Def Jam

Def Jam was co-founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons in New York City in 1984 and ushered in a new era of Hip-Hop in the 1980s releasing classic albums by LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, 3rd Bass, and Slick Rick. The label would evolve in the 90s and released albums by EPMD, Redman, Method Man, DMX, Nice and Smooth, Onyx, Foxy Brown, Jay-Z, Warren G. and Montell Jordan. The roster expanded in the 2000s into the South with Scarface, Ludacris, and Young Jeezy.  Cam'ron, Ja Rule, Jadakiss, Nas, and Dipset joined the ranks along with R&B acts such as Ashanti, Dru Hill, and Musiq Soulchild. Def Jam solidified their legacy with the additions of Kanye West, Pusha T, Logic, and Benny The Butcher. The label is celebrating its 40th Anniversary with classic album reissues and new releases from artists like Big Sean.