Def Jam’s History To Be Told In New Book, Rick Rubin & Russell Simmons Contribute

One of Hip Hop’s most successful labels, Def Jam Recordings, will now have its history told in a book written by authors Bill Adler and Dan Charnas. Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label will feature the story of a label from those who helped build it. Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons and others took part in a major piece of Hip Hop history and now, their story is being told in a book that will also feature rare artifacts and behind-the-scenes images from the first 25 years of the label. 

Lyor Cohen, Kevin Liles, Julie Greenwald, Chris Lighty and other executives will be a part of the book, one that will also feature artists like Chuck D, Ice-T, Jay-Z, DMX and Kanye West. Liles expressed the importance of the label in a press release, saying, “In the streets, the Def Jam logo was more potent than a police badge. It presented us with a previously unimaginable vision of self-empowerment and entrepreneurialism.”

Artist Cey Adams is responsible for the book’s design. Images are also included in the book from photographers Glen E. Friedman, Ricky Powell and Martha Cooper, among several others like Annie Liebovitz. Flyers, posters and other rare artifacts will also be featured in the book. 

Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label will be released in September. 

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