Quantcast

DEF JAM TO CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
WITH STAR-STUDDED CONCERT TONIGHT

Historic Event Will Go Down at Barclays Center in Brooklyn
Several generations of greats will bring together their inimitable styles and talents on the Def Jam Recordings 30th Anniversary Concert, which will take place this tonight at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. And considering the deep connection between hip-hop and hoops, staging the event at the home of the Brooklyn Nets seems absolutely fitting.

The announced lineup of performers comprises Onyx, Method Man, Redman, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Warren G, EPMD, DMX, Fabolous, Foxy Brown, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Jhené Aiko, and Jeremih. But you never know what other notables connected with Def Jam’s past and present might turn up for such a historic occasion.

The concert, which will focus on Def Jam’s massive influence on hip-hop music and culture for the last three decades, will take the crowd through the label’s history, from its humble beginnings in Rick Rubin’s NYU dorm room to the label’s present and future, its standalone status having been restored in April of this year.

Breaking the news in mid-August, Def Jam CEO Steve Bartels noted that the event "solidifies and continues the enduring mark the brand has made on pop culture. As the birthplace of hip-hop, there is no better place to celebrate such a cultural touchstone than in New York City itself."

Since Rubin and partner Russell Simmons released their first seven-inch—T La Rock & Jazzy Jay's "It's Yours"—in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has been responsible for many of the world’s most celebrated artists, from The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and LL Cool J to Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna and Frank Ocean. Collectively, Def Jam’s pioneers helped transform the face of the culture, ushered in hip-hop’s golden age and continue to impact the dynamics of hip-hop to this day.. Still vital in its 30th year, the label continues to be at the forefront of culture and innovation.

In conjunction with the anniversary, Def Jam has released two versions of a limited-edition box set. The lavish and comprehensive Def Jam 30 includes Selections From the Roots of Def Jam, Rick Rubin’s collection of the mostly pre’84 records that inspired him and Simmons; the two-volume comp Def Jam Recordings’ Greatest Hits encompasses the high points.

We’re told that a few tickets are still available at www.barclayscenter.com or www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000 or at the American Express Box Office at the venue.

Def Jam Photo Timeline


TAGS: nograybox
NEAR TRUTHS: SPRING BLOOMS
Here come the big guns. (3/28a)
THE COUNT: COLDPLAY IS HOT, COUNTRY'S COOKIN' IN THE U.K.
The latest tidbits from the bustling live sector (3/28a)
CITY OF HOPE TAPS MARCIANO FOR TOP HONOR
This year's philanthropic model (3/28a)
TRUST IN THE TOP 20
Hip-hop is no longer hibernating. (3/28a)
UMG BROADENS SPOTIFY OFFERINGS
Sir Lucian and Daniel are in harmony. (3/28a)
THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
 Email

 First Name

 Last Name

 Company

 Country
CAPTCHA code
Captcha: (type the characters above)