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Def Jam was founded by Rick Rubin
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. -
Russell Simmons partners with Def Jam
Russell Simmons, manager of hip-hop group Run D.M.C, partnered with Rubin at Def Jam. -
First Release Paving the Way
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. -
LL Cool J releases 'Radio"
LL Cool J releases first album in Def Jam history. The album was titled 'Radio'. -
Def Jam Expands Beyond Hip-Hop
Def Jam signs rockband Slayer. Public enemy was also signed this year. -
Lyer Cohen Appointed as President of Def Jam
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. -
Financial Troubles
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. -
Roc a Fella was formed
The famous Roc a Fella records was founded under def jam by Dame Dash and Jay-Z -
Reasonable Doubt
Jay-Z dropped Reasonable Doubt and it elevated him to the top. This is arguably one his best albums from sounds, lyrics, and feautures. -
DMX releases 'It's Dark and Hell is Hot'
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Russell Simmons Sells Shares
Russell Simmons sells shares of Def Jam to Universal Music Group for $100 million. -
Murda Inc. Gifted Label Under Def Jam
Russell Simmons signs Murda Inc. label to a deal under Def Jam. -
Jay-Z The Black Album
Jay-Z releases The Black Album -
Cam'ron Releases Purple Haze
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. -
Murda Inc. Dropped from Def Jam
Due to money laundering accusations, Def Jam cut ties with Murda Inc. -
Late Registration Released
Kanye's album Late Registration was released. -
Young Jeezy Debut Album
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. -
Jay-Z leaves Def Jam and Roc a Fella Records Ends
Went on in 2008 to start Roc Nation. His own, independent label under Universal Music Group. -
Jay-Z named Def Jam President
L.A Reid appointed Jay-Z as the president of Def Jam. -
Rick Ross Releases Teflon Don
Rick Ross brings a sense of luxury rap and it was all over the classic Teflon Don. -
G.O.O.D Music Receives Distribution from Def Jam
Kanye's label G.O.O.D Music signs a distribution deal under Def Jam Recordings. -
Watch the Throne
Kanye and Jay-z release the duo album Watch The Throne. This album featured hit singles, 'Otis' and '***** in Paris'.