Def Jam Recordings’ hip-hop historical past is unmatched. Forty years after stepping into the music enterprise, the label is celebrating its wealthy lineage with a particular anniversary hub.
Def Jam has created an interactive timeline highlighting main milestones and moments over the course of its four-decade lengthy legacy. The Def Jam 40 hub dives into the expansive heritage of the model and the tons of of artists who’ve helped form the lasting imprint.
Documented within the hub timeline, the label, cofounded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in 1984, the label’s hip-hop run began with humble beginnings. The first releases have been 12-inch singles for T La Rock and Jazzy J’s “It’s Yours,” LL Cool J’s “I Need a Beat” and Beastie Boys’ “Rock Hard.” The label would press ahead with future Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees LL and Beastie Boys, beginning what can be a time-tested run.
In the final 4 a long time, Def Jam has helped push the tradition ahead with dozens of profitable and groundbreaking rap signings together with Public Enemy, Slick Rick, EPMD, Onyx, Method Man, DMX—the primary dwelling rapper on the time to have two albums attain No. 1 in a calendar yr—Ludacris, Rick Ross, Jeezy and extra.
Several different artists have been underneath the Def Jam umbrella by means of partnerships with Jay-Z’s Roc-a-Fella Records in 1996 and Murder Inc. in 1997, together with Kanye West, Ja Rule, Cam’ron and others.
The label’s present roster consists of names like Pusha T, DJ (*40*), Big Sean, Benny The Butcher, Wale and others.
Check out the Def Jam 40 hub right here.
This editorial is offered by Def Jam Recordings.
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