| Def Jam Recordings | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Parent company | Universal Music Group (UMG) |
| Founded | 1984[1] |
| Founder | |
| Distributor(s) |
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| Genre | Various, predominantly on Hip hop and R&B |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Official website | defjam |
Def Jam Recordings (also simply known as Def Jam) is an American multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group. It is based in Manhattan, New York City, specializing predominantly in hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul and pop.
The label has a London-based, UK arm known as 0207 Def Jam (formerly Def Jam UK in the 1990s until the mid-2000s) and is currently operated through EMI Records. It has a Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria-based arm known as Def Jam Africa.
As of 2024, Def Jam's current roster includes Kanye West, Justin Bieber, DJ Khaled, Alessia Cara, Logic, 2 Chainz, Frank Ocean, Big Sean, Dave East, Wale, Jeremih, Pusha T, Fabolous, Jhené Aiko, Coco Jones, LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Jadakiss, YG, Muni Long, Buju Banton, Fridayy, Benny the Butcher, Trinidad Cardona, DaniLeigh, Fredo Bang, Nasty C, Armani White, and Hit-Boy among others.[2]
The Label has also inspired the Def Jam Video Game franchise (2003-2010) which include Def Jam Vendetta (2003) and Def Jam Rapstar (2010)