Def Jam Recordings Label Collection

Def Jam Recordings is one of the most important and influential labels in the history of hip-hop. Founded in New York in the mid-’80s by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons, Def Jam helped bring rap music into the mainstream, shaping the sound, attitude, and business of the genre for generations to come.

From the explosive early releases of Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and Public Enemy to later eras defined by artists like Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye West, and Rihanna, Def Jam has consistently been at the centre of popular culture. The label became synonymous with innovation and crossover success, blending raw street energy with global ambition and redefining what hip-hop could achieve commercially and creatively.

Spanning decades of landmark albums, genre-defining singles, and cultural movements, Def Jam’s catalog represents the evolution of modern music itself. You can dive into the full Def Jam Recordings collection here.