New York hip-hop label founded in 1983 by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin. It has since gone on to become the most well-known hip-hop labels in the world, along the way making stars of the likes of Public Enemy, L.L. Cool J, The Beastie Boys, Redman, and DMX.

History:
1984: Label founded; releases several 12" singles independently. First release was purchased by Streetwise Records and released with a Def Jam logo (and is not considered part of Def Jam today).
1985: Def Jam Recordings began distribution through Columbia/CBS Records.
1988: CBS Records was purchased by the Sony Corporation.
1991: CBS Records became Sony Music Entertainment.
1994: PolyGram purchased 50% of Sony’s Def Jam holdings and switches distribution companies.
1996: PolyGram purchased an additional 10% of the Def Jam holdings, which made it the parent company.
1999: Universal Music Group was formed through the merger of the MCA and PolyGram families of labels and it subsequently purchased the remaining Def Jam holdings that Sony held. All the Def Jam assets were then spun into Island Def Jam Music Group after merging it with Mercury's pop roster and Island Records.

Labelcode: LC 08427/LC 8427