def jam Archives

Fabolous & Jadakiss Get Dressed To Kill To Deliver More Lethal Rhymes (Video)

When Fabolous and Jadakiss announced they'd be putting out a collaboration album, fans were initially wondering how it would sound. Sure, the two MCs are about as New York as it can get, but their styles and flows are vastly different. Luckily, with the help of Swizz Beatz' production, what... Read more

February 12, 2018 Video

Fabolous & Jadakiss Show That Being A Father To Your Child Is Timeless (Video)

2017's Friday On Elm Street album from Jadakiss and Fabolous was years in the making. As any Hip-Hop Head would expect, the Def Jam Records album is chock full of wordplay, clever punchlines, compound rhyme structures, and grabbing production (especially from Swizz Beatz). However, there is plenty of substance too,... Read more

January 29, 2018 Video

Happy 50th Birthday To LL Cool J. Celebrate The Original G.O.A.T. (Video)

Today marks the 50th birthday of James Todd Smith, best known as beloved Queens, New York MC, LL Cool J. Born January 14, 1968, "Ladies Love Cool James" has always had an undeniable impact in Hip-Hop. As an adolescent, LL Cool J reportedly recorded his own demos using a mixer... Read more

January 14, 2018 Fresh

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 8): Kendrick Lamar vs. Big Sean

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

December 25, 2017 Best Rap Album 2017

Who Had The Best Rap Album Of 2017 (Battle 4): Drake vs. Logic

We have our opinions on the best albums of 2017, but rather than simply list them, we thought it would be more interesting to hear what you, the readers, believe is the Best Rap Album of 2017. With that in mind, we decided to make our Best Rap Albums Of... Read more

December 21, 2017 Best Rap Album 2017

Scarface’s Life Story Is Told Against The Soundtrack Of His Latest Song (Video)

Plenty of Hip-Hop legends are living, but not nearly as many are releasing consistent, quality product. Scarface is approaching 30 years on wax, and his newest single, "Black Still," finds him spitting hard, political rhymes with fire in his belly. The just-released Deeply Rooted: The Lost Files contains six new... Read more

December 21, 2017 Exclusive, Now You See Me, Video

J. Cole & Kendrick Lamar Join Jeezy On An All-Star Collabo (Audio)

UPDATE: After video footage previewed a sizable clip of the song, Jeezy's full, official "American Dream" releases. The Pressure single is a pointed collaboration with both J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. This song may not be as Heads expected on paper. Kendrick Lamar provides some melodic singing near the track's... Read more

December 14, 2017 Audio, Video

Salute To LL Cool J. He Is Now Hip-Hop’s First Kennedy Center Honoree

Fans have waited four months since it announced, but Hip-Hop has its first Kennedy Center Honoree. LL Cool J was among the five artists celebrated at the honors this weekend in Washington, D.C. The MC, actor, host, and author born James Todd Smith attended the event at the John F.... Read more

December 3, 2017 News

Russell Simmons Steps Down From His Companies Amid More Sexual Misconduct Allegations

One of Hip-Hop's original moguls is stepping down. Moments ago reports confirmed that Russell Simmons is disassociating himself from his companies. The move comes after two accusations of rape. The first published earlier this month in The Los Angeles Times. Model Keri Claussen Khalighi alleges that Simmons had sex without... Read more

November 30, 2017 News

Fabolous & Jadakiss’ Friday On Elm Street Album Is Filled With Razor Sharp Rhymes (Audio)

One of Hip-Hop's most long-awaited projects releases today (November 24). Fabolous & Jadakiss partner for Friday On Elm Street, a collaborative album from the two New York City veteran lyricists (each signed to Def Jam Records) that has been teased for nearly three years. The project (once thought to be... Read more

November 24, 2017 Audio

Russell Simmons Is The Latest To Be Accused In A Wave Of Sexual Misconduct

In recent weeks, celebrities, media moguls, and politicians have been accused of past sexual misconduct. Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, and Louis C.K. are just some of the very public figures who have been named in these allegations. This weekend, Hip-Hop, fashion, and comedy mogul Russell Simmons is the latest to... Read more

November 19, 2017 News

Irv Gotti Explains Why Nas & Murder Inc.’s Brief Union Was A Huge Mistake (Video)

Irv Gotti is the latest guest on Drink Champs, and the beverages flowed in a big way. The Queens, New Yorker began as a DJ, became one of Hip-Hop's biggest A&Rs (at Def Jam) along with a producer charging $250,000 per beat. However, Gotti is best known for founding Murder... Read more

November 8, 2017 Video

Pusha T Says He Has “The Album Of 2018” & Kanye Did All Of The Beats

Since the official breakup of The Clipse in 2010, Pusha T has enjoyed a formidable solo career. Following two appearances (of seven verses reportedly recorded) on Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, Push' began a pivotal working relationship with G.O.O.D. Music. He's since released two albums, two mixtapes, and an... Read more

November 6, 2017 News

Erick Sermon Reveals The Source Of The Def Squad Album Samples To Prince Paul (Video)

Recently, Redman told New Jersey's Grass Routes Podcast that he hopes Def Squad can record a sophomore album. Next year marks 20 years since he, Keith Murray and mutual mentor Erick Sermon came together for El Niño. The album debuted at #2, following the group's covering of 1979 breakthrough Hip-Hop... Read more

October 30, 2017 Video

Lyor Cohen Explains How Redman Led Def Jam’s Comeback (Video)

During the 1980s Def Jam Records reigned supreme. The label, which burgeoned in co-founder Rick Rubin's New York University dorm room, issued several classic albums from legendary artists. These include LL Cool J's Radio, Slick Rick's The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, Rock & Rock Hall of Fame inductees Beastie Boys and... Read more

October 30, 2017 Video

9th Wonder Explains Why Soundbombing & Rawkus Kept His Hip-Hop Dreams Alive (Video)

Hip-Hop news and culture move fast, and it’s easy to miss significant developments. Every week, Ambrosia For Heads takes a look back at the LAST 7 days. This video series, hosted by Justin “The Company Man” Hunte examines the current issues with a colorful rundown of the what, where, and why. While the LAST... Read more

October 24, 2017 Exclusive, Last 7, Video

Russell Simmons To Make A Film About Def Jam’s Unsung Hero: T La Rock

Before LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys, a fledgling Def Jam Recordings had another MC in mind for its legendary path: T La Rock. Brother to Treacherous Three MCs member Special K, the Manhattan-born, Bronx—raised MC (aka Clarence Ronnie Keaton) would work with Rick Rubin and DJ Jazzy Jay (pioneering... Read more

October 20, 2017 News, TV/Film

This Mix Salutes 1987’s Def Jam Tour With LL Cool J, P.E., Eric B. & Rakim and Whodini

By 1987 Def Jam Records had solidified a foothold in the Hip-Hop music landscape. While labels like Sugar Hill, Enjoy, Jive, and Profile Records had released some truly incredible singles, Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin's three-year-old outfit was fast embracing the Rap album format. Moreover, they had a diverse roster—in... Read more

October 20, 2017 Audio, Mixes, Throwback

EPMD Are Working On An Album Only Featuring Classic Hip-Hop Duos (Video)

It has been almost nine years since legendary duo EPMD released an album. Late 2008's We Mean Business marked the seventh group effort for Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith. The EP/RBC Records release was a departure from the six consecutive gold albums the Long Islanders released dating back to 1988's... Read more

October 1, 2017 News, Video

Big K.R.I.T. Kills And Buries Himself In A New Video

In the last 24 hours, Big K.R.I.T. has rallied. The Meridian, Mississippi multi-threat dropped the first single to an upcoming project. "Confetti" showered down good news that there is some exciting life after Def Jam ahead for one of the greatest emerging artists of the last decade. Just mere hours... Read more

September 29, 2017 Video

EPMD Detail The Night Their Beef With Eric B. & Rakim Almost Got Physical (Video)

Earlier this year, EPMD joined Flava Flav, Large Professor, Bumpy Knuckles and more than 20 MCs at the 30th anniversary concert for Eric B. & Rakim's Paid In Full. Rakim and Eric's first concert together in years, also marked a historic armistice in 1980s Hip-Hop folklore. On this week's episode... Read more

September 21, 2017 Video

Lloyd Banks Assists As Conway Campaigns To Prove That He’s The Grimiest, Ever (Audio)

That highly distinctive deep-atmosphere, kept so twitchy and tense, that defines the Griselda Records sound is on full display in “Bullet Club” – the first single taken from Conway The Machine’s upcoming G.O.A.T. The track sees him paired up with G-Unit MC Lloyd Banks and fellow Griselda affiliate Benny. DOOM &... Read more

September 9, 2017 Audio

Kanye West Killed 50 Cent AND Gangsta Rap 10 Years Ago (Video)

Ten years ago this week, Hip-Hop experienced a real watershed moment. On September 11, 2007, 50 Cent and Kanye West squared off. It was not physical. It did not even include diss tracks or beef of any kind. Instead, Graduation faced off against Curtis. Two of Hip-Hop's biggest stars of... Read more

September 9, 2017 Exclusive, TBD, Video

A New Video Shows Why Kanye Was Hip-Hop’s Most Promising Student Upon His Graduation

Marking a dramatic shift in his career from successful producer to stadium star, Kanye West’s third album Graduation celebrates its 10th anniversary this coming Monday (September 11). Proven with time, the Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam Records LP with the upcoming birthday ushered in a new era in Hip-Hop. With Graduation, 'Ye positioned... Read more

September 5, 2017 Video

See The Full Historic Conversation & Cypher Between Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus & DMX (Video)

Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop was in crosswinds. Microphones were grabbed by emerging voices from across the landscape, geographically, stylistically, and regarding content. As the genre collected itself following the sudden and tragic killings of Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, it wanted new sounds, messages, and conversations. Mos Def & Dave... Read more

August 28, 2017 Throwback, Video

Logic’s Latest Music Video Involves Don Cheadle & Luis Guzman For True Life Support

Logic uses a grand scale to tackle one deeply important issue. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Statistics, it's the nation's 10th leading cause of death. For every 25 people attempt to end their own life, one person sadly euthanizes themselves as planned. Joey Bada$$ & Logic Go Bar... Read more

August 17, 2017 Video

Long Before DMX, JAY-Z & Ja Rule Were Murdering MCs, They Had Time To Build (Audio)

In the late 1990s, DMX, JAY-Z, and Ja Rule came together for two incredible collaborations. On Jay's Streets Is Watching soundtrack from early 1998, "Murdergram" showed that these grimy, overly irritated MCs hit their marks when they were together. In pivoting to Ja Rule's 1999 debut Venni Vetti Vecci, "It's... Read more

August 10, 2017 Do Remember

Def Jam Records May Soon Be The Gold Standard For Rap Once Again (Video)

This week, it was announced that Eminem's manager and Shady Records partner Paul Rosenberg will be Def Jam's next CEO. Twenty years ago, the Detroit-based attorney started handling the career of Marshall Mathers when the rapper was self-marketing Infinite. One hundred million units sold later (through Shady Records), and Paul... Read more

August 5, 2017 Video

Slick Rick’s Most Cautionary Tale Was His Own, Told Over Warren G Funk (Video)

Slick Rick is a master storyteller with quite a tale to tell from his own life. The Ruler maintains a unique physical aesthetic which consists of Kangol caps, eye-patch, designer wardrobe, and enough gold jewelry to make Mr. T blush. His signature look was as magnetic as his laconic delivery,... Read more

August 3, 2017 Do Remember

Eminem’s Manager Paul Rosenberg To Be Def Jam’s New Leader

From the very beginning of Eminem's late 1990s meteoric rise, Paul Rosenberg became more than a manager. Even for those disinterested in industry figures, "Paul" is widely known through his skits on every Em' album dating back to 1999's The Slim Shady LP of that name. Variety reports that Rosenberg... Read more

August 3, 2017 News

The Blueprint: How 1 Kanye West Beat Tape Changed Roc-A-Fella Records Forever (Audio)

In September of 2001, JAY-Z released his sixth album. The Blueprint was wholeheartedly a pivot. To his fans, Shawn Carter had an incredible consistent streak of quality, authenticity, and event-worthy album-making. Five years removed from his debut album, S.Dot sought a new sound, and raised the stakes in every possible... Read more

August 2, 2017 Audio

Def Comedy Jam Is Coming Back & Soon

Twenty-five years ago Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam became a leading platform for standup comedy. Bernie Mac, Mike Epps, Chris Tucker and Dave Chappelle used the HBO series to build audiences, and take crucial steps to Hollywood careers. Martin Lawrence and D.L. Hughley were among show hosts during its original... Read more

July 30, 2017 Lifestyle, News, TV, TV/Film

LL Cool J Wanted To Do A 2nd Collabo With Canibus To Avoid Their Beef (Video)

LL Cool J and Canibus put their beef to bed back in the closing days of 2014. What started out as a rhyme battle (on the very same song) expanded into 17 years of feuding that involved tattoos, subliminal album titles, and a feature on QDIII's Beef DVD series. In... Read more

July 28, 2017 Video

In 1995, Redman Reloaded Biggie’s “Who Shot Ya?” With A Machine Gun Funk Freestyle (Audio)

At least once a week, heralded British DJ Tim Westwood opens up his vaults and shares goodies from his 30 years in the Hip-Hop game. Today's (July 27), it's a time travel back to 1995. The Notorious B.I.G. had just released "Who Shot Ya?" a B-side single that even apart... Read more

July 27, 2017 Throwback

Wu-Tang Clan & ONYX’s “The Worst” Was 1 Of The Best Crew Collabos (Video)

When Wu-Tang Clan emerged with their debut album Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers in 1993, it warned the Rap world to protect its neck from the collective's chokehold. ONYX did the same when they "slammed" anything and anyone in their way. Five years later, in 1998, Wu-Tang and ONYX reached... Read more

July 20, 2017 Do Remember

Puffy Explains How He Landed On Tribe’s Midnight Marauders Cover Before Fame (Video)

The week of Puff Daddy's 24th birthday, the would-be mogul ended up on his first album cover. In late 1993, before Bad Boy Records ever released a single, and No Way Out was a distant dream, Sean Combs appeared on the outer artwork to A Tribe Called Quest's third album,... Read more

June 29, 2017 Video

ONYX May Have Never Slammed If They Weren’t Stuck In Traffic With Jam Master Jay (Video)

Run-D.M.C.'s Jam Master Jay was instrumental in the development of fellow Queens, New York Hip-Hop group ONYX. Later on, Jay would ink Jayo Felony and 50 Cent, but no artist experienced more success on JMJ Records than Fredro Starr, Sticky Fingaz and company. Jay signed ONYX and secured the Def... Read more

June 15, 2017 Video

Chuck D Tells Kool Moe Dee That Spike Lee Did For Public Enemy What Radio Wouldn’t (Video)

Kool Moe Dee is one of the first Hip-Hop solo stars. As Public Enemy's Chuck D points out, Kool Moe Dee went from one third of the Treacherous 3 MCs to a Jive Records soloist, complete with hits, battle beefs, and a career that went from the 1970s into the... Read more

June 9, 2017 Throwback, TV/Film, Video

Nas, Ghostface Killah & Just Blaze To Headline 2017 A3C Festival

2017 marks 13 years of A3C. The Hip-Hop festival and conference in Atlanta, Georgia has announced its headliners and confirmed performers for this year (taking place October 4-8). With an album done (and possibly released ahead of his A3C concert), Nas is the headliner. After more than 25 years on... Read more

May 31, 2017 Fresh

Kanye West Or Shakespeare: Who Is More Relevant Right Now? (Video)

One made Hamlet, and one made "H•A•M." William Shakespeare and Kanye West may appear to be very different kinds of artists. However, both creators (one an author and playwright, the other an MC, producer, and designer) greatly shaped the popular culture of their times. Across centuries, mediums, and more, both... Read more

May 31, 2017 Food for Thought, Video

Kool G Rap Reveals Def Jam Passed On Nas Because He Sounded Too Much Like Him (Video)

There are few, if any, record labels that have a more storied tradition than Def Jam Recordings. The company started by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons would be the musical home of countless Hip-Hop legends over time, including LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Redman, Method Man, Jay Z,... Read more

May 29, 2017 Video

Logic Reveals He Would Not Be A Rapper If It Weren’t For J. Cole (Video)

Logic's Everybody is currently the #1 album in the country. This achievement by the Maryland MC puts him in an elite class of artists. Symbolically, "Young Sinatra" joins 2010s Rap peers such as Kendrick Lamar, Drake, A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, ScHoolboy Q, Future, Travi$ Scott, Meek Mill, Mac Miller, and... Read more

May 20, 2017 Video

DMX Punching Chris Lighty Drew Blood Money From His Album (Audio)

This spring, the life and death of acclaimed record executive Chris Lighty has been the subject of an investigative podcast series. Combat Jack has created and hosted Mogul, a weekly look at the evolution of the man who managed A Tribe Called Quest, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent,... Read more

May 19, 2017 Audio

Hear How Warren G Saved Def Jam Records (Audio)

Warren Griffin, III is revered as a Hip-Hop underdog. The MC/producer/DJ better known as Warren G came up as the shy half-brother of Dr. Dre. Raised in Long Beach, California Warren is the man many believe is responsible for the introduction of Snoop Dogg. Warren, keeping the music going at... Read more

May 5, 2017 Audio

Black Thought, Logic & Chuck D Unite To Fight The Power In 2017 (Audio)

Life is too short to listen to bad music. So...let us fight through it for you and only supply you with that great stuff. Despite the reports, Hip-Hop is alive and well and, in many ways, is better than it's ever been. Not only are we able to go back... Read more

May 5, 2017 Audio, Playlists

LL Cool J Recites The 1st Rhyme He Wrote. He Was Already A GOAT At 11 (Video)

2017 makes 33 years since LL Cool J released debut single "I Need A Beat." James Todd Smith was not old enough to drive a car when he signed his contract with Def Jam Records, where he would remain a superstar into the 2000s. The Queens, New York MC elevated... Read more

April 30, 2017 Video

DMX Reportedly Checks Into Rehab After Canceling Multiple Concerts

UPDATE: Days after a "medical emergency" was cited as the reason DMX canceled at least three concert appearances, the rapper has reportedly checked into a Southern California rehabilitation facility for substance abuse. TMZ has learned from sources close to the Yonkers, New York MC that after reaching California, the artist... Read more

April 26, 2017 News

Lil Wayne Joins Roc Nation. The “Best Rapper Alive” May Soon Get His Cash Money.

Lil Wayne has been symbolically estranged from Cash Money Records for more than two years. While Weezy F. Baby has since been photographed with onetime adoptive guardian Birdman (the label's co-founder) during his $51 million lawsuit, the New Orleans, Louisiana MC has been unable to release projects, namely the long-awaited... Read more

April 12, 2017 News, Video

Ludacris Is Independent Now But He Still Knows How To Make A Def Jam (Video)

Going into 2017, Ludacris appeared to be the most tenured act on Def Jam Records. Signed to Def Jam South back in 2000 when Scarface ran the short-lived label offshoot, Luda' since released eight albums and two compilations with the label, dating back to Y2K's Back For The First Time.... Read more

April 10, 2017 Video

Kanye West Has Made Hip-Hop History In The Era Of Streaming Music

In 2017 and beyond, racking up awards and setting records for streaming-only releases will likely become the norm. Chance The Rapper, who just won three Grammy Awards for an album he gave away online for free; and Drake, who shattered streaming records when More Life earned over 89 million plays... Read more

April 6, 2017 News