In attendance were Def Jam stars Kaash Paige – who joined a “Future Leaders” panel moderated by Variety editor Shirley Halperin and featuring some of the label’s youngest and brightest staff – as well as Kendra Jae, DaniLeigh, Pap Chanel, Nevaeh Jolie and Ilham. After remarks from Def Jam chairman and CEO Tunji Balogun, the event concluded with a stunning performance by Coco Jones of her new single “Caliber.” DJ Rosegold kept the party going with music from Def Jam’s deep catalogue of hits.
As widely acknowledged, Def Jam is virtually unique in the industry for the inclusivity and diversity of its female staff. Over half of the employees are women, including seven women of color in senior executive positions. Two of the three executive leaders are women. Of ten department heads, eight are women. In addition, for the first time since 2007, Def Jam has an all-female Marketing staff. And Def Jam has never had as many women on its A&R staff as it does today.
In proud celebration of its accomplishments, THE WOMEN OF DEF JAM – a 24-track compilation showcasing some of the greatest female artists in the label’s storied history – arrived at all platforms on March 18th. Available as a collector’s edition of triple-LP box set, the anthology features a who’s who of legendary, lauded, multi-platinum-selling and Grammy®-winning artists, from Nikki D., Foxy Brown, Boss, and Ashanti, to Amerie, Teyana Taylor, Alessia Cara, Rapsody, Jhené Aiko, and more
Nearly four decades since it was founded in 1985, Def Jam remains the world’s number one hip-hop destination. As rap culture has grown into a global, generation-defining phenomenon, so too has Def Jam’s music and lifestyle grown into a globally recognized brand; synonymous with creativity, quality, authenticity, and diversity. Throughout its proud history, women – both executives and artists alike – have left an indelible stamp on Def Jam’s legacy, and through their creativity, leadership and mentorship, have blazed a trail for the next generation.
