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70-496: The label Def American Recordings was founded after Rick Rubin left Def Jam Recordings in 1988. Among the first acts to be signed were Slayer (which followed Rubin from Def Jam), Danzig , The Four Horsemen , Masters of Reality , and Wolfsbane , as well as indie rockers the Jesus and Mary Chain and controversial stand-up comedian Andrew Dice Clay . Rubin continued his association with hip-hop music as well by signing artists such as

140-478: A Def Jam Recordings logo on its first pressing. Fans of heavy metal music consider it one of the most critically acclaimed and important albums in the genre's history, and it continues to obtain much high praise from fans and critics. A Def Jam Recordings logo was also present on its follow-up album. However, because Russell Simmons felt that Slayer's music was not in line with Def Jam, and because Def Jam's then-distributor Columbia Records refused to release it, it

210-458: A Cash Money Click reunion album, due to Ja Rule's contractual obligations, which alleged that Cohen paid Ja and Irv Gotti US$ 8 million not to submit the project to TVT, but instead to parent company Universal. This resulted in TVT suing Def Jam, alleging infringement, fraud and tortious interference, winning $ 132 million in a judgment, but was later reduced to $ 126,000 after Universal and Def Jam appealed

280-478: A fatal heart attack. A month later, Def Jam released his posthumous album, Exodus , which debuted and peaked in the top ten on Billboard 200. Two digital greatest hits albums by DMX were also available for streaming under the label throughout the same period: A Dog's Prayer and The Legacy . Later that year, Harleston conference-called hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg and named him the executive consultant of Def Jam. Snoop agreed to Harleston's request and took over

350-487: A new contract. The new millennium saw Roc-A-Fella, Def Jam's subsidiary, begin to expand beyond one figurehead artist. Roc-A-Fella Records artists proved successful with the Jay-Z's The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2001) and The Blueprint (2001), including the labels other signees gaining recognition with Beanie Sigel 's The Truth (2000) and Memphis Bleek 's The Understanding (2001). The second international label

420-408: A platinum-selling album titled Mack Daddy . Heavy metal acts Slayer and Danzig also enjoyed notable commercial success, with Slayer in particular having several gold-certified albums. Rubin produced many of the recordings on the label, as well as directing other related ventures. Rubin changed the name of the company from Def American Recordings to American Recordings in 1993 after reportedly seeing

490-707: A return to the rapper's original credibility following the fallback of his 1993 album, 14 Shots to the Dome ; his last album under the Def Jam/Columbia partnership. The label later signed Foxy Brown , whose debut album, Ill Na Na (1996) became a platinum seller in 1997. Def Jam followed up with its then-new R&B act, Case , whose self-titled debut album (also in 1996), including the single, " Touch Me, Tease Me ", went gold. In June 1997, Def Jam acquired 50% of Roc-A-Fella Records for an estimated $ 1.4 million, giving co-founders Jay-Z and Damon Dash part ownership of

560-519: A sequel to Def Jam Vendetta , featured artists from the label. These artists include Method Man & Redman, N.O.R.E., Ludacris, Ghostface Killah, Memphis Bleek, and Joe Budden. The final shares of Roc-A-Fella Records were sold to Island Def Jam in 2004 for $ 10 million. By that time, Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam had launched the career of rapper-producer Kanye West . His debut, The College Dropout , went on to sell over two million copies. Co-founder Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke were forced out of

630-550: A stand-alone label within the Universal Music Group. Def Jam signed DaniLeigh to the label in early 2017. Steve Bartels served as president and CEO of Def Jam since 2013 until an announcement commenced on August 3, 2017, stating that in January 2018, Eminem 's manager and co-founder of Shady Records , Paul Rosenberg would be appointed chairman and CEO of Def Jam. On September 17, 2019, the launch of Def Jam South East Asia

700-536: Is a Japanese branch, Def Jam Japan ( デフ・ジャム・ジャパン , Defu Jamu Japan ) , also founded in 2000. The label was later rebranded as Def Jam Recordings; however, it is sometimes still referred to as Def Jam Japan. Their artist roster has included Japanese-American singer Ai , Teriyaki Boyz , AK-69 , Nitro Microphone Underground, and South Korean boy band BTS . Ja Rule released his third studio album, Pain Is Love , on October 2, 2001 through Def Jam. Pain Is Love topped

770-801: Is based in Manhattan , New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop , contemporary R&B , soul and pop . The label has a London-based, UK arm known as 0207 Def Jam (formerly Def Jam UK in the 1990s until the mid-2000s) and is currently operated through EMI Records . It has a Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria-based arm known as Def Jam Africa . As of 2024, Def Jam's current roster includes Justin Bieber , DJ Khaled , Alessia Cara , Logic , 2 Chainz , Frank Ocean , Big Sean , Dave East , Wale , Jeremih , Pusha T , Fabolous , Jhené Aiko , Coco Jones , LL Cool J , Public Enemy , Jadakiss , YG , Muni Long , Buju Banton , Fridayy , Benny

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840-690: Is mainly active in European markets. The basis of the company was formed through BMG's decision to withhold selected European music catalogues from the former Sony BMG joint venture and the BMG Publishing businesses. Also kept separate from the acquisition by Sony Corporation of America was Sony BMG's wholly owned and operated BMG Japan. Sony Music Japan remained independent from the Sony BMG joint venture, therefore BMG and Sony labelling were kept separate in Japan under

910-587: The Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 361,000 copies and is certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The album was supported by the singles: Down Ass Bitch , Always on Time , and Livin' It Up . In January 2003, Murder Inc. became the center of a money laundering investigation involving illegal profits from drug trading , leading to the label's eventual release from its distribution contract by 2005. Def Jam also blocked Murder Inc. and TVT Records from releasing

980-465: The Geto Boys and Sir Mix-a-Lot . Def American had its first major success with The Black Crowes ' 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker , which was eventually certified quintuple platinum by the RIAA. The group's 1992 follow-up, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion , gave the label its first No.1 album. Rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot obtained a number-one hit with the song " Baby Got Back " as well as

1050-672: The Violator Records -signed artist Warren G 's debut album, Regulate... G Funk Era , which went triple platinum and brought much-needed revenue to Def Jam through its joint deal with Violator. PolyGram acquired an additional 10% stake in Def Jam, further strengthening its ownership of the label. Shortly thereafter, Rush Associated Labels were renamed to the Def Jam Music Group. The label remained profitable as its veteran star LL Cool J released his successful album Mr. Smith in 1995,

1120-701: The 50% share of the joint venture with Sony Music , which established the German American Sony BMG from 2004 to 2008. In 1994, BMG acquired Italian publisher Casa Ricordi , which had been founded in 1808. In March 1998, BMG sold its video game publisher BMG Interactive to Take-Two Interactive , with Bertelsmann taking a 16 percent stake in Take-Two. BMG Interactive published the Grand Theft Auto video game series. The joint venture between Sony and Bertelsmann to merge both companies' music divisions

1190-737: The All-American Rejects , Clannad , Iron Maiden , Maroon 5 , Mayra Verónica , Backyard Babies , Hipster Daddy-O and the Handgrenades , Soda Stereo , Gustavo Cerati , Keane , HARD-Fi , Horace Andy , the Cure , the Killer Barbies , Joss Stone , Tom Jobim , Vinícius de Moraes , Elvis Costello , Paul Weller , Sara Evans , Sneaker Pimps , Take That (1991–1996), Five , Westlife , D-Pryde, Louis Tomlinson , Luke Friend and Mikolas Josef . Through Zomba Music Publishing , BMG controlled

1260-502: The Black Eyed Peas , Kenny Chesney , The Game , Mario , Rascal Flatts , Milli Vanilli , No Doubt , Thomas Anders , Jessica Simpson and 50 Cent as well as legends like Bob Dylan , Elvis Presley , Frank Sinatra and Roselyn Sánchez . BMG Music Publishing was the global leader in classical music and was number one in contemporary Christian music . Through international sub-publishing deals, BMG Music Publishing represented

1330-529: The Butcher , Trinidad Cardona , DaniLeigh , Fredo Bang , Nasty C , Armani White , and Hit-Boy among others. The label also inspired the Def Jam video game franchise (2003-2010) which include the games Def Jam Vendetta , Def Jam: Fight for NY , Def Jam: Icon and Def Jam Rapstar . Def Jam was co-founded by Rick Rubin in his dormitory in Weinstein Hall at New York University , and its first release

1400-554: The Island Def Jam Music Group . Despite the formation of IDJMG, the Def Jam, Mercury, and Island labels continued to operate as separate imprints underneath the umbrella. That same year, Def Jam and Island Def Jam signed rapper Ja Rule . Lyor Cohen was appointed co-president of IDJMG, and Kevin Liles succeeded him as president of Def Jam. In 1998, Def Jam created an R&B spin-off label called Def Soul Records to run under

1470-525: The RIAA, and sold five million copies worldwide. The success of the album prompted Lyor Cohen to challenge DMX to record another album quickly to have another album released within the same calendar year. DMX's second studio album, Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood was released on December 22, 1998 and debuted at number one the Billboard 200 . The album sold over 670,000 units in its first week of release, and went on to sell over four million copies worldwide. DMX claimed that Def Jam made $ 144 million from

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1540-654: The United States, while the international distribution was handled by BMG . However, sub-label Ill Labels was distributed by hip-hop specialist and former Warner Bros. subsidiary Tommy Boy Records as part of its deal. For a brief time during the 1990s, the label also distributed Too Pure Records in the US. Rubin signed a distribution deal with Columbia Records in 1997, which distributed the label's titles until 2001. That year, Universal Music Group , through its Island Def Jam Music Group division, took over distribution. In 2005, with

1610-439: The catalogues of Famous Music Publishing, Walt Disney , Roadrunner Records , Leiber & Stoller , Fremantle Media , Pete Waterman , and Malaco Records in various territories. BMG Music Publishing acquired Complete Music in 2006. Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing was BMG Music Publishing's Christian publisher and owned over 60,000 copyrights. Like with other assets of BMG Music Publishing acquired by Universal Music, it

1680-496: The charts. The album sold over 4.9 million copies to date, and has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA. The following year, it launched another subsidiary, Def Jam South , which focused on Southern rap and distributed releases from labels such as Disturbing tha Peace , whose artist roster included its co-founder Ludacris , Shawnna , Bobby Valentino and Playaz Circle . Russell Simmons tapped Houston hip hop legend and former Rap-A-Lot recording artist Scarface as

1750-539: The company included: Elvis Presley , Ann Wilson , Todd Terry , Julieta Venegas , Anastacia , Kylie Minogue , Jaguares , Diana Yukawa , Kent , Alcazar , Gloria Trevi , Angélica María , Dido , Lee Ryan , Ai Uemura , Julieta Venegas , the Troubadours , Powderfinger , Nelly , Rammstein , Milli Vanilli , Modern Talking , Slayer , Shania Twain , Nikki Webster , Ville Valo , Christina Aguilera , Kelly Clarkson , Coldplay , Yellowcard , Hum , Rob Dougan ,

1820-456: The consultancy role in July. In August 2021, Harleston announced that he will replace himself as the interim president of Def Jam with former Interscope/ RCA executive and Keep Cool founder Tunji Balogun , who agreed to take on the role as chairman and CEO, which he did on New Year's Day 2022. In late-October 2022, Def Jam ended their partnership with GOOD Music, Kanye West's label, in response to

1890-476: The current venture. In 2008, Bertelsmann sold its 50% share of Sony BMG to Sony Corporation of America for a total of $ 1.5 billion and the company was renamed back to Sony Music Entertainment Inc. While officially withdrawing from the business of recorded music, Bertelsmann continued its strong presence in other areas of the music industry by establishing BMG Rights Management, which specializes in music rights management and by representing artists and authors. It

1960-465: The decade drew to a close, the label signed Public Enemy , whose controversial lyrical content garnered the company both critical acclaim and disdain. Lyor Cohen became president of Def Jam/RAL in 1988, after winning a power struggle with Rubin, who would shortly thereafter leave the company to form Def American Recordings . Rubin would take Slayer and the rights of its Def Jam albums with him to Def American in its initial stages. In 1991, CBS Records

2030-488: The exception of the recordings of Johnny Cash, the label returned to the aegis of Warner Bros. Records. Non-US distribution was handled by Sony Music Entertainment until the deal with Columbia expired. In 2007, Warner Bros. Records, which was American's home from 1990 to 1997, acquired the rights to the extensive American Recordings catalog, which included Johnny Cash , The Black Crowes, The Jayhawks , Slayer, and Danzig. However, American's current roster (except Tom Petty )

2100-425: The exceptions being System of a Down , which remained with Columbia Records & Sony Music Entertainment, plus Chino XL 's Here To Save You All and Tom Petty's Highway Companion , which remained with Warner Records & Warner Music Group . Def Jam Recordings Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam ) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group . It

2170-472: The executive vice president of the urban division at Def Jam's sister Universal label, Capitol Music Group . On April 1, 2014, it was announced that the Island Def Jam Music Group would no longer be active following the resignation of CEO Barry Weiss. A press release serviced by Universal Music Group stated that IDJMG, and all of its assets would be reorganized into Def Jam, Island and Motown, all as separate entities. Def Jam Recordings currently operates as

American Recordings (record label) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2240-609: The following year. However, the Hose and T La Rock releases were not part of the deal and are now controlled by different entities. This created a short-lived subsidiary label called OBR Records, short for Original Black Recordings, which catered toward R&B artists—the first artist signed to that imprint was Oran "Juice" Jones , who enjoyed success with his hit single " The Rain ". A few years later, Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen started an umbrella label called Rush Associated Labels to handle Def Jam and its numerous spinoff labels. RAL became

2310-483: The founder's online and public media outbursts, including his 2024 presidential campaign , antisemitic and pro-race remarks. Although, West had already been exiled from the label after releasing Donda on August 29, 2021, as so Pusha T after It's Almost Dry on April 22 earlier that year, making 070 Shake 's You Can't Kill Me the final release under the GOOD/Def Jam partnership. On October 31, 2023,

2380-557: The home to Nice & Smooth and EPMD after both acts were acquired due to the folding of their former label Sleeping Bag Records . Other acts under the RAL umbrella included Redman , Onyx , Flatlinerz , Domino , Warren G and Jayo Felony . Def Jam also signed its first and only thrash metal band, Slayer , in 1986, and the band's third and fourth albums were the only two Def Jam releases to be distributed through Geffen Records via Warner Bros. Records as opposed to Columbia/CBS. As

2450-423: The label as Cohen left IDJMG for Warner Music Group , and was replaced by music executive Antonio "L.A." Reid . Frustrated, Liles and now-chairwoman of Atlantic Records , Julie Greenwald eventually decided to follow Cohen to Warner. That same year, through Def Jam A&R executive Shakir Stewart , Def Jam signed Atlanta, Georgia based rapper Young Jeezy . His debut album, Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101

2520-491: The label into the Island Records fold. Island would share in sales and marketing duties with select radio projects while Def Jam remained independent on all other label functions (A&R, video, promotion and publicity). The label venture went on to receive huge success with a slew of various other multi-platinum releases from Montell Jordan , Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Redman, Method Man and more. RAL/Def Jam also distributed

2590-528: The label made its debut in the Philippines through Universal Music Philippines , led by former Sony Music Philippines and Sindikato Management executive Enzo Valdez. Pinoy hip hop quartet VVS Collective was the label's first signed artists. On February 21, 2020, Paul Rosenberg stepped down on his positions as chairman and CEO of Def Jam. He was replaced by the head of business affairs at Universal Music, Jeffrey Harleston, who instead assumed interim control over

2660-427: The label within a five-year gap between 1998 and 2003), as well as new signee Joe Budden expressed discomfort with Jay-Z's leadership of the label, having altogether left the label since then. Under Jay-Z's leadership, Def Jam launched the successful careers of contemporary R&B singers Rihanna and Ne-Yo . At the end of 2007, after he released American Gangster , Jay-Z decided not to renew his contract as

2730-530: The label's companionship. Def Jam inherited many of Island's urban artists, including Dru Hill (including its lead singer Sisqó ), the Isley Brothers (featuring Ronald Isley ) and Kelly Price . Def Soul also issued recordings by Musiq Soulchild , Montell Jordan, Case , 112 , Patti LaBelle , and Christina Milian . Liles also assumed presidency of Def Soul, which also formed a Classics subsidiary (active from 2003 to 2011). Island's 4th & B'way Records

2800-546: The label's core artist, Jeezy, had fulfilled his contract with Def Jam. Meanwhile, the label had already signed Washington, D.C. rapper Wale . Beginning in 2024, Def Jam began operating under the Republic Records branding. Bertelsmann Music Group Bertelsmann Music Group ( BMG ) was a division of a German media company Bertelsmann before its completion of sale of the majority of its assets to Sony Corporation of America on 1 October 2008. Although it

2870-541: The label's presence around the world. Def Jam Germany signed German rappers Spezializtz and Philly MC. The label was located in Berlin and opened on May 23, 2000. In addition to signing and marketing local artists, Def Jam Germany also marketed all U.S. signed Def Jam artists in the German territory. But the German division folded just two years later in 2002. Many of the artists were picked up by Universal/Urban, while others did not get

American Recordings (record label) - Misplaced Pages Continue

2940-574: The label, while Def Jam maintained distribution and co-marketing. In 1997, through Def Jam A&R Irv Gotti , Def Jam signed artist DMX . DMX's first studio album, It's Dark and Hell is Hot was released on May 12, 1998 and was co-executive produced by Irv Gotti. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 250,000 copies in its first week. The album went on to sell four million copies in America, being certified Quadruple Platinum by

3010-430: The label. That November, Def Jam teamed up with Alex and Alec Boateng to create a new UK spin-off label called 0207 Def Jam under Universal Music UK's EMI Records. The UK roster currently consists of Stormzy . Def Jam also expanded to Africa with the creation of Def Jam Africa . On April 9, 2021, returning label veteran DMX died in a White Plains hospital a week after suffering from a drug overdose succumbing him to

3080-539: The music business. And I had no experience whatsoever." The second single released with the Def Jam Recordings logo was T La Rock & Jazzy Jay's "It's Yours". The first releases with Def Jam Recordings catalog numbers were LL Cool J 's " I Need a Beat " and the Beastie Boys ' " Rock Hard ", both in 1984. The singles sold well, eventually leading to a distribution deal with CBS Records through Columbia Records

3150-425: The original head of Def Jam South. On October 10, 2000, Def Jam and Murder Inc. released Ja Rule's second studio album, Rule 3:36 . Anchored by the success of the single Between Me and You , the album topped the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum in America. In 2000, The Island Def Jam Music Group announced the formation of Def Jam Germany, the first international Def Jam company. This increased

3220-564: The position again. . In March 2011, it was announced that former Warner Bros. Records executive Joie Manda would become the first president of Def Jam since Jay-Z . Around the summer of 2011, after Universal Music disbanded the Universal Motown Republic Group , Motown Records would be moved under the Island Def Jam umbrella. In 2012, Manda assumed the position of president until March 2013 when he exited his post. It

3290-419: The president and CEO of Def Jam in order to start his new Live Nation venture, Roc Nation . Following Jay-Z's departure, L.A. Reid took over leadership of the label, as opposed to hiring a replacement. In June 2008, Shakir Stewart was appointed as the executive vice president of Def Jam, a position that was previously left vacant since December 2007. However, on November 1, Stewart committed suicide, vacating

3360-506: The rights to Linkin Park , Britney Spears , Iron Maiden , 30 Seconds to Mars , R. Kelly , Justin Timberlake , Michael Jackson , Bowling for Soup , Daft Punk , Katatonia , Ne-Yo , Anthrax , Mudvayne , and Poison . These artists' European rights are currently controlled by Concord Music Publishing , through Imagem . The company's songwriters wrote chart-topping hits for Mariah Carey ,

3430-469: The ruling, claiming that the existence of an agreement between the parties meant that their behavior was only a breach of contract and not fraud. That September, DMX released his fifth album, Grand Champ . Though it was DMX's fifth number one album and was certified platinum by the RIAA, it was his final album for the label before leaving in 2006. Also that September, Def Jam released the video game, Def Jam: Fight for NY . The video game, which served as

3500-572: The sales of his first two albums. In 1998, PolyGram was purchased by Universal Pictures ' former parent, Seagram . It later merged with the MCA group of record labels. In early 1999, the label group was rebranded as the Universal Music Group . It then purchased the remaining interest of Def Jam Recordings from Russell Simmons for a reported $ 100 million. UMG merged over 14 record labels including Def Jam, Island, and Mercury Records together to form

3570-415: The spring of 2007. In 2012, Rick Rubin, upon his exit from Sony Music Entertainment, signed a new deal with Universal Republic Records (now Republic Records) for a new incarnation of American Recordings. The first albums to be released under this new deal were ZZ Top 's La Futura and The Avett Brothers ' The Carpenter . During this period, American moved all of its catalog to Universal Music Group,

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3640-410: The venture. During Sony BMG's buyout, BMG Japan was instead picked up by Sony Music Entertainment Japan . It briefly continued to operate as a distinct entity until a reorganization in early 2009 folded the company into Sony Music Japan. Now part of Sony Music Entertainment after the buyout of Bertelsmann 's 50% stake in Sony BMG. BMG Music Publishing (formerly known as RCA Music Publishing ), which

3710-615: The word "def" in the dictionary. The company was reportedly renamed because he believed that finding the word in a notable source was against the anti-establishment image that he was trying to project. A mock funeral was held for the word "def" on August 27, 1993, at Hollywood Memorial Park (now Hollywood Forever Cemetery ). The guest list included Black Panthers with prop shotguns, The Amazing Kreskin , Tom Petty and Rosanna Arquette, The Red Hot Chili Peppers ' Flea , Sir Mix-a-Lot, and Warner Bros. Records chairman (and pallbearer) Mo Ostin , with Reverend Al Sharpton presiding. Before "def"

3780-457: The years, including Onion Records, Ill Labels, Wild West, Whte Lbls, and Infinite Zero. The last was a partnership with Henry Rollins that specialized in reissues of obscure albums. None of these labels made the distribution transition after American Recordings left Warner Bros. Records in 1997, and its recordings were deleted. The first Def American release was Reign in Blood by Slayer, which had

3850-407: Was Ja Rule's debut studio album, Venni Vetti Vecci . The album, released June 1, 1999, peaked in the top 3 on the Billboard 200 and was certified platinum in America. In December 1999, DMX released his third studio album, ...And Then There Was X through Def Jam. The album debuted atop the Billboard 200 , with close to 700,000 copies sold, making it his third straight album to debut atop

3920-445: Was a single by his punk-rock group Hose . Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to each other, according to one story, by Vincent Gallo . Another cites DJ Jazzy Jay as their connector. Rubin has said he met Simmons on the TV show Graffiti Rock and recognized him then as "the face of hip hop": "He was five years older than me, and he was already established in

3990-497: Was absorbed by Warner Bros. proper, which released all subsequent Def American titles. American's distribution has been handled through several labels over the years. American's first incarnation was distributed by Geffen Records through Warner Bros. Records from 1988 to 1990. After a falling-out with Geffen over the content of the Geto Boys' only Def American release, Warner Bros. itself took over distribution duties from 1990 to 1997 in

4060-630: Was also folded into Def Jam. Also starting in 1998, in preparation for the year 2000, Def Jam marketed and sponsored a new campaign titled Def Jam 2000 . Def Jam 2000 was the featured name for Def Jam on Def Jam albums from 1998 until its end in December 2000. Also in 1999, the label began to distribute releases by Murder Inc. Records , the newly-founded label run by former Def Jam A&R executive and record producer Irv Gotti . The label's roster of artists would include Ja Rule, Ashanti and Lloyd , among others. The first release from Murder Inc. under Def Jam

4130-467: Was announced at Music Matters, an annual music industry conference held in Singapore , where Joe Flizzow from Malaysia, Daboyway from Thailand, Yung Raja, Fariz Jabba and Alif from Singapore and A. Nayaka from Indonesia were announced as the label's six inaugural signings. That same month, Def Jam re-signed LL Cool J and DMX after nine and fourteen respective years apart from the label. In late 2019,

4200-507: Was established in 1987, the music company was formed as RCA/Ariola International in 1985 as a joint venture to combine the music label activities of RCA 's RCA Records division and Bertelsmann's Ariola Records and its associated labels which include Arista Records . It consisted of the BMG Music Publishing company, the world's third largest music publisher and the world's largest independent music publisher and (since August 2004)

4270-479: Was folded (or rather rebranded) to the music division of Japanese electronic giant Sony , bringing Def Jam and Columbia with it. By 1992, despite recent multiple platinum selling releases from Public Enemy , and EPMD , Def Jam ran into major financial troubles and was faced with folding while at Sony. In 1994, PolyGram purchased Sony's 50% stake in Def Jam Recordings—subsequently bringing

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4340-401: Was later announced by his former boss, Barry Weiss, that he would be in charge of the urban division at Def Jam's sister Universal Music label, Interscope Records . The-Dream served as Def Jam's executive vice president of A&R at Def Jam between 2012 and 2014. No I.D. held the position of executive vice president after helping to establish GOOD Music with Kanye West. He later became

4410-455: Was lowered to its final resting place, some of the 1,500+ mourners placed flowers and various musical and personal memorabilia in the open casket. Afterwards, mourners followed a 19th-century-style horse-drawn hearse and a six-piece brass band playing " Amazing Grace " to the after party—named Ciao Def—at a bowling alley. The new birth certificate was obtained and the company name changed to American Recordings. American had several sub-labels over

4480-671: Was not part of the Sony BMG merger, was a business of the Bertelsmann Music Group until it was sold to Universal Music Group for €1.63 billion in 2007. Universal then folded the company into Universal Music Publishing Group , and the BMG name was retired. The company had been headquartered at 245 Fifth Avenue in New York , and had 36 offices in 25 countries. BMG Music Publishing controlled over one million copyrights. Writers/artists signed to

4550-532: Was originally founded with capital support of KKR , and later became a wholly owned subsidiary of Bertelsmann. It now serves as a division within Bertelsmann and as a replacement to the defunct Bertelsmann Music Group. Between 1995 and 2000, music companies were found to have used illegal marketing agreements such as minimum advertised pricing to artificially inflate prices of compact discs in order to end price wars by discounters such as Best Buy and Target in

4620-412: Was released the following year and was co-executive produced by Stewart. The album's singles Go Crazy and Soul Survivor help push the album to double platinum status in America. Around this time, a bidding war for Jay-Z's contract began, and Reid appointed Jay-Z president of Def Jam on December 8, 2004. Long time label veterans LL Cool J and DMX (the latter of whom had five number one albums under

4690-490: Was released through Geffen Records , and Rubin took the rights of the release to the new label with him after the split. Danzig's 1988 debut album was the first release to bear the Def American logo. Initially, the label was distributed by Geffen through Warner Bros. Records (now known as Warner Records), but when Geffen refused to distribute the self-titled album by the Geto Boys and the controversy it caused, distribution

4760-443: Was renamed to Universal Music Brentwood-Benson. It is nowadays managed by Capitol CMG Publishing, Universal Music's christian publishing operations under Capitol Christian Music Group . After Sony bought out Bertelsmann's share in Sony BMG, Bertelsmann was allowed to keep the rights to several recordings from the former joint venture and rights to BMG trademark. These songs served as the foundation to BMG Rights Management. The company

4830-695: Was set up in August 2004. It reduced the Big Five record companies to the Big Four record companies . At that time, the company had a 21.5% share in the global music market. Sony Music and BMG remained separate in Japan, although BMG Music Japan was wholly owned by Sony BMG. On 27 March 2006, the New York Times reported that Bertelsmann was looking to raise money by leveraging some of its media assets and that executives from both companies were in talks about possibly altering

4900-458: Was transferred to BMG successor Sony BMG (now known as Sony Music Entertainment) in mid-2007 after a legal battle between Warner and Rubin over the details of their former arrangement, in which American Recordings would sign and provide creative services for artists, while Warner Bros. was only to handle promotion, sales, marketing, and distribution because Rubin was prompted to move his label with his appointment to co-chairman of Columbia Records in

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