Def Jam WAS Hip-Hop for nearly 2 decades. Starting off with Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin, nobody could've predicted the heights Def Jam were going to reach. They were in lockstep with the growth of Hip-Hop itself.
But once the new millennium came through, Def Jam started to lose grip of the rocket that was Hip-Hop, they started to miss out and eventually get left behind. Now Def Jam is just another sub-label with SUB-sub-labels under them. Where did it all go wrong? We try to find out.
TIMESTAMPS:
Weekly Music Roundup - (
1:15)
Topic Intro/Ben's Research House - (
19:16)
Def Jam is too big to fail - (
23:39)
What is their identity now? - (
29:16)
Their unique approach - (
32:11)
The Universal Buyout - (
36:04)
Was it their unique approach that kneecapped them? - (
38:21)
Was it their size that kneecapped them? - (
44:06)
Stats on charting Def Jam albums by President - (
47:47)
If you could pick one major issue, which one would you pick? - (
58:44)
Lighter Note - (
1:11:11)
Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved. Be sure to let us know that you're supporting us!
Music -
"Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to
Chillhop Records for the right to use)
HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers
5E (Twitter & IG) - @5thElement_UK
5E Community DiscordChillHop (Twitter) - @Chillhopdotcom
Bonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92
Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:
"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence