In honor of Def Jam Records’ 25th anniversary, Island Def Jam Music Group is scheduling to launch Def Jam 25.        

“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 accomplishment 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!”

The legendary label built by Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin, and home to some of the biggest stars in urban music, including but not limited to: LL Cool J, Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Rihanna, are planning on releasing a limited edition, two volume LP set in celebration of Record Store Day on April 18th, which is an event to help raise the profile and support for a coalition of mom and pop retailers.

In 2007, Eric Levin, Michael Kurtz, Carrie Colliton, Amy Dorfman, Don Van Cleave, and Brian Poehner founded Record Store Day to honor over 700 independent retailers in the United States, as well as hundreds of international stores. 

The artists and songs included on the two LP set are listed below:

Def Jam 25 Vol. 1: DJ Bring That Back (2008-1997):

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):

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)