By K.B. Tindal
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
This is no April Fool’s Day joke, but the timing may seem like it. Since 1999, Def Jam has operated as a part of the Island Def Jam Music Group. The label has been home to many of the biggest names in hip hop over the years and a lot of stars have come and gone.
Recent years have shown struggles with Def Jam, as Jay-Z left the CEO role, his successor, Shakir Stewart, committed suicide, and all the other successors were flops. After several debates, Barry Weiss took over as the head of two companies. He led both Island Def Jam and Universal Motown Republic Music Group.
Barry Weiss has stepped down from both positions, as Universal has announced a shakeup within the company. While Barry Weiss will step down from this position, he is heading up a new venture under the Universal umbrella. Meanwhile, Def Jam, Island Records, Motown Records, Republic Records, and Universal Records will return to operating as standalone labels.
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