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LL Cool J’s mother played a crucial role in launching his career by investing in his music when he was faced with countless rejection. The rapper, born to Ondrea Smith in Bay Shore, NY, has released his 14th studio album, “The Force,” after a decade-long wait. Released Sept. 6, the project features 14 tracks, including “Post Modern,” which holds a significant line about his mother’s support that came from a tax refund. “My mother took her tax return and invested it. She bet it on her kid and look at what he did with it. 2,000 in ’84 that’s a 100,000 x multiple from keepin’ you on the floor,” he rapped. During an interview on the podcast “Sway In The Morning,” LL Cool J shared the backstory behind that line. He revealed his mother was not making a lot of money, so tax season was an exciting time for her as it led to extra earnings in her pocket when she received a refund. “Here’s this Black woman who worked really hard, who got a tax return — and just for the record — the majority of...
When Snoop Dogg isn’t securing a new deal for himself, he’s helping to put other creatives on. AfroTech previously shared that the emcee turned executive creative and strategic consultant for Def Jam discovered voiceover artist L. Michelle and placed her throughout his latest album, “Algorithm.” Now, Snoop has revealed how he lent a helping hand to fellow rapper Benny The Butcher. In an interview with Hip-Hop journalist Elliott Wilson, he spoke about helping the Buffalo, NY native snag a better deal with Def Jam that properly measured up to the successful lane he’s created in Hip-Hop, according to Revolt. “He’s like, ‘Oh man, they lowballed me.’ I said, ‘Lowballed you? They don’t know who you is?’” Snoop said. He continued: “I’m going to call the boss. You’re going to tell the boss what you want, and he’s going to give you what you want and you’re going to sign.” The OG guiding Benny to put his foot down led to him signing a deal with more dollar signs behind it, according to reports.
Successful entrepreneurs come from all unique walks of life, but being innately driven is a story they all share. While growing up in the bustling neighborhood of Jamaica, Queens, it was destined for Shante Bacon to acquire her entrepreneurial spirit. Her relentless ambition set ablaze what would become an eight-year career at Def Jam.
The Daily News reports that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation is facing legal action. Briant Biggs, the “Big Pimpin'” emcee’s cousin, allegedly played a role in the team responsible for raising $1.5 million for Roc Nation’s video game subsidiary Unanimous Games, court documents state. According to Blueprint Capital Holdings, an alleged investor in Unanimous Games, Biggs presented a business plan that was said to connect eSports and the entertainment industry with live events and mobile games. Ryan Collision, the president of Blueprint, revealed that he was under the impression that rappers signed to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation would participate in the partnerships. Some of these artists include Meek Mill, Jay Park, and Yo Gotti. After Collision claims he invested $250,000 in March 2018, the plan was allegedly for Unanimous Games to pay the minimum repayment amount plus interest by March 2021, but a Manhattan Federal Court suit announces that when the date came, they never received any payment. Not only...
Lena Waithe is taking her talents to music! The Emmy-winning television producer just took a leap into the music business and is partnering with Def Jam Recordings to start a new label, Hillman Grad Records, reports Variety. For Def Jam, the goal of this collaboration is “leveraging opportunities across music, TV, and film…to capitalize on the cultural significance generated when these worlds meaningfully intersect.” “Music and storytelling have always gone hand in hand,” said Waithe in an official statement . “And I think that’s because musicians are the storytellers we love the most. They can take complex emotions and simplify it in four minutes, the same artist can sing about the revolution and falling in love. Music is a part of us. It’s so often connected to our fondest and sometimes our darkest memories. Musicians tell our story.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lena Waithe (@lenawaithe) While no artists signings have been announced, Hillman Grad already has...
Not only is veteran rapper Jeezy renewing his record deal with Def Jam Recordings — his music home since 2005 — he’s also signing on to the company as senior staff. According to Variety , Jeezy has inked a multi-faceted contract with Def Jam Recordings, inclusive of album releases as well as a consultancy with the label. “It’s an honor to return to the label I’ve called home for 15 years, not only as an artist but as an executive,” Jeezy told Billboard . “I spent most of my career learning from trial and error. I am happy to say that I am back on the team that helped me build my legacy from the streets to the boardroom and nothing makes me more fulfilled than being in a position to help guide and add value to the next generation.” In his new role, Jeezy will serve as a senior advisor to the interim chairman and CEO Jeff Harleston, where he will consult on matters related to A&R and artist development. “Jeezy is so meaningful to Def Jam; it’s legacy, it’s past, present and future....