Def Jam Recordings turns 35 this year

The Rick Rubin- and Russell Simmons-cofounded one-time (or current) home of LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Ludacris, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Kanye, 2 Chainz, and Pusha T is one of the most important record labels in hip hop and pop music history. It began life in 1984. We're digging deep into the roots of hip hop on these channels to celebrate.

Back in the Day '93-'95

Early-'90s hip hop like Wu-Tang, Common, KRS-One, and Digable Planets

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