Search Results for:

DEF JAM

Public Enemy

What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down

    Public Enemy rewrote the rules of hip-hop, becoming the most influential and controversial rap group of the late '80s and, for many, the definitive rap group of all time. Building from Run-D.M.C.'s street-oriented beats and Boogie Down Productions' proto-gangsta rhyming, Public Enemy pioneered a variation of hardcore rap that was musically and politically revolutionary. With his powerful, authoritative baritone, lead rapper Chuck D rhymed about all kinds of social problems, particularly those plaguing the black community, often condoning revolutionary tactics and social activism. In the process, he directed hip-hop toward an explicitly self-aware, pro-black consciousness that became the culture's signature throughout the next decade. While Public Enemy's early Def Jam albums, produced with the Bomb Squad, earned them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they continued to release relevant material up to and beyond their 2013 induction. Now, Public Enemy is back, and is ready to tell the world to once again FIGHT THE POWER!

    Beastie Boys

    Licenced To Ill

      The joke of Licensed to Ill's cover - that the Beasties could crash their jet into the side of a mountain and keep on tickin' - serves as a good metaphor for a career that even some of their 1986 admirers thought might be over after the one-time-only shock of this full-length debut. That thousands of funk-junkie wannabes have since failed at re-creating its groove, breaking-the-law vibe, and ear-splitting mix of rock and rap is an even better joke. And funniest of all is the record itself, which packs dexterous boasts, aural puns, and lots and lots of yelling into a disc that can still be listened to with as much pleasure as it gave in '86.

      TRACK LISTING

      1 Rhymin & Stealin 4:08
      2 The New Style 4:36
      3 She’s Crafty 3:35
      4 Posse In Effect 2:26
      5 Slow Ride 2:57
      6 Girls 2:14
      7 Fight For Your Right 3:27
      8 No Sleep Till Brooklyn 4:07
      9 Paul Revere 3:41
      10 Hold It Now, Hit It 3:26
      11 Brass Monkey 2:37
      12 Slow And Low 3:38
      13 Time To Get Ill 3:40

      Common

      Nobody's Smiling

      The 2014 release of "Nobody's Smiling", executive produced by No ID, commemorates the 20th anniversary of Common’s breakthrough album Resurrection (1994), with his signature tracks, “Resurrection” and “I Used To Love H.E.R.” "Nobody's Smiling" is Common’s first new album since 2011’s The Dreamer/The Believer.

      As noted on his website, the album title "Nobody's Smiling" was inspired by Common’s troubled hometown of Chicago, "I'm honored to team up with No ID and be a part of the Artium and Def Jam family. Creating this album and signing to Def Jam feels like a new beginning for me. I feel like a new artist because I created this album with the purpose to give back to my city and to the culture of hip hop. Def Jam is part of the foundation of hip hop and being able to work with No ID was returning to my foundation now with new energy and new hunger."

      TRACK LISTING

      1. The Neighborhood 3:58
      2. No Fear 3:13
      3. Diamonds 3:54
      4. Blak Majik 3:19
      5. Speak My Piece 3:52
      6. Hustle Harder 3:58
      7. Nobody's Smiling 4:16
      8. Real 3:23
      9. Kingdom 6:22
      10. Rewind That 5:22


      The Roots

      Rising Down

        The Roots are back with probably their most political album to date, dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life in Philadelphia. The political nature of "Rising Down" is not only heard within the music. The title comes from William T. Vollmann's treatise on violence entitled 'Rising Up And Rising Down', and the release date falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King. Standout tracks include "Criminal", a reflection of life on the streets and unjust persecution, "I Will Not Apologize", a tribute to Fela Kuti that discusses keeping dignity in the music biz and "I Can't Help It" a look at addictions and urges that compel us all. Guests on the album include Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dice Raw, Wale, Chrisette Michele and more.

        Ghostface Killah

        The Big Doe Rehab

          In the six years since the Wu Tang Clan's last LP, Ghostface Killah has been a busy MC, putting out a regular supply of albums, "The Big Doe Rehab" being the latest. Featuring fat beats, tales from the hood lyrics and guest spots from Wu's Raekwon and Method Man, Kid Capri, Ox, Masta Killa, Beanie Sigal and more, this is another solid set from the Clan member.

          Redman

          Malpractice

            Ace new Def Jam LP on a fatter than fat funky jeep beat tip. Guest spots from DJ Kool, Scarface, Method Man, Missy Elliott, etc. Inspired.


            Just In

            42 NEW ITEMS

            Latest Pre-Sales

            151 NEW ITEMS

            E-newsletter —
            Sign up
            Back to top