Def Jam Hip Hop Albums You Should Own

Iconic LP's from the label Russell and Rick built.

The Dirty 30 - As BET.com continues to take a look back at three decades of Def Jam, in honor of the iconic label's 30th anniversary (#DefJam30), nothing seems more important than the music, some of the most impactful tunes of the hip hop generation.To commemorate the occasion, we've compiled this list of rap LPs you should own from the catalogue that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin built. Where were you when these albums dropped? — Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA)(Photo: Def Jam)
LL Cool J – Radio  (November 18, 1985) - Ask Russell Simmons who put him up in that skyscraper. LL Cool J kicked off Def Jam's dominance with his debut album Radio  –– also the label's first full length release –– in 1985. Ladies Love Cool James had boom boxes blaring with future classics like "I Need a Beat," "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and "Rock the Bells." Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin manned the production boards. (Photo: Def Jam/Columbia)
Beastie Boys – Licensed To Ill (November 15, 1986) - The Beastie Boys transitioned from being a hardcore punk band in the early '80s to one of the most respected hip hop groups of all time. Their 1986 debut, Licensed to Ill, had both the block and the frat houses rocking respectively with hits like "Brass Monkey," "No Sleep Till Brooklyn," "Paul Revere" and "Fight for Your Right." License To Ill's cross-over success also earned Def Jam it's first platinum plaque in February 1987. (Photo: Def Jam/Columbia)I'm Bad - LL released his classic fourth album Mama Said Knock You Out in 1990, 25 years ago (Aug. 27). The comeback project pulls no punches, featuring plenty of heat aimed at some of his rivals. In honor of this classic release, let's take a look at some of Uncle L's hardest disses over the years. --Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA) (Photo: Def Jam / Columbia / CBS Records)

Next Gallery

Where Are They Now: The Cast of In Living Color

13 Photos

1 / 36

The Dirty 30 - As BET.com continues to take a look back at three decades of Def Jam, in honor of the iconic label's 30th anniversary (#DefJam30), nothing seems more important than the music, some of the most impactful tunes of the hip hop generation.To commemorate the occasion, we've compiled this list of rap LPs you should own from the catalogue that Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin built. Where were you when these albums dropped? — Michael Harris (@IceBlueVA)(Photo: Def Jam)

ADVERTISEMENT