GRAMMY MUSEUM HOSTS A VERY DEF JAM

The Grammy Museum hosted a panel called “Def Jam at 40: The Evolution of Hip-Hop’s Greatest Label" Wednesday (1/31) with special guests Chuck D, Benny The Butcher and Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun.

Sponsored by the Grammys in the Schools program, the event included a discussion about Public Enemy's origins, the global rise of hip-hop culture, Def Jam Vendetta, Def Comedy, Def Poetry and how the company branched into a multimedia empire.

Balogun further discussed Afrobeats, dancehall, R&B and hip-hop from around the world, why Benny The Butcher’s signing to Def Jam is so meaningful and what the label represents in 2024, along with trends shaping the music industry and advice for aspiring artists. Pictured (l-r) fighting the power are Benny The Butcher, Chuck D, Balogun and moderator Elliott Wilson.