By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Before the days of Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, and the golden era of Def Jam and before the current slump, Def Jam was home to Chuck D, The Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and other iconic hip hop artists. While Def Jam was not the first hip hop record label, it established itself as the center of the hip hop world. The reason there has been so much outcry over Def Jam is because of this legacy.
Those previously-mentioned artists who were a part of Def Jam were some of the most-revered hip hop artists in history. These artists not only pioneered hip hop, they had an impact on overall pop culture. LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys were among the first hip hop rock stars, with LL Cool J being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Two years after he was inducted, The Beastie Boys are following suit.
Another artist from Def Jam’s past, Chuck D, has been selected to induct The Beastie Boys into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The ceremony takes place on April 14, 2012, but will broadcast on May 5 at 9:00 pm on HBO.
