

• Lyor Cohen (1988–1998)
• Kevin Liles (1998–2004)
• Jay-Z (2004–2007)
• L.A. Reid (2008–2012)
• Joie Manda (2012–2013)
• Steve Bartels (2013–2017)
• Paul Rosenberg (2018–2020)
• Jeffrey Harleston (acting, 2020–2022)WEB, Def Jam Recordings Announces Changes to Leadership Structure,www.universalmusic.com/def-jam-recordings-announces-changes-to-leadership-structure/, universalmusic.com, February 22, 2020, Universal Music Group, Universal Music, June 23, 2021,
• Tunji Balogun (2022–present)

{{Div col end}}

Executive Vice Presidents

{{Div col|colwidth=18em}}

• No I.D. (2012–2014)

{{Div col end}}

Current artists

{{Div col|colwidth=14em}}

• 070 Shake
• Adekunle GoldMAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/pro/nigerian-afropop-singer-adekunle-gold-signs-def-jam/

magazine=Billboard (magazine)>last=Mamodate=14 March 2023, 15 March 2023,

• Alessia CaraNEWS, Caramanica, Jon, Alessia Cara Speaks Up for the Outsiders on ‘Here’,www.nytimes.com/2015/05/20/arts/music/alessia-cara-speaks-up-for-the-outsiders-on-here.html, June 1, 2015, The New York Times, May 19, 2015,
• Alif
• Amir Obè
• Armani WhiteMAGAZINE, ‘Billie Eilish’ Star Armani White Signs With Def Jam, Billboard (magazine), Billboard,www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/armani-white-billie-eilish-def-jam-signing-1235118607/,
• AzantiWEB, Omotoso, Idris, Teenage Sensation Azanti Unveils ‘Gettin’ Hot’ Visuals Via Def Jam Recordings —,soundcity.tv/teenage-sensation-azanti-unveils-gettin-hot-visuals-via-def-jam-recordings/, Soundcity, 29 September 2023, 12 August 2022,
• Benny the Butcher
• Beau Young Prince
• Big Sean
• Bloody CivilianWEB, Meet Bloody Civilian, The New Artist Soundtracking Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/bloody-civilian-black-panther-wakanda-forever, British Vogue, 29 September 2023, 9 November 2022,
• Bru-C
• Coco JonesWEB, Inman, DeMicia, 2022-03-03, Coco Jones Says New Music Is Coming As ‘Bel-Air’ Continues,www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/coco-jones-new-music-bel-air-interview-1234650570/, 2022-03-21, VIBE.com, en-US, {{Citation |title=Coco Jones Talks Signing To Def Jam Records |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiwB0KTe5Ss |language=en |access-date=2022-03-21}}
• Daboyway
• DaniLeigh
• Dave East
• DJ Khaled
• Fabolous
• Fredo BangWEB, Milca P.,www.hotnewhiphop.com/fredo-bang-connects-with-tay-keith-on-face-down-new-song.1984771.html, Fredo Bang Connects With Tay Keith On “Face Down”, HotNewHipHop, October 6, 2019, January 6, 2020,
• Hit-BoyWEB, Michael Saponara,www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8507640/sob-x-rbe-hit-boy-family-not-a-group, SOB X RBE Links With Hit-Boy for New ‘Family Not a Group’ Project: Listen, Billboard.com, April 17, 2019, April 23, 2019,
• Jadakiss
• Jeremih
• Jhené Aiko
• Justin Bieber
• Kaash PaigeWEB, Riley Wallace,hiphopdx.com/news/id.53651/title.singer-kaash-paige-talks-love-songs-def-jam-debut, Singer Kaash Paige Talks ‘Love Songs’ & Def Jam Debut, HipHopDX, December 2, 2019, February 18, 2020,
• Krept and Konan
• Muni Long
• OdumodublvckWEB, Udugba, Anthony, Odumodublvck signs exclusive deal with Def Jam Recordings,businessday.ng/life-arts/article/odumodublvck-signs-exclusive-deal-with-def-jam-recordings/, Businessday NG, 29 September 2023, 14 September 2023,
• Potter Payper
• Public Enemy
• Stormzy
• Teezee
• Teyana Taylor
• Wale
• YGMAGAZINE,www.billboard.com/articles/business/8347184/def-jam-boosts-ar-department-deals-yk-osiris-ronny-j, Def Jam Boosts A&R Department, Announces New Deals With YK Osiris, Ronny J, Billboard,

{{Div col end}}

See also

• Krush Groove
• Def Jam Recordings discography

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

• www.hitquarters.com/dev/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_ShakirStewart.html" title="web.archive.org/web/20170623203908www.hitquarters.com/dev/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_ShakirStewart.html">Interview with Shakir Stewart, HitQuarters Nov 5

{{Def Jam Recordings}}{{Def Jam Recordings video games}}{{Universal Music Group}}{{Authority control}}