Def Jam: The Untold Story of Hip-Hop’s Most Iconic Record Label

Def Jam Recordings isn’t just a record label—it’s a hip-hop institution that shaped the music industry. Founded in 1984 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, Def Jam became the launching pad for some of the greatest hip-hop and R&B artists of all time, including LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye West.

But how did Def Jam go from a dorm room startup to a powerhouse label that defined generations? This video takes a deep dive into Def Jam’s rise, the artists who made it legendary, its biggest moments, and how it continues to influence music today.