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When did Russell Simmons start Def Jam?

When did Russell Simmons start Def Jam?

1992
Simmons launched a series of ventures outside of music with great success during the 1990s. In 1992, he helped launch Def Comedy Jam, a new series on HBO devoted to black comedians that ran through 1997.

What was Russell Simmons first hit as a producer?

I Need a Beat
The pair had a hit with their first release — “I Need a Beat,” by the 16-year-old LL Cool J — enabling Simmons to secure a distribution deal with Columbia: the first deal of its kind for a hip-hop independent with a major label.

When was Def Jam Records founded?

1984, New York, NY
Def Jam Recordings/Founded

Which cofounder of Def Jam Records is arguably the first major producer of hip-hop?

Rick Rubin, in full Frederick Jay Rubin, (born March 10, 1963, Long Island, New York, U.S.), American record producer whose light touch and keen ear made him one of the most sought-after producers in popular music.

Who was Def Jam first artist?

LL Cool J was just 17 when he became one of the first artists signed to the company. The men who founded the Def Jam label in 1984 weren’t much older.

Who is the founder of Def Jam Records?

Rick Rubin
Russell Simmons
Def Jam Recordings/Founders

Def Jam Records: Hip-Hop Harbingers Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons managed several pioneer hip-hop acts, including Run-D.M.C., through their Rush Management agency, and in 1984 they set up their own Def Jam label; shortly thereafter, Columbia Records made a deal with the label and became its distributor.

Who was awarded the first rap Grammy?

DJ Jazzy Jeff
“The winner for Best Rap Performance was DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince for ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand,’ making us the first rappers ever to receive a Grammy Award,” Smith wrote.

Who started Def Jam Records?

Def Jam Recordings/Founders

Who was the first act to release an album on Def Jam Records?

The first single released with the Def Jam Recordings logo was T La Rock & Jazzy Jay’s “It’s Yours.” The first releases with Def Jam Recordings catalog numbers were LL Cool J’s “I Need a Beat” and the Beastie Boys’ “Rock Hard”, both in 1984.

Who started Def Comedy Jam?

Russell Simmons
Alongside television producer Stan Lathan, the man to open those floodgates was music mogul and Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons, who was struck by the difference between his industry and the comedy world.

Who was the first rapper to use Lil?

Lil Rodney Cee, a member of Funky 4 + 1 (Funky Four Plus One), who is featured on Funky 4 + 1’s 1979 hit single “Rappin And Rocking The House” was the first rapper to have ‘Lil’ in his name.

Does Russell Simmons own Def Jam?

Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin founded the Def Jam record label in 1983 with $8,000 of their own money. In 1999, Simmons sold the label to Seagram’s Universal Music for an estimated $120 million.

Who started Def Jam?

Def Jam was co-founded by Rick Rubin in his dormitory in Weinstein Hall at New York University and its first release was a single by his punk-rock group Hose. Russell Simmons joined Rubin shortly after they were introduced to each other, according to one story, by Vincent Gallo .

What is Russell Simmons business?

Russell Simmons is the most important businessman in the history of rap music. As co-founder of the Def Jam label, Simmons’ street-friendly taste and marketing savvy helped bring hip-hop crashing into the mainstream of American culture and mass media.