The one time president of Def Jam records Jay-Z has stunned the hip hop community by leaving the iconic imprint.
Def Jam records was founded by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin in a dorm room at New York University. Although the label’s first release was a rock single Def Jam is now synonymous with hip hop.
The imprint released some of the most important albums of the genre’s so-called ‘Golden Era’. Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, EPMD and more all came through their doors, before the label hit a period of financial instability in 1992.
Selling a stake to Polydor, Def Jam was effectively revived by the success of ‘Regulate… G Funk Era’ by Warren G.
Jay-Z came to the label in the late 90s. Immediately named president and CEO of the label the rap star set about signing some spectacular new talent including Rihanna and Ne-Yo.
However the hip hop icon stepped down as president in 2007, and has now announced that he is parting company with Def Jam. Rumours had surrounded the relationship for some time, with the rapper telling RapRadar that he has had “a unique and fulfilling experience”.
Associated Press reports that the hip hop star has struck a deal with Live Nation that includes touring, publishing and albums.
Jay-Z joins an increasing number of artists who have joined Live Nation. Madonna has signed a contract with the company, while a recent deal with U2 backfired badly on the ticket company.
The Irish group were given shares with a guaranteed value when they joined. However shortly after stock nose-dived, forcing Live Nation to give U2 millions of dollars.
This is the latest piece of bad news to affect Def Jam. Last year former vice-president Shakir Stewart was found dead in his office after committing suicide. The music industry figure had helped sign Rick Ross to the label.
It is not known when Jay-Z will release his first album through Live Nation.
