Def Jam "First 25 Years Of The Last Great Record Label" Book

Few institutions can boast a history like Def Jam‘s, one of the (if not the) first labels to make a real go at hip-hop. Once owned and controlled by hard rock producer, Rick Rubin and artist manager, Russel Simmons, Def Jam’s roster was an absolute all-star list of old school rappers. Now in their 27th year of operation, Island Def Jam is still one of the most successful urban labels of all time.

To celebrate this incredible legacy, Def Jam has just announced the release of this book, which illustrates the labels first 25 years. Arguably the greatest period for both Def Jam and hip-hop, one should expect early photos of Run-DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and even Jay-Z and Slayer. This is a must have for any street culture historian. Available September 2011 through Rizzoli Publishing.