Def Jam Recordings

New York hip-hop label established in 1983 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. It has grown to become one of the most renowned hip-hop labels globally, launching stars like Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J, The Beastie Boys, Redman, and DMX.

For counterfeit releases, use Def Jam Recordings.

History:

1984: Label launched; independently releases several 12" singles. Its first release was sold to Streetwise Records and issued with a Def Jam logo (but isn't considered part of Def Jam now).

1985: Def Jam Recordings started distribution through Columbia/CBS Records.

1988: CBS Records was acquired by the Sony Corporation.

1991: CBS Records turned into Sony Music Entertainment.

1994: PolyGram bought 50% of Sony’s Def Jam interests and switched distribution companies.

1996: PolyGram acquired an additional 10% of Def Jam interests, becoming the parent company.

1999: Universal Music Group was created through the merger of the MCA and PolyGram label families and then bought the remaining Def Jam shares held by Sony. All Def Jam assets were merged into Island Def Jam Music Group along with Mercury's pop roster and Island Records.

2004: Universal Music Japan began using the Def Jam Recordings label within its Universal Sigma label division for Japanese domestic releases (operating independently of Island Def Jam Music Group).

2013: Barry Weiss resigned as Chairman/CEO of both Island and Def Jam.

2014: Universal Music disbanded The Island Def Jam Music Group, repositioning Def Jam, Island Records, and Motown as three independent labels.

2017: Universal Music Japan started using the Def Jam Recordings label within its Virgin Music label division for Japanese domestic releases (operating independently of Def Jam).

Label code: LC 08427/LC 8427.