def jam Archives

DOOM & Ghostface Killah Calls Dibbs On 2015’s Most Anticipated Album

DOOM (f/k/a MF DOOM) and Ghostface Killah have both released albums in 2014. In the case of the latter, there's both a solo (36 Seasons) and Wu-Tang Clan project, while DOOM teamed with Bishop Nehru (NehruvianDOOM). However, after more than eight years in waiting, the two '90s Hip-Hop mainstays are... Read more

December 8, 2014 Fresh

DJ Premier Mixes Up A Special Set For Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary (Audio)

In his career, neither DJ Premier nor his group Gang Starr were ever signed to Def Jam Records. However, the HeadQCourterz Studios producer has worked with an arsenal of Def Jam's talent over the years, ranging from Jay Z and Method Man, Ludacris to Kanye West, to Teflon and WC.... Read more

December 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Fabolous Sets His Sights On Christmas Day For Digital-Only Album

Now a Roc Nation artist, Fabolous is reportedly departing from his S.O.U.L Tape style of the last few years. The Brooklyn, New Yorker, still backed by Desert Storm/Def Jam gave short notice today that he will release The Young O.G. on December 25. This Christmas day concept was first exercised... Read more

December 1, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: The Fresh Prince vs. DMC…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 21, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq’s Soul Food Highlights Cadillactica. See How It Was Cooked (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. earned another Top 5 this week, for Cadillactica, his sophomore major label release. The Def Jam Records-backed LP is a balance of Krizzle's foundation of car-audio odes, Southern slab ballads, and insightful looks at the world around him. One of the third variety is "Soul Food," a track... Read more

November 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Beanie Sigel vs. Freeway…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 14, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Missy Elliott vs. Ludacris…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 13, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Game vs. Jeezy…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 7, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Nicki Minaj vs. Big Sean…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Run vs. Ecstasy…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

November 4, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Travel To Big K.R.I.T.’s Planet Of Cadillactica A Week Early (Album Stream)

With the new week, Big K.R.I.T. has looked to NPR First Listen (for the second straight time) to premiere his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica (November 11) more than a week early. Guests on the Cinematic/Def Jam Records affair, per usual, include many of K.R.I.T's inspirations, including the likes of... Read more

November 3, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Jeezy & T.I. Say Their Joint Album Is Finally Coming… (Video)

Just as T.I. received his first week sales figures for Paperwork, the now Columbia Records artist, and Grand Hustle co-founder is already looking into the horizon. Tip and Jeezy were both involved in this weekend's Powerhouse, which also featured Jay Z appearing in support of Snowman. Tip has five albums... Read more

November 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Rick Ross vs. Fabolous…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 30, 2014 Fresh

Logic Is “Just Havin’ A Good Time, Spittin’ This Rhyme” In A True Freestyle (Video)

Tomorrow (October 29), Heads can see if Logic's just-released Under Pressure is the #1 album in the country. For now though, the Gaithersburg, Maryland MC is just having fun. He rhymes about that light-hearted mood, just playing with words on Tony Touch's Toca Tuesdays. Whimsical with his direction, Logic seems... Read more

October 28, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T. & Raphael Saadiq Search For The Lost Soul In The World (Audio)

With Cadillactica two weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T.'s Raphael Saadiq-assisted "Soul Food" hits the web. Ray sounds as a crisp as he has in 10 years, and as integral to a Rap song as ever, as Krizzle breaks down the missing soul, from the relationships, to the streets, to... Read more

October 28, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: 50 Cent vs. DMX…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Nelly vs. Ja Rule…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 22, 2014 Fresh

Logic Rocks The Multi-Syllabic Rhyme Scheme In His Backroom Freestyle (Video)

Logic's Under Pressure release date (October 21) has been an all out blitz of content. From free album streams, camera crews meeting his parents in the livingroom, interviews, and everything between, it would not be complete without a freestyle from the proven star of the free-form approach. Hitting the "106... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Go Home With Logic & Meet His Family, Who Collectively Give You The REAL (Video)

Not only is Logic (and Visionary Music Group) giving Heads his Under Pressure album for full stream on its release day (October 21), the Gaithersburg, Maryland MC brings Heads home. The Baltimore reppin' Def Jam artist brought MTV's cameras to his childhood livingroom, where Logic's father and caretaker (along with... Read more

October 21, 2014 Fresh, Video

Logic Is Under No Pressure To Share His Entire Deluxe LP (Album Stream)

After tremendous anticipation, Logic's Under Pressure studio debut album is upon us. The Visionary Music Group alum teamed with the legendary No I.D. (Common, Kanye West, Jhene Aiko) to make his debut as big as possible, but true to the form he laid out amidst years of strong, grassroots independent... Read more

October 21, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. & DJ Dahi Rev Up The Cadillactica In The Studio Garage (Video)

In the second installment of Big K.R.I.T.'s behind-the-scenes making of Cadillactica series, Krizzle sits in the lab with DJ Dahi (Drake, Freddie Gibbs, ScHoolboy Q) creating the Def Jam sophomore LP's title track. Even through camera speakers, you cannot argue that this thumps... Related: Big K.R.I.T. Previews His Cadillactica Album... Read more

October 20, 2014 Fresh, Video

Ja Rule Details Why His Super Group With DMX & JAY-Z Fell Apart (Video)

JUNE 2, 2021 UPDATE: While the original interview has been scrubbed from the Internet, here is a recent discussion of Ja Rule addressing Murder Incorporated: ORIGINAL OCTOBER 19, 2014 STORY: Ja Rule performed during the Def Jam 30th Anniversary celebration at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last week. After, he... Read more

October 19, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Rick Rubin Returns to the Dorm Room Where Def Jam Was Founded for the First Time in 30 Years (Video)

In a year of tributes to Def Jam, celebrating its 30th Anniversary, this might just be the best. Rolling Stone followed Rick Rubin to the NYU dorm room where he started the legendary record label and had not returned to since. Rather than just interviewing Rubin, RS used the journey... Read more

October 17, 2014 Throwback

Finding The GOAT: Slick Rick vs. Shock G…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 16, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Kicks A So-Sincere Verse From Cadillactica On Sway In The Morning (Video)

Big K.R.I.T. doesn't freestyle. He tells Sway Calloway as much during this week's stop on Sway In The Morning. However, when urged to take a minute to gather an upcoming collection of couplets, after a quick freestlye over "Mind Playing Tricks on Me," K.R.I.T. comes out of nowhere with a... Read more

October 15, 2014 Fresh, Video

On An Island Of Isolation, Logic Says He Feels Like He’s Buried Alive (Audio)

Gearing up for Under Pressure (October 21), Logic admits to feeling just that. "Buried Alive" is a confession in audio, not unlike some of the moments heard from the Baltimore, Maryland's contemporaries such as Kendrick Lamar and Chance The Rapper. Feeling alone, the Visionary Music Group MC talks about fame-seekers,... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Big K.R.I.T. Releases the Title Track to Cadillactica (Audio)

Less than a month away from his sophomore album with Def Jam Records backing (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. offers up the title song from Cadillactica. The work fits snugly into Krizzle's catalog, on the basis of lyrics. However, the sound of the record shows some new progression from the MC/producer.... Read more

October 14, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Styles P vs. Method Man…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 10, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Crooked I vs. Jadakiss…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 9, 2014 Fresh

Finding The GOAT: Biz Markie vs. Erick Sermon…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 7, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Keith Murray Talks His Career, With Crooked I & Wale Joining Sway’s Party (Video)

Keith Murray can be a movie. Just like he is on his heralded Jive (and later, Def Jam) Records albums, the Central Islip MC is animated as ever. On a recent Sway In The Morning episode (also featuring Crooked I), the Def Squad MC opines on the greatest Rap record... Read more

October 6, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: Raekwon vs. Black Thought…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

October 3, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T. Explains Being Sharper In 2010 vs. 2014, Less Likelihood Of Country Cousins (Audio)

With his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica (premiered last night, September 30) just over five weeks away (November 11), Big K.R.I.T. is the latest guest on The Combat Jack Show. Making his 2014 stop on the audio program, Krizzle really opened up on everything from his skills, to emotions, to... Read more

October 1, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Redman Does His Take On An Old DJ Quik Joint, And It Slaps! (Video)

Redman's mentor, Erick Sermon has long been a DJ Quik fan and collaborator. So Reggie Noble nods to David Blake, and borrows his "Pacific Coast Remix" track from 2005 Trauma, and slides so nicely into that Gangsta Funk. It's cool that Red' went into the bag and hopped on a... Read more

October 1, 2014 Fresh, Video

Logic Punctuates A Minute With Soul Assassins In The Form Of A True Freestyle (Video)

Logic hit Los Angeles, California recently and swung through DJ Muggs' Soul Assassins Radio. There, with a classic Wu-Tang Clan beat, Baltimore's young MC got to work with a "here and now" verse about his album, his name, his race, and how those Sway In The Morning-type freestyles weren't an... Read more

September 30, 2014 Fresh, Video

Finding The GOAT: MC Eiht Vs. Scarface…Who You Got?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more

September 29, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Speak on Why Slick Rick is One of a Kind (Video)

From his flawless storytelling to his impeccable style, Slick Rick is truly one of a kind. In the final part of their Back & Forth conversation for Noisey, Def Jam co-founders Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons speak on the many attributes that make Rick the Ruler so unique. Check out... Read more

September 26, 2014 Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Ghostface Killah vs. Kurupt…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank, who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

September 25, 2014 Featured-homepage, Fresh, Throwback

Finding the GOAT: Grand Puba vs. PMD (Parrish Smith)…Who You Got?

Ambrosia For Heads is proud to present the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time). We are asking you to help us rank, who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups... Read more

September 24, 2014 Featured-homepage, Throwback

Just When He Seems To Covered Every Corner, Asher Roth Breaks New Ground (Video)

Asher Roth's "Pull It" takes the MC (and now singer) in a new direction. A musical chameleon, Roth dabbles with some Trip-Hop, and those always psychedelic undertones. Although, in between the focal point of the song: the chorus, Roth still drops those nimble and pivoting bars that made him a... Read more

September 24, 2014 Fresh, Video

Big K.R.I.T’s Cadillactica Gets Its Release Date, And It’s Coming Soon

As anticipated from last week's video series premiere and See Me On Top, Vol. 4 mixtape release, Big K.R.I.T took to video today (September 23) to announce the release date for his sophomore major label album, Cadillactica. The Cinematic/Def Jam Records release, due on November 11, is the follow-up to... Read more

September 23, 2014 Fresh

Rick Rubin Says Chuck D Thought Public Enemy Was Too Old To Sign To Def Jam In 1987 (Video)

In the third volume of Noisey's series on Def Jam Records' 30th anniversary, founders Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin devote their attentions on Public Enemy. Likely in conjunction with P.E.'s performance of "Public Enemy #1" with The Roots on Jimmy Fallon's "The Tonight Show" yesterday (September 16), the vignette pays... Read more

September 17, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Big K.R.I.T Drops Off a Brand New Mixtape, See Me On Top, Vol. 4 (Mixtape)

It's the fourth quarter, and Big K.R.I.T is out to "Mike Jordan 'em." Fresh off of dropping two very different pieces of content yesterday (September 15), Krizzle, as announced just 24 hours ago, unloads See Me On Top, Vol. 4. The fourth volume of the mixtape series, a step apart... Read more

September 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Mixes

What Will Logic’s Debut Album Sound Like? Under Pressure Is Very Promising (Audio)

With an album named Under Pressure (October 21), of course Logic unveils his first confirmed glimpse, of the same name. Self-produced, "Under Pressure" showcases the Baltimore, Maryland's southern influences, from Three 6 Mafia to Bun B. However, the flow is true to Logic's independent run, blending some internal anxieties from... Read more

September 16, 2014 Audio, Fresh

Rick Ross Hits Elvis Presley Blvd From His 7th Album, Hood Billionaire (Audio & Video)

UPDATE: Rick Ross has released the video for Elvis Presley Blvd, included below. Announcing the title of his seventh studio album, Hood Billionaire, Rick Ross offered his first single "Elvis Presley BLVD." The song as a double-entendre, seemingly recalling Rawsss' days of hustling in Memphis, Tennessee, with lots of metaphors... Read more

September 15, 2014 Audio, Fresh, Video

Big Sean Joins The Roc Nation Family

Wale might be out, but one of his star contemporaries of the 2010s is in. News broke last night (September 11) that Detroit, Michigan MC Big Sean has joined Roc Nation management. Sean, like Roc Nation flagship artist Rihanna, is signed to Def Jam Records, but Sean is inked through... Read more

September 12, 2014 Fresh

Rick Rubin & Russell Simmons Remember The Beastie Boys’ Beginnings (Video)

In the second (of four) installment of the 30th anniversary Def Jam Records vignettes, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit down to remember Adam "MCA" Yauch. Interestingly enough, in recalling the pre-Licensed To Ill days of the New York City trio, Rick Rubin served as the Beasties' DJ, before DJ... Read more

September 10, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Nas Hops On ScHoolboy Q’s Studio & Gives Fans The Latest News (Audio)

The members of Black Hippy look up to Nas something fierce. All four members of the California collective have said as much over the last five years. With this in mind, Nasir pops onto the official "G Mix," or official Top Dawg Enterainment remix of ScHoolboy Q's "Studio," which also... Read more

September 10, 2014 Audio, Fresh

R.I.P. To Joan Rivers. Remember Her Partying With The Beastie Boys? (Video)

This week, pop culture lost an icon in Joan Rivers. Known for self-deprecating humor, as well as a fearless comedic critique of her peers, the 81 year-old Brooklyn, New Yorker died yesterday (September 4) after complications from a heart attack and subsequent coma. In the late 1980s, Rivers hosted a... Read more

September 5, 2014 Fresh, Throwback

Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Discuss LL Cool J & T La Rock’s Impact (Video)

Def Jam Records is finishing its thirtieth year strong. The label worked with Noisey to gather thoughts from its founders in a four-part series. In the first vignette, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin sit side-by-side on a couch to discuss the label's earliest days. The guys who started the imprint... Read more

September 3, 2014 Fresh, Throwback