What kind of music is Def Jam?
Def Jam Recordings is an American record label focused predominantly on hip hop, pop , and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group. In the UK, the label takes on the name Def Jam UK and is operated through Virgin EMI Records, while in Japan, it is known as Def Jam Japan, operating through Universal Music Japan.
Who was the original head of Def Jam?
Russell Simmons tapped Texas-born and -raised hip hop legend Scarface as the original head of Def Jam South. After about a 4-year run at Def Jam South, Scarface negotiated a release from the company in 2003. In 2000, The Island Def Jam Music Group announced the formation of Def Jam Germany, the first international Def Jam company.
Who is Def Jam owned by?
Def Jam has focused predominantly on hip hop, pop and urban music, owned by Universal Music Group. In the UK, the label was known as Def Jam UK and was operated through EMI Records, while in Japan, it is known as Def Jam Japan, operating through Universal Music Japan.
What happened to Def Jam Recordings?
By 1992, despite recent multiple platinum selling releases from Public Enemy, and EPMD, Def Jam ran into severe financial troubles and was faced with folding. However, in 1994, PolyGram purchased Sony’s 50% stake in Def Jam Recordings—subsequently bringing the label into its fold.
Who is the president of Def Jam?
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.
How did Def Jam get started?
R ick Rubin’s initial ambitions for Def Jam were modest. In 1984, it was simply a means for him to release music by his punk rock band, Hose. Its first office was his New York University dorm room. “We never had any aspirations other than playing in small clubs,” he says. “That was the ceiling for the hardcore punk scene at that time.
What is 0207 Def Jam?
Its latest chapter is 0207 Def Jam, a new UK imprint established by the British music executives Alex and Alec Boateng with the blessing of Rubin and Universal Music UK’s CEO, David Joseph.