25 Most Influential Def Jam Artists

A look at the music stars who made the label iconic.

It's Yours! - It’s hard to believe that it’s been three decades since Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin formed music label Def Jam Recordings. Since 1984, the label has evolved into a premiere hip hop and urban music home, backing some of the most matriculated artists in the game from LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys to Jay Z and Rihanna. In honor of Def Jam 30, a celebration of their 30th anniversary, take a look at 25 of Def Jam’s most influential artists.(Photos from left: Sutton/Corbis, Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images, Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Turner)
Jay Z - Jay Z is not only arguably the greatest rapper of all time, but he might be the most loved as well. Fans proved that to Hov via his and Beyoncé's On The Run tour. Jay even made the time to guest appear on DJ Khaled's "They Don't Love You No More" and Jeezy's "Seen It All." An MVP contender, no doubt.(Photo: Sutton / Corbis /Splash News)
LL Cool J, @llcoolj - Tweet: "Turned my social over to this company to 'STREAMLINE' THINGS  and they unfollowed fans. Even family members. Fired them today. ‪#idiots."If you almost threw out your entire collection of Uncle L CDs because he unfollowed you on Twitter, keep the tapes in the crate, son. It was all a big misunderstanding.  #NowGoReapplyForThatFollowBack(Photo: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Turner)Beastie Boys - As we mentioned before, Letterman had a more than 30-year run and it remained a staple in New York City for the entire time. The stage became a frequent pit stop for artists, but was particularly special for New York artists like the Beastie Boys.  After a five year hiatus, the Beastie Boys reemerged with "To the 5 Boroughs," in 2004, which featured the lead single "Ch-Check it Out." As opposed to hitting the in studio stage, the trio emerged from a subway station and rapped their way to the Ed Sullivan Theater, putting on one of the most killer comeback shows to date.(Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images)

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It's Yours! - It’s hard to believe that it’s been three decades since Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin formed music label Def Jam Recordings. Since 1984, the label has evolved into a premiere hip hop and urban music home, backing some of the most matriculated artists in the game from LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys to Jay Z and Rihanna. In honor of Def Jam 30, a celebration of their 30th anniversary, take a look at 25 of Def Jam’s most influential artists.(Photos from left: Sutton/Corbis, Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images, Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Turner)

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