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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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NEWS ABOUT: Def Jam

Def Jam stories: 7 news summaries

 Third Time's a Charm 
 for Jay-Z, Rap's Cash King 

Mogul discusses business, music as release approaches

Jul 20, 09 1:15 PM CDT
(Newser) - As he comes full circle with the Sept. 11 release of The Blueprint 3, exactly 8 years after the original Blueprint, Jay-Z discusses his journey from the projects of Brooklyn to the top of Forbes’ Hip-Hop Cash King list with Billboard. “We—Usher, Justin... More »

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entertainment • entrepreneurs • New Jersey Nets • celebrity • Justin Timberlake • rapper • Beyonce • rap music • Def Jam • Usher • Jay-Z • Frank Sinatra • Marvin Gaye • Jay-ZTV • Blueprint 3

UPDATED

 Jay-Z Close 
 to Sony Deal—
 or Maybe Warner 

Conflicting reports leave it unclear where former Def Jam artist will move

May 28, 09 2:12 AM CDT
(Newser) - Following his departure from Def Jam, Jay-Z is close to making a deal with a new label—the question is, which one? Sources tell Billboard a deal with Sony’s Epic Records “is 95% complete,” while the New York Daily News reports a deal with Warner Music Group/Atlantic... More »

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music industry • Sony • hip-hop • Warner Music • rapper • Atlantic Records • Live Nation • Def Jam • record contract • Jay-Z • Jay-ZTV • Epic Records

 Jay-Z 
 Leaves 
 Def Jam 


May 21, 09 3:53 PM CDT
(Newser) - Jay-Z confirmed to RapRadar today that he has left Def Jam Records after more than a decade. The news follows an unconfirmed report on HitsDailyDouble that the rapper bought out his contract for $5 million. Jay-Z, 39, owed Def Jam one more album, but he was eager to move on... More »

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music industry • Kanye West • hip-hop • rap music • Def Jam • Jay-Z • record label • Jay-ZTV • Roc Nation • Doug Morris • LA Reid • Blueprint 3

 Def Jam Exec 
 Dead in 
 Apparent 
 Suicide 

Shakir Stewart took the helm of Def Jam Records in June

Nov 2, 08 12:11 PM CST
(Newser) - Shakir Stewart, who took over at Def Jam Records when Jay-Z stepped down in June, was found dead yesterday, Billboard reports. The rap executive apparently committed suicide, though few details are available. Stewart had signed artists such as Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, and Karina Pasian to his label, and in... More »

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suicide • music industry • Atlanta • Def Jam • Jay-Z • record label • Shakir Stewart

Glossies

Simmons Bangs Drum
for Black Entrepreneurs

Russell Simmons thrives during market mayhem

Oct 18, 08 10:20 AM CDT
(Newser) - For the "Godfather of Hip-Hop," success on the streets is like winning in business: It's "all about believing in your vision," Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons tells the Economist. Now the music-mogul-turned-financier is trying to inspire go-getters with a new bestseller, Do You!—which... More »

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entrepreneurs • hip-hop • rap music • Def Jam • Russell Simmons

 Jay-Z to Sign Record $150M Deal 

Live Nation deal sign of industry upheaval

Apr 3, 08 7:19 AM CDT
(Newser) - Rapper Jay-Z is about to decamp from record label Def Jam and sign a $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation, reports the New York Times. The deal, Live Nation's biggest to date, will give the superstar financial backing for tours, his own record label and other related... More »

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music industry • concert • hip-hop • Atlantic Records • Madonna • rap music • Live Nation • American Gangster • Mary J. Blige • Def Jam • Jay-Z • The Black Album • Rocawear • CD sales

Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam Post

He will step down as president but continue as rapper

Dec 24, 07 7:15 PM CST
(Newser) - Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z is stepping down as president of Def Jam Records at the end of the year. The busy rapper is leaving on good terms after two years, a span in which he signed new stars such as Ne-Yo and Rihanna, E! Online reports. Jay-Z, whose American Gangster CD... More »

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entertainment • hip-hop • Beyonce • Def Jam • Jay-Z

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