Def Jam Archives - Rolling Out

It appears mega-producer Rick Rubin actually has more than 99 problems. Rubin, best known for producing some music’s biggest hits like Jay-Z’s, “99 Problems,” is facing trial for violating Hawaii’s local COVID-19 restrictions. According to the Kauai, Hawaii-based newspaper, The Garden Island, the trial date is set for Feb. 9, 2021. Rubin is being charged…

Teyana Taylor brought in 2019 with a show to remember. Taylor’s first show of 2019 took place at Utopia in Atlanta where she brought in the New Year. Taylor, backed by a live band and back-up dancers, performed songs from her critically-acclaimed album, KTSE (Keep That Same Energy), and a few songs from her debut…

With little notice, Vince Staples returned this month with his fifth studio album, FM!, surprising fans. This year has been one of the best years for quality releases in hip-hop albums, especially from culture heavyweights like Kanye West, Drake, Jay-Z and Nas. Now, the 25-year-old Long Beach, California, representer is here to provide his perspective and wave the…

Iggy Azalea has parted ways with Island Records. Just nine months after leaving Def Jam for Island, Iggy has revealed the she is “officially unsigned” and looking forward to releasing new music independently. She wrote on Twitter: “I’m officially unsigned! Wild you spend so long trying to get IN a record deal… never thought I’d…

Danielle “DaniLeigh” Curiel is a fresh face to the music industry as a newly signed artist to Def Jam, but she is no stranger to the world of entertainment. The 22-year-old has been booked and busy since her childhood, which landed her the opportunity to write and direct the music video for Prince’s single “Breakfast…

Teyana Taylor had fans shook when she announced she’d immediately be headlining her very own tour titled “Keep That Same Energy.” Previously, Taylor was on the “Later That Night Tour” with singer Jeremih as the headliner. However, things quickly changed when Taylor tweeted: It all started on social media when Taylor blasted Jeremih via Instagram…

In the latest issue of Billboard magazine, which features Christina Aguilera on the cover, legendary and Grammy Award-winning rapper Big Boi shares his views on Trump and the L.A. Reid accusation. Big Boi on Donald Trump If Donald Trump can be the president, anybody can be. So, shit, Oprah Winfrey, King T’Challa from Black Panther,…

J. Dinero and cousin-music producer SumYunGhai are creating generational wealth and creativity with their music production company and label The Blackroom. The vision started with SumYunGhai, who started his musical path in 2004 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. J. Dinero was born in Dominican Republic but grew up in Queens, New York. They partnered for expansion purposes…

Jeezy continues to be one of the most consistent artists of this generation. The self-proclaimed Snowman recently released his 8th studio album, Pressure released via Def Jam. The album features vintage street poetics and major moments that will push the culture forward. To celebrate the release, Jeezy teamed up with TIDAL X for an interview…

Russell Simmons

The accusations of sexual abuse by men in power continue to grow rapidly and now the accusations are rising to an even higher level as three separate women have come forward to accuse Russell Simmons of having actually raped them. Last month, he was accused by two women of having sexually assaulted them, leading to Simmons…

Russell Simmons discusses the documentary Romeo Is Bleeding (Photo by Derrel Jazz Johnson for Steed Media Service)

Russell Simmons will remove himself from being the head of his business ventures after another woman came forward with sexual assault allegations against him. Jenny Lumet, the granddaughter of Lena Horn and daughter of director Sidney Lumet, revealed the incident that took place in 1991. Jenny Lumet recently wrote a story that was published by…

With the recent headlines, Usher Raymond is sure to have a great album on the way, and if not that certainly a great story to tell. After being “outed” several weeks ago regarding his sexual health. On Monday, Aug. 7, Quantasia Sharpton went on national TV accusing the singer of having sex with her after…

Def Jam celebrated the release of new albums by 2 Chainz and Vince Staples during BET Awards weekend. Held at a private mansion that featured an infinity pool and astonishing view of the city of Los Angeles, the celebration/pool party was driven by the sounds from DJ Millie. The event also paid homage to Def…

Singer, songwriter and Def Jam recording artist Bibi Bourelly is moving up on the music charts again, but this time, with her own voice. The 22-year-old songstress is known in the music industry for her strong pen game. She’s co-written some of your favorite jams such as Rihanna’s hit single “B—h Better Have My Money,”…

On Wednesday night, September 28, 2016 rapper Jeezy celebrated his birthday with a private dinner in New York City attended by friends and colleagues across the industry, including T.I., Fabolous, Dave East, Def Jam CEO Steve Bartels, Power 105’s Angela Yee, Roc Nation’s Shawn Pecas, Rotimi, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Karen Civil, Yandy Smith…

Signing Frank Ocean to Def Jam was a “disaster,” says the music exec, Tricky Stewart, who discovered him. Earlier this week it was confirmed that the release of Ocean’s debut visual album Endless marked the end of his obligations to the hip-hop label and now the producer, who signed the 28-year-old singer to Def Jam,…

Trap Beckham is well on his way to success. Don’t let his name fool you, his music is indeed different from traditional “trap” music. His latest single “Birthday Chick” has become a smash hit in the South and is continuing to spread from coast to coast. In 2012, Trap Beckham’s name began gathering buzz when…

Def Jam’s own August Alsina had a meet and greet in Chicago at the 35th Street DTLR clothing and shoe store. He met and took pictures with people as they purchased his new album, This Thing Called Life. His album played and some people already memorized songs from the album. The line to meet August…

LL Cool J is one of my favorite rappers. The man has always been able to rhyme. He’s always had an under-appreciated versatility. He always knew how to craft great records. Even after he started sleepwalking through albums. his first album “Radio” turns 30 today.

Most of Logic’s “The Incredible True Story” works. The story follows refugees from earth, QuentinThomas and William Kai, traveling through space as they head for “Paradise.” The duo’s banter forms the framework of the album