But Def Jam had been picking up steam and in 1985-86, the label was more focused on Beastie Boys’ explosive debut, Licensed To Ill, the first rap album to top the Billboard 200 and second to ...

Now, we’re learning that not only did Def Jam release Pusha T and Malice from their label, but the two had to cough up seven figures to get their walking papers.

He died at the age of 54. Def Jam Records reported his passing on social media. Born Irving Lorenzo, Gotti played a major role in shaping hip-hop and R&B during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

After news broke of the death of Murder Inc. Records co-founder Irv Gotti on Wednesday (Feb. 5), tributes poured in from the hip-hop world, including from the label where he got his start, Def Jam.

Overjoyed with their new golden goose (X would end up launching 5 No. 1 albums while at the label), Def Jam gave Gotti the go-ahead to found his own sub-label in 1999, and Murder Inc. Records was ...

Welcome to our weekly music post, where we spotlight our favorite new songs and albums. Hop in the comments and tell us: What new music are you listening to? “In The Heart Of The Mountain” is the ...

Russell Simmons says he was “shocked” to learn T La Rock and Jazzy Jay’s 1984 single “It’s Yours” was produced by Rick 41 years ago, Def Jam, rap's most influential record label ...

Music Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, dead at 54 Hip-hop legend Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at 54, per Def Jam. A cause of death has not been released.

He brought all three rappers to Def Jam Records, leading to the pioneering label’s resurgence in the late ’90s and early 2000s.

Music Murder Inc. Records founder Irv Gotti dead at 54 Hip-hop legend Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at 54, per Def Jam. A cause of death has not been released.

Music Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, dead at 54 Hip-hop legend Irv Gotti, founder of Murder Inc. Records, has passed away at 54, per Def Jam. A cause of death has not been released.