1. INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT
UNIVERSAL
- The largest conglomerate out of the ‘big 4’.
- Responsible for 30% of the music sales.
- Based in America with offices based worldwide.
- A conglomerate owned by ‘vivendi’ which is a larger
conglomerate.
DEF JAM RECORDINGS
- Founded in 1984, Def Jam Recordings has represented the cutting-edge in hip-hop music for
almost 30 years.
- Def Jam began as a maverick independent label inspired by downtown New York City’s vibrant
street culture and the emerging sound of hip-hop, pioneered by iconic stars like LL Cool J, Slick
Rick, The Beastie Boys and Public Enemy.
- Def Jam established its dominance with superstar acts like Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man &
Redman, Ludacris, Rihanna, Jeezy, and the inimitable Kanye West.
- Def Jam’s music and lifestyle has grown into a global brand surround a diverse agenda of
marquee and emerging stars like West, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha T, Jadakiss,
Vince Staples, Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, and Jhene Aiko, among others.
- Def Jam has reaffirmed its passion for and commitment to hip-hop culture, and has expanded
its global brand reach to become the most-followed major label on all major social media
platforms.
WHY IS DEF JAM REORDINGS A SUITABLE RECORD LABEL FOR MY ARTIST?
- My artist relates to this record label because r&b genre expresses street culture and artists
such as Rihanna and Big Sean have similar ideologies which my Artist will reflect. Def Jam is a major
social media influenced record label so therefore it will globally reach the target audience and social
media is a huge influencer so it will link to how my artist reflects the change in media and music.
Social media is used significantly in the industry as it is a free platform in which to promote the brand
identity as evident with films we’ve studied such as Straight Outta Compton and I, Daniel Blake.