“Def Jam has been able to stay relevant, move with the times and not lose its credibility,” said longtime exec Chris Lighty. “It started in New York, moved out West, moved down South — that’s how you develop longevity.”
Both at the spirited show and the even more (ahem) spirited after-party, stars past and present celebrated the styles and sounds the iconic label introduced. The after-party was hosted by VH1’s Save the Music Foundation, and was one of the biggest events of the year.
As the attendees danced the night away at a lavish soiree in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn, N.Y., everyone reflected on the music that has shaped a generation and the role the label played in making that music popular. From LL’s classic “Rock the Bells” to Rick Ross’ megahit “Hustlin’,” the more things changed, the more they stayed the same at Def Jam.
“Def Jam was like a [fraternity],” said Fredro Starr of Onyx. “When you put on that jacket with the logo you knew you were a part of something.”
And one superstar was especially happy to celebrate the label — because he almost wasn’t on it.
“When they heard my high-pitched, irritating voice — they didn’t want me!” said Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav. “But Chuck fought for me and Russ and Rick gave me a chance [and] we’ve been rolling ever since!” –todd williams
