Def Jam helped birth and cultivate hip-hop as we know it today. Having a major hand in the careers of many great entertainers is a dream to most, but for Def Jam it’s their legacy. From LL Cool J to Nas, to newer artists like Rihanna, we have watched the 30-year-old hip-hop label grow into a powerful force that helps dictate the trends of today’s music. As they continue to make history, Def Jam’s Instagram reminds you of the great artists who came to success by signing on the dotted line.
Take a walk down memory lane with Def Jam’s throwback photos on Instagram.