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Universal Music Group Announces the Launch of Def Jam Africa

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Def Jam is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Def Jam Africa. The announcement from Universal Music Group states the new wing fo the iconic label will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria.

The new label will focus on hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap talent throughout the region, with a team of A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams that are already based in the area.

At the launch, the label announced Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria) as signees.

“Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more,” said Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa. “For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.”

“Def Jam is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with excellence in hip-hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging from across the continent,” said Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO.

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@universalmusicgroup the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division within the continent dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa. Def Jam Africa will follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years. 
The label launches with a flagship roster, that includes some of the most influential, successful and followed African talent including: Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria). In making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally. Earlier this year it was announced that South African rapper Nasty C will release his forthcoming album Zulu Man with Some Power in partnership with Def Jam Recordings in the U.S., during Summer 2020. Other forthcoming releases on Def Jam Africa include singles from: Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C, Tellaman feat. Alpha P, Vector, Cassper Nyovest and Tshego.

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Universal Music Group Announces the Launch of Def Jam Africa

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Def Jam is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Def Jam Africa. The announcement from Universal Music Group states the new wing fo the iconic label will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria.

The new label will focus on hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap talent throughout the region, with a team of A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams that are already based in the area.

At the launch, the label announced Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria) as signees.

“Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more,” said Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa. “For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.”

“Def Jam is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with excellence in hip-hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging from across the continent,” said Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO.

View this post on Instagram

@universalmusicgroup the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division within the continent dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa. Def Jam Africa will follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years. 
The label launches with a flagship roster, that includes some of the most influential, successful and followed African talent including: Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria). In making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally. Earlier this year it was announced that South African rapper Nasty C will release his forthcoming album Zulu Man with Some Power in partnership with Def Jam Recordings in the U.S., during Summer 2020. Other forthcoming releases on Def Jam Africa include singles from: Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C, Tellaman feat. Alpha P, Vector, Cassper Nyovest and Tshego.

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Universal Music Group Announces the Launch of Def Jam Africa

Leave a comment

Def Jam is continuing its global expansion with the launch of Def Jam Africa. The announcement from Universal Music Group states the new wing fo the iconic label will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa and Lagos, Nigeria.

The new label will focus on hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap talent throughout the region, with a team of A&R, marketing, creative and digital teams that are already based in the area.

At the launch, the label announced Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria) as signees.

“Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more,” said Sipho Dlamini, MD, Universal Music Sub-Saharan Africa & South Africa. “For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally.”

“Def Jam is a globally recognized brand, synonymous with excellence in hip-hop, and we enthusiastically welcome the launch of Def Jam Africa as an opportunity for audiences worldwide to discover the incredibly talented hip-hop artists emerging from across the continent,” said Jeff Harleston, interim Chairman & CEO.

View this post on Instagram

@universalmusicgroup the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced the launch of Def Jam Africa, a new label division within the continent dedicated to representing the best hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap talent in Africa. Def Jam Africa will follow the blueprint of the iconic Def Jam Recordings label, which has led and influenced the cutting-edge in hip-hop and urban culture for more than 35 years. 
The label launches with a flagship roster, that includes some of the most influential, successful and followed African talent including: Boity (South Africa), Cassper Nyovest (South Africa), Larry Gaaga (Nigeria) Nadia Nakai (South Africa), Nasty C (South Africa), Tshego (South Africa), Tellaman (South Africa), Ricky Tyler (South Africa) and Vector (Nigeria). In making the announcement, Sipho Dlamini said, “Many of us in Africa grew up on music from legendary labels under the UMG umbrella. From Blue Note for jazz fans, to Mercury Records, which was Hugh Masekela’s first US label and Uptown Records, the home of Jodeci and Mary J Blige and many more. For those into hip-hop, no label has such cultural and historic relevance as Def Jam. From Run DMC, to LL Cool J, Disturbing the Peace, Jay-Z, Big Sean and Kanye West, Def Jam has always been the ultimate destination for hip-hop and urban culture worldwide. It is a historic achievement that we’re now able to bring this iconic label to Africa, to create an authentic and trusted home for those who aspire to be the best in hip-hop, Afrobeats and trap. Together, we will build a new community of artists, that will push the boundaries of hip-hop from Africa, to reach new audiences globally. Earlier this year it was announced that South African rapper Nasty C will release his forthcoming album Zulu Man with Some Power in partnership with Def Jam Recordings in the U.S., during Summer 2020. Other forthcoming releases on Def Jam Africa include singles from: Ricky Tyler, Boity, Nasty C, Tellaman feat. Alpha P, Vector, Cassper Nyovest and Tshego.

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The Estate of 2Pac and Other UMG Artists Are Suing Over Master Recordings Destroyed in ’08 Warehouse Fire

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The original report detailing the 2008 fire at Universal Studios that ruined some of the “most historically significant material owned by UMG,” according to The New York Times, has rocked the music industry for weeks now. In a developing update, it looks like estates and attorneys for many artists under Universal Music Group, one in particular being the estate of late rap legend Tupac Shakur, are suing for damages to master recordings that were forever ruined on what the Times calls “The Day the Music Burned.”


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"Where did we go wrong"

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Filing along with the reps for 2Pac include the estates of Tom Petty, Soundgarden, Hole and Steve Earle, with the lawsuit seeking “50% of any settlement proceeds and insurance payments received by UMG for the loss of the Master Recordings, and 50% of any remaining loss of value not compensated by such settlement proceeds and insurance payments” according to information obtained by Variety.

Take a look at a more detailed explanation of what the lawsuit is claiming to be negligence on the belalf of UMG, via Variety:

“UMG did not protect the Master Recordings that were entrusted to it,” the lawsuit reads. “It did not take ‘all reasonable steps to make sure they are not damaged, abused, destroyed, wasted, lost or stolen,’ and it did not ‘speak[] up immediately [when it saw] abuse or misuse’ of assets,” it continues, quoting statements from the company’s website. “Instead, UMG stored the Master Recordings embodying Plaintiffs’ musical works in an inadequate, substandard storage warehouse located on the backlot of Universal Studios that was a known firetrap. The Master Recordings embodying Plaintiffs’ musical works stored in that warehouse were completely destroyed in a fire on June 1, 2008.

“UMG did not speak up immediately or even ever inform its recording artists that the Master Recordings embodying their musical works were destroyed. In fact, UMG concealed the loss with false public statements such as that ‘we only lost a small number of tapes and other material by obscure artists from the 1940s and 50s.’ To this day, UMG has failed to inform Plaintiffs that their Master Recordings were destroyed in the Fire.”

The number of destroyed master recordings is said to clock in at around half a million, which includes works from artists like Chuck Berry — his Chess masters and multitrack masters that include work with Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Etta James and others were all destroyed — Aretha Franklin’s first commercially-released material, all of Buddy Holly’s masters and singles/albums by Eric B. and Rakim, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson and other contemporary artists have all been affected. While we definitely applauded UMG not too long ago for plans to remaster old music videos, we really hope they can find a way to make this situation right.

Do you see these artists getting justice for their loss masters? Let us know your thoughts over on Facebook and Twitter.

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10 Classic Rap Videos We Hope Get Remastered By YouTube and Universal Music Group

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This week it was reported by The New York Times that YouTube and Universal Music Group would be joining to give some of our favorite classic music videos the remastering treatment. With a time span that goes from the ’80s all the way to the 2000s when things began to change for the better, it goes without saying that UMG has a lot of ground to cover.

The upgrades will be towards sound and picture quality to be compatible with HD streaming devices. The technological advances of today have made it possible to go back and actually “recreate” videos using their original formats, be it original film, Digibeta or even earlier ones like Betacam SPs. This will go into effect for approximately 1,000 videos by the end of 2020, and we’re kinda hoping they’re taking a few recommendations.

Keep scrolling to see 10 of our favorite throwback Hip-Hop music videos from the Universal Music Group vault that we hope to see in HD on YouTube very soon:


N.W.A. – “Express Yourself”

Year: 1988
A West Coast classic that dropped the year The Source debuted on newsstands. Even today, N.W.A. is still considered legends to the game, and we’re still getting these issues out — go cop “The Future Issue” (#275) today!


Slick Rick – “Children’s Story”

Year: 1988
A story we’ll never get tired of hearing or watching. The final scene could definitely benefit from a color & lighting upgrade for sure.


LL Cool J – “Going Back To Cali”

Year: 1989
Not only would a digital upgrade of this video be dope, but a full color version would make for an amazing anniversary release, too!


Eric B. & Rakim – “Juice (Know The Ledge)”

Year: 1992
Even though the scenes with Eric B. and Rakim are brief and only in black & white, the video overall should get a fresh finish for the sake of Pac’s groundbreaking role in Juice alone.


Ice Cube – “It Was A Good Day”

Year: 1992
It would be a good day indeed if we were able to watch this video in high definition. We’re actually surprised this song hasn’t been made into an episode of Tales yet!


Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Year: 1993
A timeless message that is still relevant today. The Queen definitely deserve to be seen and heard in HD quality.


Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt & Nate Dogg – “The Next Episode”

Year: 1999
We could name a few things in this video that we’d definitely like to see in the highest definition, and no we’re not talking about Snoop’s iconic Shirley Temple curls.


Talib Kweli – “Get By”

Year: 2002
Simply because, quite frankly, we still miss the old Kanye.


DMX – “X Gon’ Give It To Ya”

Year: 2003
Once X started getting into movies, his videos got way more cinematic. The CGI graphics in this video alone need a fresh upgrade without a doubt.


Kendrick Lamar – “Cut You Off”

Year: 2010
Not only was this K.Dot’s first real music video, but it reflects the year when everything changed and the Digital Era really made its impact on the game. We nominate this one off sheer nostalgia.


What are some of the music videos that you’re hoping to see get remastered? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter!

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