Def Jam News

business6 days ago•14 min saved

Universal Music Group Executes Final Phase of 2024 Restructuring, Cutting Senior Leadership

Universal Music Group (UMG) has initiated the final phase of a multi-year restructuring plan, resulting in the departure of several senior executives across its U.S., U.K., and European operations. Key exits include Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun, Republic Records CEO Jim Roppo, and Interscope leaders Sam Riback and Nicole Wyskoarko. The moves, which follow earlier cuts in Canada, are part of a 2024 initiative aimed at achieving 250 million euros in annual savings by the end of 2026. While UMG reports solid first-half 2026 revenue, the company is tightening budgets to offset costs from its $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music and to address investor concerns regarding profit margins.

via Variety|

#business #def-jam #interscope

entertainment1 year ago•1 min saved

Jay-Z's Surprising Quip to Young Rihanna Resurfaces

A resurfaced clip reveals a joke Jay-Z made to a teenage Rihanna during her 2005 audition for Def Jam, where he humorously suggested she could leave through the door with a signed deal or out the window. This comes amid renewed scrutiny of Jay-Z following a lawsuit alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Rihanna recounted the story on The Tyra Banks Show, describing the meeting as warm and welcoming, and she was signed to Def Jam that night.

via Yahoo Entertainment|

#controversy #def-jam #entertainment

entertainment1 year ago•1 min saved

Jay-Z Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Resurfaced Clip and Lawsuit Allegations

A resurfaced clip reveals a joke Jay-Z made to a teenage Rihanna during her 2005 audition for Def Jam, where he humorously suggested she could leave through the door with a signed deal or out the window. This comes amid renewed scrutiny of Jay-Z following a lawsuit alleging he raped a 13-year-old girl in 2000. Rihanna recounted the story on The Tyra Banks Show, describing the meeting as warm and welcoming, and Jay-Z's interest in signing her as an artist.

via The Daily Beast|

#controversy #def-jam #entertainment

legalcrime2 years ago•3 min saved

"Former Def Jam Executive Sues Russell Simmons for Alleged Rape and Sexual Assault"

A former Def Jam executive has filed a lawsuit against Russell Simmons, alleging that he sexually assaulted her in the 1990s, adding to the 20 women who have accused Simmons of sexual assault or harassment. The lawsuit includes claims of sexual battery/assault, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Simmons' attorney denied the allegations, stating that he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual relationships. The plaintiff is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and the lawsuit was filed under the state’s Gender Motivated Violence Act, which provides a lookback window for survivors of gender-motivated violence through March 1, 2025.

via Rolling Stone|

#def-jam #lawsuit #legalcrime

entertainment3 years ago•2 min saved

Tragic Loss: Rising Singer-Songwriter August 08 Passes Away at 31

August 08, a singer-songwriter and producer known for his work with DJ Khaled and Jhené Aiko's Def Jam Recordings label, has passed away at the age of 31. The cause of death has not been confirmed. August 08, also known as Ray Jacobs or August Grant, was praised for his talent and artistry by his colleagues and friends. He released several EPs and was a collaborator on tracks with various artists. His loss is mourned by the music community.

via Variety|

#allel-sound #august-08 #death