By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Nearly everyone has had something to say about Def Jam, even Hip Hop Vibe. The label has been in trouble for some time. Several hip hop record labels came before Def Jam, but none of them had the lasting impact the way Russell Simmons’ label did. For well over twenty years, Def Jam has been in the middle of the hip hop game. But, coming with longevity is the down period.
Def Jam has been in trouble before, but the efforts of Irv Gotti helped to save the label from the brink. But, as Irv Gotti pointed out, there is no one at Def Jam who is willing to do the same things he did, previously. Everyone, from former Def Jam artists, to music industry critics, have had something to say about Def Jam. The label is in trouble and everyone has given their opinion of why.
While everyone has had something to say about Def Jam’s issues, who is coming to fix the problem? Many artists, and executives, say they care about the label, but none have lifted a finger. Ne-Yo, who has been with Def Jam for seven years, recently landed an executive role with Universal Records, leaving Def Jam. Discussing his departure, Ne-Yo made it clear he has nothing but love for his former label and that he is still “in the same building, just a different room.” If this is the case, what was so bad about the room occupied by Def Jam?
The most-discussed name in the rap game is Rick Ross. Over the past year, he has proven to be quite the businessman. Being a smart businessman, when offers began piling up for his Maybach Music label, Rick Ross did not even consider Def Jam’s offer before he signed the deal with Warner Bros. Records. Now, the biggest artist signed to Def Jam has one foot out of the door, as his business ventures are at Warner. Even Ross’ rival, 50 Cent, said he would never sign with Def Jam because the label is broke. It has been made clear Def Jam is struggling and the problems run deep, now who has the solution?
