On this date in 1985, James Todd Smith better known as LL Cool J dropped his first full-length LP on Def Jam Records. Primarily produced by Rick Rubin besides “I Need A Beat”, which was produced by DJ Jazzy Jay, Radio was a pivotal LP for not only LL and Def Jam, but for an evolving Hip Hop landscape that had just seen the rapid decline of b-boying and jams in the park. This was also the era in which the crack epidemic hit the streets and all of the major players used LL Cool J as the prototype image of how a hustler is supposed to look.
Songs like “I Can’t Live Without My Radio” and “Rock The Bells” dominated airwaves as well as influenced other artists of that time period with his braggadocios content and virtually forceful delivery. The song that actually got Cool J the deal with Def Jam, “I Need A Beat”, was written and recorded when LL was only 15 years old, making him not only Def Jam’s first solo artist but also their youngest.
Salute to Cool J, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Jazzy Jay, and everyone at Def Jam from that era that helped put together this timeless classic!
On this date 38 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill, on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.
On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow-up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.
Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”
Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.
Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z released he would-be retirement album The Black Album. Although there was virtually no pause between The Black Album and new Jay-Z music (collaboration albums with both R. Kelly and Linkin Park were released the following year), this album is easily the greatest retirement project of all time.
In its entirety, this album sounds more like a greatest hits album than the eighth project of an illustrious career. Starting with the first track, “December 4th”, this album takes the listener on a nostalgic journey. This opening tale of Hov’s origin sets the tone of the album and properly introduces Jay to an industry that he feels has taken him for granted. This album is an opus to Jay’s distaste with the rap game as a whole. On numerous tracks, specifically “Encore” and “What More Can I Say”, Hov can be heard stating his frustration with being the one punch man (a fictional superhero who can defeat any opponent with merely one punch causing him to become bored with superhero work) of Hip Hop.
Aside from staking his claim as the greatest, Hov spent this album perfectly juggling his unique brand of bragging with the dropping of street knowledge you couldn’t pay for. Singles “Change Clothes” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” are perfect examples of the particular swagger Jay-Z brought to rap. His mature yet flamboyant lyricism is on par with the life described by Robin Leach. As the album progresses, Jay begins more and more to put his would-be competition in its place with sheer willpower. From “Threats” to “Lucifer” it seems Jay is directly challenging the rest of the rap world to get on his level before they never again get the chance.
The album ends with two songs that could interchangeably be used as an outro. Both “Allure” and “My 1st Song” show Jay-Z coming to terms with the final chapter of his career coming to a close, even if he was planning a comeback.
Featuring production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, Rick Rubin, DJ Quik, and even Eminem, it’s easy to see why this album is as amazing as it is. Aside from the prolific production team, Jay-Z put together one of his most successful albums without any features (aside from a hook sung by Pharrell). Commercially, the album peaked at #1 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the Billboard 200 chart (where it appeared twice, each for a week). The album also went triple platinum in the United States and made appearances on music charts of eight different countries.
On this date thirty six ago, Hip-Hop’s greatest storyteller Slick Rick dropped his debut LP The Great Adventures Of Slick Rick on the Def Jam imprint.
MC Ricky D came on the scene with the “Original Human Beat Box” Doug E. Fresh in 1985 with the party anthem “The Show” and the X-rated flip side “La Di Da Di”. His highly anticipated debut LP is one of Hip Hop’s iconic projects that presented a concept, maintained a tempo with timeless lyrics and unforgettable beats courtesy of The Bomb Squad and Rick himself.
Being one of the few albums in the history of The Source that received the coveted Five Mics, it’s hard to pinpoint just a handful tracks that made the album stand out, however, there are some all-time favorites that still ring relevant three decades later. Storytelling tracks like “The Moment I Feared,” “Treat Her Like A Prostitute” and “Indian Girl” were reminiscent of his “La Di Da Di” days of X-rated rap. Rick served up some classic songs that are still bangin’ in the clubs to this day, including “Children’s Story”, “Mona Lisa” and the epic “Young World”.
Salute The Ruler, his DJ Vance Wright, Rick Rubin, The Bomb Squad and the entire Def Jam squad from the heyday for this timeless classic!
Remember the episode of Lil Dicky’s Dave when he visited iconic music producer Rick Rubin, and the whole experience was this mystical, surreal waking dream? That’s not far off from how a lot of people see Rubin, who has long been the kind of person to do his own thing and think in his own ways.
Well, he was at it again recently: As Variety reports, this past weekend, he hosted Festival Of The Sun, an essentially secret music festival that took place primarily in an Italian church. The event was celebrated as the summer solstice took place.
Featured at the event was an eclectic lineup including Kirtan musician Krishna Das (who has been called yoga’s “rock star”), Twitter co-founder and former CEO Jack Dorsey, James Blake, Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire, and Rhye, among others. There was also a screening of the Nick Cave documentary This Much I Know To Be True.
Rubin welcomed about 150 invitees into the church, although there was another stage that was open to the public for free. Those in attendance included Måneskin’s Thomas Raggi and Ethan Torchio, actors Riccardo Scamarcio and Benedetta Porcaroli (the latter of whom stars alongside Sydney Sweeney in Immaculate), and Italian rapper Ghali.
Some photos of the event were posted on the Festival Of The Sun Instagram account, so check them out below.
Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer, is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His reported net worth of $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, stands as a testament to his prolific career and influence. Let’s delve into the life and career of this iconic producer, from his early days as a musician to his groundbreaking achievements in the world of music production and entrepreneurship.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE, 1992: English singer, songwriter, actor, and film producer Mick Jagger sits with American record producer and founder of Def American Recordings Rick Rubin in the studio circa June, 1992 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images)
Born on March 10, 1963, in Long Beach, New York, Rick Rubin’s journey into music began at an early age. His passion for music led him to explore various genres, eventually sparking his interest in creating music himself. He attended New York University and it was during this time that he co-founded Def Jam Records in 1984 with Russell Simmons. This venture marked the beginning of his profound impact on the music industry.
Establishing Def Jam Records & Breakthrough Moments
LOS ANGELES, CA – 1997: (L-R) Record producer Rick Rubin and music mogul Russell Simmons pose for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1997. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Def Jam Records quickly became a powerhouse in the music world, propelling hip-hop and rap into the mainstream. Rubin played a pivotal role in the success of the label by producing influential albums for artists such as LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C. Furthermore, his innovative production techniques and ability to push boundaries set a new standard for the industry, solidifying his status as a visionary producer.
Rubin’s collaboration with various artists across different genres further showcased his versatility and unparalleled creativity. Moreover, his work extended beyond hip-hop, contributing to the success of artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, and Jay-Z. His production style emphasized minimalism and authenticity, earning him numerous accolades and accolades, such as multiple Grammy Awards.
GUSTAVIA, ST BARTHELEMY – DECEMBER 31: Rick Rubin celebrates with their Circle of Friends at CIROC NYE in St Barthes hosted by Sean Diddy Combs on December 31, 2014 in Gustavia, St Barthelemy. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
Rick Rubin’s impact on the music industry persists to this day. His contributions to iconic albums and his reputation for bringing out the best in artists have made him a sought-after producer. Additionally, he co-founded Def American Recordings, later renamed American Recordings, further establishing his entrepreneurial prowess.
Apart from his production work, Rubin has ventured into other creative domains. He has served as an executive producer for movies and has been involved in various business endeavors. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining artistic integrity has been a driving force behind his enduring success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rick Rubin’s net worth of $300 million is a testament to his unparalleled contributions and influence in the music industry. From co-founding Def Jam Records to shaping the careers of numerous artists across different genres, Rubin’s journey exemplifies creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Overall, his legacy as an iconic producer continues to inspire generations of musicians and entrepreneurs, solidifying his place among the most influential figures in the history of modern music.
Rick Rubin, the legendary music producer, is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His reported net worth of $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, stands as a testament to his prolific career and influence. Let’s delve into the life and career of this iconic producer, from his early days as a musician to his groundbreaking achievements in the world of music production and entrepreneurship.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE, 1992: English singer, songwriter, actor, and film producer Mick Jagger sits with American record producer and founder of Def American Recordings Rick Rubin in the studio circa June, 1992 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/Getty Images)
Born on March 10, 1963, in Long Beach, New York, Rick Rubin’s journey into music began at an early age. His passion for music led him to explore various genres, eventually sparking his interest in creating music himself. He attended New York University and it was during this time that he co-founded Def Jam Records in 1984 with Russell Simmons. This venture marked the beginning of his profound impact on the music industry.
Establishing Def Jam Records & Breakthrough Moments
LOS ANGELES, CA – 1997: (L-R) Record producer Rick Rubin and music mogul Russell Simmons pose for a portrait in Los Angeles, California in 1997. (Photo by Jim Steinfeldt/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Def Jam Records quickly became a powerhouse in the music world, propelling hip-hop and rap into the mainstream. Rubin played a pivotal role in the success of the label by producing influential albums for artists such as LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, and Run-D.M.C. Furthermore, his innovative production techniques and ability to push boundaries set a new standard for the industry, solidifying his status as a visionary producer.
Rubin’s collaboration with various artists across different genres further showcased his versatility and unparalleled creativity. Moreover, his work extended beyond hip-hop, contributing to the success of artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, and Jay-Z. His production style emphasized minimalism and authenticity, earning him numerous accolades and accolades, such as multiple Grammy Awards.
GUSTAVIA, ST BARTHELEMY – DECEMBER 31: Rick Rubin celebrates with their Circle of Friends at CIROC NYE in St Barthes hosted by Sean Diddy Combs on December 31, 2014 in Gustavia, St Barthelemy. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
Rick Rubin’s impact on the music industry persists to this day. His contributions to iconic albums and his reputation for bringing out the best in artists have made him a sought-after producer. Additionally, he co-founded Def American Recordings, later renamed American Recordings, further establishing his entrepreneurial prowess.
Apart from his production work, Rubin has ventured into other creative domains. He has served as an executive producer for movies and has been involved in various business endeavors. His ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining artistic integrity has been a driving force behind his enduring success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rick Rubin’s net worth of $300 million is a testament to his unparalleled contributions and influence in the music industry. From co-founding Def Jam Records to shaping the careers of numerous artists across different genres, Rubin’s journey exemplifies creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. Overall, his legacy as an iconic producer continues to inspire generations of musicians and entrepreneurs, solidifying his place among the most influential figures in the history of modern music.
On this date 37 years ago, Adam Horowitz (Ad Rock), Adam Yauch (MCA), and Michael Diamond (Mike D) aka The Beastie Boys, dropped their sophomore LP Licensed To Ill on the Def Jam Imprint under Columbia Records.
On the heels of the successful LL Cool J Radio album and the cult classic flick Krush Groove, Def Jam head honcho Russell Simmons decided to head in the most unconventional direction with the quasi-punk rock/Hip-Hop trio for Def Jam’s follow up to those monumental releases. The original title of this release was Don’t Be A Faggot, but Columbia Records pushed Simmons to change the homophobic title.
Rated as one of The Source Magazine‘s Top 100 Best Albums, Licensed To Ill received the coveted five-mic status, a precedent for Jewish Hip Hop artists. In less than six months after its release, this critically acclaimed project earned the Beastie Boys a platinum plaque, lead by the singles “Brass Monkey,” “No Sleep Til Brooklyn,” “Hold It Now, Hit It” and the storytelling smash “Paul Revere.”
Unfortunately, crew member MCA lost his battle with cancer in 2012, which actually caused a resurgence in the album’s popularity and sales.
Salute to Def Jam, Russell Simmons, Ad Rock, Mike D and the continued legacy of MCA for creating such a timeless Hip Hop classic!
On this day in Hip-Hop history, Brooklyn’s own Jay-Z released he would-be retirement album The Black Album. Although there was virtually no pause between The Black Album and new Jay-Z music (collaboration albums with both R. Kelly and Linkin Park were released the following year), this album is easily the greatest retirement project of all time.
In its entirety, this album sounds more like a greatest hits album than the eighth project of an illustrious career. Starting with the first track, “December 4th”, this album takes the listener on a nostalgic journey. This opening tale of Hov’s origin sets the tone of the album and properly introduces Jay to an industry that he feels has taken him for granted. This album is an opus to Jay’s distaste with the rap game as a whole. On numerous tracks, specifically “Encore” and “What More Can I Say”, Hov can be heard stating his frustration with being the one punch man (a fictional superhero who can defeat any opponent with merely one punch causing him to become bored with superhero work) of Hip Hop.
Aside from staking his claim as the greatest, Hov spent this album perfectly juggling his unique brand of bragging with the dropping of street knowledge you couldn’t pay for. Singles “Change Clothes” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” are perfect examples of the particular swagger Jay-Z brought to rap. His mature yet flamboyant lyricism is on par with the life described by Robin Leach. As the album progresses, Jay begins more and more to put his would-be competition in its place with sheer willpower. From “Threats” to “Lucifer” it seems Jay is directly challenging the rest of the rap world to get on his level before they never again get the chance.
The album ends with two songs that could interchangeably be used as an outro. Both “Allure” and “My 1st Song” show Jay-Z coming to terms with the final chapter of his career coming to a close, even if he was planning a comeback.
Featuring production from Kanye West, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, Rick Rubin, DJ Quik, and even Eminem, it’s easy to see why this album is as amazing as it is. Aside from the prolific production team, Jay-Z put together one of his most successful albums without any features (aside from a hook sung by Pharrell). Commercially, the album peaked at #1 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart and the Billboard 200 chart (where it appeared twice, each for a week). The album also went triple platinum in the United States and made appearances on music charts of eight different countries.
On this date in 1985, Hip-Hop bigwig Russell Simmons along with film producer Michael Schultz unveiled the Hip-Hop glory days fairy tale about the early days of Def Jam in the Warner Brothers distributed Krush Groove.
This cinematic, quasi-musical was told in a very unique manner, with almost all of the artists playing themselves as the story is being told; The Fat Boys, Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow, Jeckyl and Hyde, the Beastie Boys and Sheila E. all starred as themselves, while being managed by Russell(ironically, played by Blair Underwood) and a young Rick Rubin before they became the icons that they are recognized as today. The flick even gives a quick peek into how Def Jam’s rookie and first solo artist L.L. Cool J was recruited in Def Jam’s NYU dorm “office”.
The movie’s soundtrack boasts more than a few hits, such as The Fat Boys’ “All You Can Eat”. LL’s “I Can’t Live Without My Radio”, the original “If I Ruled The World” by Kurtis Blow, which was famously remixed by Nas and Lauryn Hill a decade after the movie’s release and the title track by The Krush Groove All Stars.
Shout out to all of the legends who were quarterbacked by Hip-Hop’s Barack Russell Simmons in making this Def Jam biopic forever a Hip Hop classic!
