The greatest names in the history of hip-hop, rap and R&B – from LL Cool J and Slick Rick to Rihanna and Kanye West, from Public Enemy and 3rd Bass to Ludacris, Redman and Rick Ross, from Jay-Z to Young Jeezy and dozens more – have made Def Jam Recordings the destination for Urban artists over the past quarter century. Now Island Def Jam Music Group is set to turn up the heat in honor of Def Jam’s 25th anniversary in 2009, starting with the launch of DEF JAM 25. This series of 25 brand new collections will be released exclusively in digital format on iTunes over the next 12 months, with a dedicated page on the website announcing the latest releases.
“25 years as a thriving, successful hip-hop and R&B label – a company that has always put its artists first and maintained deep roots in the Urban community – is a giant accomplish ment in anyone’s book,” said Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. “From a personal standpoint, I can say that Def Jam had tremendous meaning and significance in my own career as a musician, producer and independent label head, long before I actually arrived at these offices five years ago. Let’s celebrate the next 25 years of Def Jam right now!”
