Yesterday (October 11) marked the release of a book that covers the first quarter-century of the existence of hip hop’s most storied label.
Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label is a 312-page hardcover from publisher Rizzoli about Def Jam Recordings, home to some of rap and hip hop music’s greatest or brightest stars. But Def Jam, founded in 1984, is more than just a roster of artists, as it has arguably had more impact on the growth and dominance of hip hop music and culture than any other label in history—extending its tentacles to lifestyle, fashion, movies and art. Today it has the enviable reputation of being one of the few relevant rap record labels from the ‘80s and ‘90s, even in the face of a shaky music industry.
The book contains exclusive interviews with some of Def Jam’s founders and signees, as well as a collection of items that range from the exceedingly rare to easily accessible such as album cover art, advertisements, flyers and posters, press coverage, magazine covers and photographs. Symbolically, Def Jam Recordings is designed with the size and feel of a vinyl record sleeve—the work of Def Jam’s first creative director Cey Adams.
Def Jam Recordings is edited by journalists and publicists Bill Adler and Dan Charnas, who once worked for the company. Prefaces are provided by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, the founders of Def Jam; Lyor Cohen, who created label division Rush Associated Labels; and Kevin Liles, who once served as the label’s president. Interviewed artists include LL Cool J, the label’s first superstar; the Beastie Boys; Public Enemy; Redman; The Roots; Nas; Jay-Z; DMX; Ashanti; Kanye West and Rihanna.
Comments