Def Jam 25 Series To Present 25 New Multi-Artist Digital Album Collections During 2009, Exclusively On iTunes

DEF JAM LAUNCHES 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN 2009

DEF JAM 25 SERIES TO PRESENT 25 NEW MULTI-ARTIST DIGITAL ALBUM COLLECTIONS DURING 2009, EXCLUSIVELY ON iTUNES

Series opens with DJ Bring That Back Vol. 1 (12 tracks, 1997-2008) and DJ Bring That Back Vol. 2 (13 tracks, 1984-1996), both to be released February 10th

Two volumes of artist collaborations next: It Takes Two, Part 1 (February 24th release) and It Takes Two, Part 2 (March 10th release)

The greatest names in the history of hip-hop, rap and R&B – from LL Cool J and Slick Rick to Rihanna and Kanye West, from Public Enemy and 3rd Bass to Ludacris, Redman and Rick Ross, from Jay-Z to Young Jeezy and dozens more – have made Def Jam Recordings the destination for Urban artists over the past quarter century. Now Island Def Jam Music Group is set to turn up the heat in honor of Def Jam’s 25th anniversary in 2009, starting with the launch of DEF JAM 25. This series of 25 brand new collections will be released exclusively in digital format on iTunes over the next 12 months, with a dedicated page on the website announcing the latest releases.

“25 years as a thriving, successful hip-hop and R&B label – a company that has always put its artists first and maintained deep roots in the Urban community – is a giant accomplish ment in anyone’s book,” said Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group. “From a personal standpoint, I can say that Def Jam had tremendous meaning and significance in my own career as a musician, producer and independent label head, long before I actually arrived at these offices five years ago. Let’s celebrate the next 25 years of Def Jam right now!”

Inaugurating DEF JAM 25 today, February 10th will be the first two multi-artist collections in the series, DJ Bring That Back Vol. 1 and DJ Bring That Back Vol. 2. These first two titles will highlight one significant hit per year for each of the 25 years of Def Jam, with 12 tracks on Vol. 1 (1997-2008) and 13 tracks on Vol. 2 (1984-1996). As of this writing, track sequences are as follows:

DEF JAM 25 Vol. 1: DJ Bring That Back (2008-1997) – Selections: 1. Disturbia – Rihanna (2008) * 2. I Luv Your Girl – The-Dream (2007) * 3. Hustlin’ – Rick Ross (2006) * 4. Go Crazy – Young Jeezy (2005) * 5. Jesus Walks – Kanye West (2004) * 6. Splash Waterfalls – Ludacris (2003) * 7. Foolish – Ashanti (2002) * 8. Put It On Me – Ja Rule featuring Vita (2001) * 9. Just Friends (Sunny) – Musiq Soulchild (2000) * 10. What’s My Name – DMX (1999) * 11. Money Ain’t A Thang – Jay-Z featuring Jermaine Dupri (1998) * 12. Big Bad Mama – Foxy Brown featuring Dru Hill (1997).

DEF JAM 25 Vol. 2: DJ Bring That Back (1996-1984) – Selections: 1. Whateva Man – Redman (1996) * 2. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan (1995) * 3. Bring The Pain – Method Man (1994) * 4. Slam – Onyx (1993) * 5. Deeper – Boss (1992) * 6. Hip Hop Junkies – Nice & Smooth (1991) * 7. 911 Is a Joke – Public Enemy (1990) * 8. Pop Goes The Weasel – 3rd Bass (1989) * 9. Children’s Story – Slick Rick (1988) * 10. I Need Love – LL Cool J (1987) * 11. The Rain – Oran Juice Jones (1986) * 12. My Radio – LL Cool J (1985) * 13. It’s Yours – T la Rock featuring Jazzy Jay (1984).

Volumes 3 and 4 in the DEF JAM 25 series will present great artist collaborations, with It Takes Two, Part 1 to be released on February 24th, and It Takes Two, Part 2 to be released on March 10th. As of this writing, track sequences are as follows:

DEF JAM 25 Vol. 3: It Takes Two, Part 1 – Selections: 1. You’re All I Need To Get By – Method Man/ Mary J. Blige (1995) * 2. Big Bad Momma – Dru Hill/Foxy Brown (1997) * 3. Always On Time – Ja Rule/Ashanti (2002) * 4. Touch Me Tease Me – Case/Foxy Brown (1996) * 5. Hate That I Love You – Rihanna/Ne-Yo (2007) * 6. Hey Lover – LL Cool J/Boyz II Men (1995) * 7. Make Me Better – Fabolous/Ne-Yo (2007) * 8. Umbrella – Rihanna/Jay-Z (2007) * 9. Da Rockwilder – Method Man/Redman (1999) * 10. Regulate – Warren G/Nate Dogg (1994).

DEF JAM 25 Vol. 4: It Takes Two, Part 2 – Selections: 1. Best Of Me – Jay-Z/M√Ωa (2000) * 2. Runaway Love – Ludacris/Mary J. Blige (2006) * 3. Can’t Forget About You – Nas/Chrisette Michele (2006) * 4. What These Bitches Want – DMX/Sisqo (1999) * 5. In My Bed Remix – Dru Hill/JD & Da Brat (1997) * 6. Loungin’ (Who Do You Luv) – LL Cool J/Total (1996) * 7. Back Like That – Ghostface/Ne-Yo (2006) * 8. Duffle Bag Boy – Playaz Circle/Lil Wayne (2007) * 9. Stay – Ne-Yo/Peedi Peedi (2005) * 10. Faded Pictures – Case/Joe (1998).

Future entries in the DEF JAM 25 series are still being finalized, and will be announced in the weeks and months ahead.

The Covers for Def Jam 25 can be downloaded here: