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November 23, 2008 3:17:11 AM CST

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Def Jam

Def Jam news stories

4 Stories

 Def Jam Exec 
 Dead in 
 Apparent 
 Suicide 

Shakir Stewart took the helm of Def Jam Records in June

Billboard Billboard 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 a previous stint at Hitco snagged Beyoncé. More »

More about:  suicide • music industry • Atlanta • Jay-Z • Def Jam • record label

Glossies

Simmons Bangs Drum
for Black Entrepreneurs

Russell Simmons thrives during market mayhem

Economist Economist 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 he calls “the same shit you get in any other book—a little bit mystical, but really about going to work every day and keeping your head down." More »

More about:  hip-hop • rap music • entrepreneurs • Def Jam • Russell Simmons

 Jay-Z to Sign Record $150M Deal 

Live Nation deal sign of industry upheaval

New York Times New York Times 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 ventures such as talent consulting. It reflects the ongoing scramble in the music business as CD sales plunge and fans download more and more of their music. More »

More about:  music industry • Madonna • concert • hip-hop • rap music • Jay-Z • American Gangster • Mary J. Blige • Def Jam • Live Nation • Atlantic Records • CD sales

Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam Post

He will step down as president but continue as rapper

E! Online E! Online 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 currently rules the charts, will still record for Def Jam's Roc-a-Fella label. More »

More about:  hip-hop • Beyonce • Jay-Z • Def Jam

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