The Men Behind Def Jam - Softcover

Ogg, Alex

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0711988730 ISBN 13: 9780711988736

Publisher: Omnibus Press, 2002

Synopsis

(Omnibus Press). Having introduced the world to LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, DMX, and Jay-Z, the label formed by hustler-incarnate Russell Simmons and A & R maverick Rick Rubin has now successfully marketed what was a ghetto phenomenon into the most pervasive youth culture of the late 20th century. This book documents the growth of Def Jam from humble origins to its current status as the pre-eminent black music label of the 1980s and 1990s.

About this title

About the Author

Alex Ogg is the author of the Hip Hop Years, as as well as a consultant on the Channel 4 TV series of the same name. He has written numerous music books, magazine and newspaper articles and is specialist hip hop contributor to several encyclopedias.

Review

'A detailed and rather unofficial cheeky unofficial history.' Q 'A comprehensive account of how two unlikely business partners - streetwise entrepeneur Russell Simmons and bearded AC/DC fan Rick Rubin - changed the face of music...Pleasingly, author Alex Ogg embellishes the story with bitchy tales of backbiting and much moneymaking as well...Thoroughly readable and often highly revealing, this book deftly highlights the fractious nature of music industry relationships...Ultimately, Rubin comes across as a music fan, while Simmons appears as a rather confused figure...a compelling saga.' KERRANG ' A perfect primter for anyone who doesn't know why rap is the most important musical movement of the past 25 years...it's a blast from page one.' MOJO

Edition details

• Publisher: Omnibus Press
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0711988730
• ISBN 13: 9780711988736
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 276