If you haven’t noticed, 2009 is a pretty big year for Def Jam Recordings. And it’s not because they’re home to some of the biggest names in pop music (Rihanna, Kanye West, The Dream). The iconic label that put rap on the mainstream map turns 25 this year, an anniversary that’s being commemorated by a special CD box set and last night’s VH1 Hip-Hop Honors tribute.
Well, as any fan of Def Jam’s amazing musical catalog can attest, last night’s event left a lot to be desired. Even Russell Simmons is rumored to be pissed about the half-assed production. But regardless of how dissapointing it was, it probably wasn’t the most embarassing moment in the label’s history. Take a look back at 10 moments that Def Jam probably wishes they could forget…
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ARTIST: Fabolous
ALBUM: Loso’s Way
SOUNDS LIKE: Fab’s interpretation of Jay-Z’s American Gangster x R&B singers
FUN FACT: The former king of throwbacks keeps his jerseys locked up in the basement.
WHY COMPLEX IS CO-SIGNING IT: Back when Ghetto Fabolous dropped, the Brooklyn MC’s catchy singles, punchline-filled freestyles, and dare we say, “swag” made kids from all five boroughs want to be like him. Eight years later, Fabolous has grown from a flashy newcomer with hood-certified mixtapes to a veteran with a gang of hits. By now, both fans and critics have become used to his R&B-assisted lead singles followed by albums that rarely live up to the hype. As if to address past career missteps, Fabolous returns with Loso’s Way—a conceptual album loosely based on Brian de Palma’s film Carlito’s Way…
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Joe Budden said it best on 2003’s “Fire”, “Fuck Sound Scan, I ain’t buying that, cause y’all sell ‘em to the stores then buy ‘em back.” After Rick Ross‘ debuted at #1 last week, outselling Snoop Dogg and Fat Joe, rap fans gossiped in disbelief, wondering who really bought all those units. Now, The Real addresses the situation with a funny infomercial for Def Jam’s marketing department. Watch the “incredible video one time video limited package video offer video” after the jump.
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We weren't that excited to hear that the Roots were putting out their 50th album, let alone with a major push from their old pal, Def Jam boss Jay-Z. Not that Game Theory is bad (nor is it great); it's just like, not necessary. Plus, we're big fans of ?uestlove's turntable skills. Which, along the promise of free booze, lured us out to Cielo Tuesday night for the Roots' 50th record release party. In case ?uest, who turned in a mercifully light-on-Roots-tracks DJ set, decides to quit his day job, we're sure Def Jam boss Jay-Z will gladly keep the funky drummer in his pocket. We won't be mad either.
We’re sure Jay-Z is laughing with ?uestlove and not at him.
