In recent days there has been speculation that Def Jam Records is in trouble. Journalist Johnnie Roberts of TheWrap.com recently commented that Def Jam might have lost its “mojo.”
This morning we spoke with Barry Weiss, the Chairman/CEO of Island Def Jam and Universal Motown Republic who gave us his take on the label. Mind you, Barry has quietly been the behind the scenes music guy who has signed some of the most successful artists in hip-hop, from Whoodini to Too $hort to R. Kelly to Chris Brown … so dude got juice in the game.
“I don’t know what the f*ck they’re talking about. Def Jam is not broke, it’s on fire!! We just did a deal with Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music and Big Sean’s album is a great success and will continue to garner a lot of attention. Kanye and Jay-Z’s Watch The Throne has the whole world buzzing. Jeezy got an album coming out and his show last night in NYC has the whole industry excited. Rihanna just ended her amazing tour of her amazing album. Frank Ocean is on the verge of super stardom. Rick Ross and so many other great artists are part of our incredible roster. Of course we are looking to maximize our potential and are in search of additional African-American leadership to take us to the next level. But, let me be clear, Def Jam is on fire.”
It is hard for us to not agree with Mr. Weiss when we look at the roster and the potential of some of their latest additions.
We look forward to its future success.
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Rihanna just ended her amazing “LOUD” tour of her amazing album.
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Rick Ross has found great success in the game, and even started up his own label Maybach Music Group.
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R&B newcomer Frank Ocean has worked with music’s biggest names and he hasn’t even been famous for a year yet.
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Young Jeezy just had an amazing concert at the Highline Ballroom in NYC.
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Big Sean is Finally Famous with the success of his debut album.
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Country king Big K.R.I.T. has the south and the north buzzing.
