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Def Jam Records

Def Jam Recordings is a USA record label that predominantly focuses on hip hop and urban music. It is part of the bigger label Universal Music but distributes smaller labels like Kanye West's GOOD music.

Founded in 1983 by Rick Rubin in his dorm at New York University, Def Jam was originally involved in a distribution partnership with the current big label at the time 'Columbia Records'. It also worked with Warner Bros and signed some original big names like LL Cool J, Slasher and Public Enemy. In 1998, the label became 'The Island Def Jam Music Group' due to a merger occurring. In the 2000's, They purchased the remaining rights to the Roc-A-Fella Records Label who had launched the up and coming rapper Kanye West. DMX also helped the label supporting it's urban and hip-hop identity.

In 2004, Jay Z became the president of Def Jam and successfully signed Ne-yo and Rihanna. He decided not to renew his contract at the end of 2007. Joie Manda became the next president in 2013 but now Steve Bartels serves as president.

Some of the big Def Jam artists are listed above. They stick to their ethos of modern/hip hop names and are doing well still today.

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A Def Jam song may not be the best for us to use and we are edging to the indie genre more. However, if one came up, we will not hesitate to use it.

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