Def Jam 25: Episode 1

In anticipation of the launch of our art book “Def Jam Recordings: The First 25 Years of the Last Great Record Label” we’d like to share a series of webisodes cut from our interviews. The first is a clip of Russell Simmons’ recalling his first encounter with Rick Rubin. The book tells the storied history of the legendary label responsible for acts like The Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, Redman, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kanye West, Public Enemy and dozens of artists who propelled American youth culture on the global stage.

At over 300+ pages, this hard cover tome, designed by Cey Adams, Def Jam’s seminal graphic designer and written by Bill Adler, the label’s legendary publicist, features photography by Jonathan Mannion, Annie Leibovitz, Glen E. Friedman, and countless other talented photographers.There’s also behind-the-scenes photos, flyers, advertisements, movie posters, album cover art, magazine covers and press clips from around the world.