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Rick Rubin founded Def Jam records while in college. Rubin took a loan from his parents to get the label started. He was only 20 years old at the time and he was in college at the time.
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Russell Simmons, manager of hip-hop group Run D.M.C, partnered with Rubin at Def Jam.
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LL Cool J released a single under Def Jam. This was their first release as a new label. The song only had a cost of $400 to produce. Columbia Records was signed to a distribution deal to help with advertising.
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LL Cool J releases first album in Def Jam history. The album was titled 'Radio'.
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Def Jam signs rockband Slayer. Public enemy was also signed this year.
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Russell Simmons appointed Cohen as president. Cohen and Rubin could not see eye to eye and it led to Rubin's departure. Rubin left and started Def American Recordings.
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Def Jam files for bankruptcy. Polygram Records purchased half of Def Jam to help save the label and controlled distribution. Polygram was another company under Universal Music Group.
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The famous Roc a Fella records was founded under def jam by Dame Dash and Jay-Z
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Jay-Z dropped Reasonable Doubt and it elevated him to the top. This is arguably one his best albums from sounds, lyrics, and feautures.
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Russell Simmons sells shares of Def Jam to Universal Music Group for $100 million.
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Russell Simmons signs Murda Inc. label to a deal under Def Jam.
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Jay-Z releases The Black Album
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Arguably one of the best hip hop albums from a New York Artist. Cam'ron brought a different style and swag to his music that was never seen before.
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Due to money laundering accusations, Def Jam cut ties with Murda Inc.
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Kanye's album Late Registration was released.
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Young Jeezy releases one of the hottest and timeless debut albums. Thug Motivation 101. He changed the culture of down south rap. His nickname is the snoman and he had a shirt that had a snowman on it. This shirt was banned by schools because the snow was a reference to drugs.
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Went on in 2008 to start Roc Nation. His own, independent label under Universal Music Group.
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L.A Reid appointed Jay-Z as the president of Def Jam.
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Rick Ross brings a sense of luxury rap and it was all over the classic Teflon Don.
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Kanye's label G.O.O.D Music signs a distribution deal under Def Jam Recordings.
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Kanye and Jay-z release the duo album Watch The Throne. This album featured hit singles, 'Otis' and '***** in Paris'.