Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
For as long as he has been in the game, Redman has been a part of the legendary Def Jam label. But, in recent years, that has not been much to brag about. The label has lost three label bosses in a row and the heavy-hitters are on the way out. As a label founded on rap, their biggest artists are Rihanna and Ne-Yo.
Because of this change of focus, Nas, Shyne, and even hip hop pioneer, KRS-One have had negative things to say about Def Jam. In 2006, LL Cool J, the first artist to sign to the label, publicly called out the label. He said things changed when Jay-Z took over and he made plans to leave. In the time since Jay-Z left, things have gotten worse.
Even with all of the changes, Redman has been content. He felt things would improve. But, with things getting worse, Redman broke his silence. He said Def Jam used to be the mechanics that kept hip hop running because they were trendsetting. However, now he says Def Jam only rides what is popular. Even down to the executives, Redman says the label is full of followers.
Redman said Def Jam still conducts business the old way and that is why newer labels are outselling them and he hopes they learn the new game soon and become trendsetters once again.