Def Jam Recordings discography

List of recording label releases

This page lists a discography of albums and extended plays released under or distributed by Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group, which had been created in 1984. Records distributed by another label, but released under Def Jam, are also included or otherwise reviewed. Also included are albums or EPs that were released under Rush Associated Labels and subsidiaries like Original Black Recordings, DJ West, Def Soul, Disturbing tha Peace, Def Jam South, Roc-A-Fella Records, Murder Inc. Records, and GOOD Music.

1980s

1983

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Hose Hose EP c. 1983 [note 1]

1984

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
T La Rock and Jazzy Jay "It's Yours" 12-inch single c. 1984 [note 2]
LL Cool J "I Need a Beat" [1]
Beastie Boys "Rock Hard"

1985

Starting in mid-1985, Def Jam was distributed under Sony Music's Columbia Records division.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Jazzy Jay "Def Jam" 12-inch single c. 1985
MCA and Burzootie "Drum Machine"
LL Cool J "I Want You"
Jimmy Spicer "This Is It"
The Hollis Crew "It's the Beat" [2]
The Beastie Boys "She's on It" September 12, 1985
LL Cool J Radio Album November 18, 1985
  • UK Albums Chart – #71
  • Billboard 200 – #46
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #6
[note 3]

1986

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Oran "Juice" Jones Juice Album February 12, 1986
  • Billboard 200 – #44
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
[i]
Tashan Chasin' a Dream c. 1986
  • "Chasin' a Dream"
[3]
Original Concept "Knowledge Me" 12-inch single [4]
Junk Yard Band "The Word & Sardines"
Slayer Reign in Blood Album October 7, 1986
  • RIAA – Gold
[note 4]
The Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill November 15, 1986
  • RIAA – Diamond
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
[5][note 5]

1987

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Public Enemy Yo! Bum Rush the Show Album February 10, 1987
  • Billboard 200 – #125
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #28
  • RIAA – Gold
LL Cool J Bigger and Deffer May 29, 1987
  • Canadian Albums – #39
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #28
  • German Albums Chart – #35
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #23
  • UK Albums Chart – #54
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
Chuck Stanley The Finer Things in Life c. 1987
  • "Never Gonna Let You Go"
[6][i]
Davy D Davy's Ride
  • "Davy's Ride"
Various artists Def Jam: It's the New Style! Compilation
Oran "Juice" Jones GTO: Gangsters Takin' Over Album October 1987
  • "Cold Spendin' My Money"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #36
[i]
Various artists Less than Zero soundtrack November 6, 1987
  • Billboard 200 – #31
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #22
  • RIAA – Gold
Def Jam Meeting Compilation c. 1987 [note 6]

1988

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Original Concept Straight from the Basement of Kooley High! Album c. 1988
Public Enemy It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back June 28, 1988
  • Dutch Charts – #40
  • UK Albums Chart – #8
  • Billboard 200 – #42
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Slayer South of Heaven July 5, 1988
  • ARIA Charts – #53
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #31
  • Irish Albums Chart – #91
  • German Albums Chart – #23
  • Sverigetopplistan – #50
  • UK Albums Charts – #25
  • Billboard 200 – #57
  • RIAA – Gold
[note 4]
Slick Rick The Great Adventures of Slick Rick November 1, 1988
  • Billboard 200 – #31
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[8]

1989

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Alyson Williams Raw Album c. 1989
  • "Sleep Talk"
  • "My Love Is So Raw"
  • "I Need Your Lovin'"
  • UK Albums Chart – #29
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #25
  • BPI – Gold
[i]
Blue Magic From Out of the Blue
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #48
[i]
Various artists Def Jam Classics, Vol. 1 Compilation
LL Cool J Walking with a Panther Album June 9, 1989
  • ARIA Charts – #85
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #63
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #48
  • UK Albums Chart – #43
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
Newkirk Funk City October 10, 1989
  • "Sweat You"
[i]
3rd Bass The Cactus Album November 14, 1989
  • "Steppin' to the A.M."
  • "The Gas Face"
  • "Brooklyn-Queens"
  • Billboard 200 – #55
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
Oran "Juice" Jones To Be Immortal November 21, 1989
  • "Pipe Dreams"
  • "Shaniqua"
[i]

1990s

1990

Between 1990 and 1999, Def Jam Records were distributed and/or produced under the guidance of Rush Associated Labels.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Public Enemy Fear of a Black Planet Album April 10, 1990
  • ARIA Charts – #30
  • Canadian Albums – #15
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #17
  • German Albums – #30
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #15
  • Sverigetopplistan – #24
  • Swiss Albums – #19
  • UK Albums Chart – #4
  • Billboard 200 – #10
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • MC – Gold
No Face Wake Your Daughter Up c. 1990 No Face
The Afros Kickin' Afrolistics JMJ Records
Various artists Def Jam Classics, Vol. 2 Compilation
Sid and B-Tonn "Deathwish" Promotional single
3rd Bass The Cactus Revisited Remix album September 7, 1990
LL Cool J Mama Said Knock You Out Album September 14, 1990
  • ARIA Charts – #67
  • UK Albums Chart – #49
  • Billboard 200 – #16
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
EPMD Business as Usual December 18, 1990
  • Billboard 200 – #36
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold

1991

Around late 1991 to mid-1994, Def Jam/RAL releases were distributed by Chaos Recordings, a now-defunct division of Columbia Records.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Downtown Science Downtown Science Album January 12, 1991
  • "Room to Breathe"
  • "Radioactive"
BWP The Bytches February 19, 1991 No Face
  • "Two Minute Brother"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #34
Terminator X Terminator X & The Valley of the Jeep Beets May 7, 1991
  • "Homey Don't Play That"
  • "Wanna Be Dancin' (Buck-Whylin')"
  • Billboard 200 – #97
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #19
3rd Bass Derelicts of Dialect June 18, 1991
  • "Pop Goes the Weasel"
  • UK Albums Chart – #46
  • Billboard 200 – #19
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
  • RIAA – Gold
Slick Rick The Ruler's Back July 2, 1991
  • Billboard 200 – #29
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #18
[ii]
Nikki D Daddy's Little Girl September 3, 1991
  • "Daddy's Little Girl"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #54
[note 7][ii]
Various artists Livin' Large soundtrack September 10, 1991 [9]
Nice & Smooth Ain't a Damn Thing Changed September 17, 1991
  • "Hip Hop Junkies"
  • "Sometimes I Rhyme Slow"
  • "How to Flow"
  • "Cake & Eat It Too"
  • Billboard 200 – #141
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #29
Public Enemy Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black October 1, 1991
  • ARIA Charts – #11
  • Canadian Albums – #12
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #62
  • German Albums – #38
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #5
  • Sverigetopplistan – #36
  • UK Albums Chart – #8
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
Lisette Melendez Together Forever c. 1991 Fever Records
  • "Together Forever"
  • "A Day in My Life (Without You)"
  • "Never Say Never"
  • Japanese Albums – #100
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #7
Sandeé Only Time Will Tell
The Don Wake Up the Party
Resident Alien "Mr. Boops" Promotional single

1992

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Alyson Williams Alyson Williams Album c. 1992
  • "She's Not Your Fool"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #31
[i][ii]
Fam-Lee Runs in the Fam-Lee JMJ Records [ii]
Total Look & The Style Do Some Damage
EPMD Business Never Personal July 28, 1992
  • "Crossover"
  • "Head Banger"
  • Billboard 200 – #14
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
[ii]
MC Serch Return of the Product August 25, 1992
  • "Here It Comes"
  • "Back to the Grill"
  • Billboard 200 – #103
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #28
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #2
[ii]
Public Enemy Greatest Misses Greatest hits album September 15, 1992 Legacy Recordings
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #72
  • German Albums – #53
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #15
  • Svrerigetopplistan – #30
  • UK Albums Chart – #14
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
  • RIAA – Gold
[ii]
Redman Whut? Thee Album Album September 22, 1992
  • Billboard 200 – #49
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
[ii]

1993

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Onyx Bacdafucup Album March 30, 1993 JMJ Records
  • UK Albums Chart – #59
  • Billboard 200 – #17
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #8
  • RIAA – Platinum
[ii]
LL Cool J 14 Shots to the Dome
  • German Albums – #74
  • New Zealand Albums Chart –#36
  • UK Albums Chart – #74
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Pete Nice and Daddy Rich Dust to Dust April 27, 1993
  • "Rat Bastard"
  • "Kick the Bobo"
  • Billboard 200 – #171
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #50
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #8
[ii]
Boss Born Gangstaz May 25, 1993
  • Billboard 200 – #22
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
[ii][iii]
Erick Sermon No Pressure October 19, 1993 Def Squad
  • Billboard 200 – #16
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
[ii]
Domino Domino December 7, 1993 Outburst Records
  • Billboard 200 – #39
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
  • RIAA – Gold
[ii]

1994

In May 1994, PolyGram acquired Sony's 50% stake in Def Jam, distributing the label's music under PolyGram Group Distribution.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Lisette Mendelez True to Life Album January 18, 1994 Fever Records
  • "Goody Goody"
  • Japanese Albums – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #100
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #28
[ii]
South Central Cartel 'N Gatz We Truss May 10, 1994 South G.W.K.
  • "Servin' 'Em Heat"
  • "Seventeen Switches"
  • "Gang Stories"
  • Billboard 200 – #32
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
[iii][note 8][note 9]
Warren G Regulate... G Funk Era June 7, 1994 Violator
  • ARIA Charts – #42
  • Canadian Albums – #27
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #19
  • German Albums #15
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #26
  • Sverigetopplistan – #12
  • UK Albums Chart – #25
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
[note 10]
Nice & Smooth Jewel of the Nile June 28, 1994
  • "Old to the New"
  • "Return of the Hip Hop Freaks"
  • Billboard 200 – #66
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #13
Public Enemy Muse Sick-n-Hour Mess Age August 28, 1994
  • "Give It Up"
  • "I Stand Accused"
  • "So Whatcha Gone Do Now"
  • ARIA Charts – #16
  • Canadian Albums – #20
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #39
  • German Albums – #25
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #7
  • Sverigetopplistan – #20
  • Swiss Albums – #22
  • UK Albums Chart – #12
  • Billboard 200 – #14
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
Flatlinerz U.S.A. September 6, 1994
  • "Rivaz of Red"
  • "Satanic Verses"
  • "Live Evil"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #65
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #24
Y?N-Vee Y?N-Vee October 18, 1994 PMP Records
  • "Chocolate"
  • "I'm Goin' Down"
  • "4Play"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #75
Method Man Tical November 15, 1994
  • Billboard Canadian Albums – #50
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Slick Rick Behind Bars November 22, 1994
  • Billboard 200 – #51
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #11
Redman Dare Iz a Darkside Def Squad
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
La Rockco Tee Hold on Tight c. 1994 Outburst Records [iv]

1995

From May 1995 to May 1999, Def Jam Records was reinstated as the Def Jam Music Group to further associate itself with the RAL umbrella unit.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
S.C.C. Presents Murder Squad Nationwide Album Valentine's Day 1995 (February 14) G.W.K.
  • "Knock on Wood"
  • "No Peace"
  • Billboard 200 – #106
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #12
[iii][iv]
Montell Jordan This Is How We Do It April 4, 1995 PMP Records
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #35
  • German Albums – #58
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #33
  • UK Albums Chart – #53
  • Billboard 200 – #12
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Platinum
MoKenStef Azz Izz Independence Day 1995 (July 4) Outburst Records
  • "He's Mine"
  • Billboard 200 – #163
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #29
[10][11]
Various artists The Show soundtrack August 15, 1995
  • "Live!!!"
  • "What's Up Star?"
  • "How High"
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
B.G. Knocc Out and Dresta Real Brothas Outburst Records
  • Billboard 200 – #128
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #15
  • Billboard Top Heatseekers – #5
The Dove Shack This Is the Shack August 22, 1995 G-Funk Entertainment
  • "Summertime in the LBC"
  • "We Funk (the G Funk)"
  • "Bomb Drop"
  • Billboard 200 – #68
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #13
Twinz Conversation
  • "Round & Round"
  • "Eastside LB"
  • Billboard 200 – #36
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #8
Mel-Low It's a B.G. Thing (Life of a Youngster) c. 1995
  • C-Poppa Records
  • Outburst Records
[iv]
Jayo Felony Take a Ride October 24, 1995 JMJ Records
  • "Sherm Stick"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #65
Onyx All We Got Iz Us
  • Billboard 200 – #22
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
LL Cool J Mr. Smith November 7, 1995
  • ARIA Charts – #97
  • Canadian Albums – #53
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #33
  • German Albums – #75
  • Sverigetopplistan – #60
  • UK Albums Charts – #90
  • Billboard 200 – #20
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
Erick Sermon Double or Nothing Def Squad
  • Billboard 200 – #35
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #6
  • RIAA – Gold
Capleton Prophecy African Stars
  • "Wings of the Morning"
Various artists Def Jam Music Group, Inc. - 10th Year Anniversary Box set November 21, 1995 [12][13]

1996

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Domino Physical Funk Album April 2, 1996 Outburst Records
  • "Physical Funk"
  • "So Fly"
  • Billboard 200 – #152
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #34
Various artists The Nutty Professor soundtrack June 4, 1996
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #10
  • UK R&B Albums – #7
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
Code 3 Code 3 August 13, 1996 Outburst Records
  • "Humpin' Bumpin'"
Case Case Spoiled Rotten Entertainment
  • "Touch Me, Tease Me"
  • "More to Love"
  • "Don't Be Afraid"
  • "I Gotcha"
  • Billboard 200 – #42
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #7
  • RIAA – Gold
Montell Jordan More... August 27, 1996
  • UK Albums – #66
  • Billboard 200 – #47
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #14
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Richie Rich Seasoned Veteran November 5, 1996 41510
  • Billboard 200 – #35
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #11
LL Cool J All World: Greatest Hits Greatest hits album
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #31
  • German Albums – #46
  • Sverigetopplistan – #32
  • Swiss Albums – #45
  • UK Albums Chart
  • Billboard 200 – #29
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #21
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Gold
Foxy Brown Ill Na Na Album November 19, 1996
  • "I'll Be"
  • "Get Me Home"
  • Canadian Albums – #41
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #80
  • German Albums – #27
  • UK Albums Chart – #98
  • UK R&B Albums – #15
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
Flesh-n-Bone T.H.U.G.S. Mo Thugs
  • "World So Cruel"
  • Billboard 200 – #23
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #8
  • RIAA – Gold
Redman Muddy Waters December 10, 1996 Def Squad
  • "It's Like That (My Big Brother)"
  • "Whateva Man"
  • "Pick It Up"
  • "Smoke Buddah"
  • Billboard 200 – #12
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Various artists Codice Rap Compilation c. 1996 Mercury Records UK [note 11]
Shug 86 the Madness Album Nightstalker Records [iv]

1997

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Warren G Take a Look Over Your Shoulder (Reality) Album March 25, 1997 G-Funk Entertainment
  • ARIA Charts – #22
  • Canadian Albums – #20
  • French Albums – #14
  • German Albums – #8
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #10
  • Sverigetopplistan – #25
  • Swiss Albums – #9
  • UK Albums – #20
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
South Central Cartel All Day Everyday June 3, 1997
  • "All Day Everyday"
  • "S.C.G.'z"
  • Billboard 200 – #178
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #35
Cru Da Dirty 30 June 15, 1997
  • Billboard 200 – #102
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #26
Various artists Def Jam's How to Be a Player soundtrack August 5, 1997 PolyGram Soundtracks
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
Def Jam's Greatest Hits Compilation September 9, 1997
Def Jam's Greatest Hits: Hardcore [14]
EPMD Back in Business Album September 16, 1997
  • UK Albums Chart – #100
  • Billboard 200 – #16
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
LL Cool J Phenomenon October 14, 1997
  • "Phenomenon"
  • "Father"
  • "4, 3, 2, 1"
  • "Hot Hot Hot"
  • "Candy"
  • "Starsky & Hutch"
  • ARIA Charts – #88
  • Canadian Albums – #7
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #48
  • German Albums – #24
  • New Zealand Albums – #39
  • Sverigetopplistan – #57
  • Swiss Albums – #48
  • UK Albums Chart – #37
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
Jay-Z In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 November 4, 1997 [note 12]
  • UK Albums – #78
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Platinum
[note 13][vi]
Christión Ghetto Cyrano
  • Billboard 200 – #146
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #23
[note 13][vi]
Capleton I-Testament November 25, 1997 African Stars
  • "Original Man"
  • "Hurts My Heart"
  • Billboard Reggae Albums – #3
Various artists The Rapsody Overture: Hip Hop Meets Classic Remix album c. 1997 Mercury Records
Yo! MTV Raps Compilation MTV

1998

On December 10, 1998, Seagram completed its seven-month plan to acquire PolyGram (including its music division which Def Jam was under).
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Playa Cheers 2 U Album March 24, 1998 Blackground Records (2.0)
  • "Don't Stop the Music"
  • "Cheers 2 U"
  • "All the Way"
  • Billboard 200 – #86
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #19
[v]
Montell Jordan Let's Ride March 31, 1998
  • "Let's Ride"
  • "I Can Do That"
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #82
  • German Albums – #75
  • Billboard 200 – #20
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #8
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Public Enemy He Got Game soundtrack April 28, 1998
  • "He Got Game"
  • UK Albums – #50
  • Billboard 200 – #26
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
Various artists Streets Is Watching soundtrack May 12, 1998
  • "Love for Free"
  • "It's Alright"
  • Billboard 200 – #27
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
DMX It's Dark and Hell Is Hot May 19, 1998 Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • Canadian Albums – #15
  • UK Albums – #89
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 4× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Onyx Shut 'Em Down June 2, 1998 JMJ Records
  • "The Worst"
  • "Shut 'em Down"
  • "React"
  • "Broke Willie"
  • "Ghetto Starz"
  • UK Albums Chart – #136
  • Billboard 200 – #10
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
Def Squad El Niño June 30, 1998

[note 14]

  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Jayo Felony Whatcha Gonna Do? August 25, 1998
  • "Whatcha Gonna Do?"
  • "Nitty Gritty"
  • Billboard 200 – #46
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #8
Various artists Rush Hour soundtrack September 15, 1998
  • "How Deep Is Your Love"
  • "Faded Pictures"
  • "Can I Get A..."
  • "Nasty Girl"
  • "You'll Never Miss Me ('Til I'm Gone)"
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #49
  • German Albums – #44
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #17
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Platinum
Jay-Z Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life September 29, 1998 [note 12]
  • "Can I Get A..."
  • "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)"
  • "Money, Cash, Hoes"
  • "Jigga What, Jigga Who (Originator 99)"
  • Canadian Albums – #20
  • German Albums – #76
  • Sverigetopplistan – #34
  • Swiss Albums – #49
  • UK Albums Chart – #109
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 5× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
[vi]
Various artists Belly (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) November 3, 1998
  • "Grand Finale"
  • "Devil's Pie"
  • "Top Shotter"
  • "What About"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
Method Man Tical 2000: Judgement Day November 17, 1998
  • "Judgement Day"
  • "Break Ups 2 Make Ups"
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • UK Albums Chart – #49
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
Redman Doc's da Name 2000 December 8, 1998 Def Squad
  • Canadian Albums – #19
  • UK Albums – #145
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
DJ Clue? The Professional December 15, 1998
  • "Ruff Ryders' Anthem" (Remix)
  • Billboard 200 – #26
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Platinum
[vi]
DMX Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood December 22, 1998 Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • Canadian Albums – #42
  • German Albums – #61
  • UK Albums – #119
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Gold
Various artists Survival of the Illest – Live from 125 N.Y.C. Compilation / Live album c. 1998

1999

In mid-January 1999, following the merger of PolyGram and MCA-related labels into Universal Music Group, Def Jam's operations as a label were merged with Island and Mercury Records to become the Island Def Jam Music Group. The umbrella name didn't hold copyrights on Def Jam releases until the summer of that year. Also, that same year, due to the Island Def Jam consolidation, Rush Associated Labels were folded.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Foxy Brown Chyna Doll Album January 26, 1999 Violator
  • "Hot Spot"
  • "My Life"
  • "I Can't"
  • "J.O.B."
  • Canadian Albums – #6
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #42
  • French Albums – #35
  • German Albums – #7
  • Swiss Albums – #18
  • UK Albums – #51
  • UK R&B Albums – #5
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[15][note 15]
Case Personal Conversation April 20, 1999[note 16] Spoiled Rotten Entertainment
  • "Faded Pictures"
  • "Happily Ever After"
  • Billboard 200 – #33
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
[v][note 17]
Slick Rick The Art of Storytelling May 25, 1999
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[note 18]
Ja Rule Venni Vetti Vecci June 1, 1999
  • Canadian Albums – #20
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[vii]
Biohazard New World Disorder June 8, 1999
  • King Recordings
  • Mercury Records
  • "Resist"
  • "Switchback"
  • "End of My Rope"
  • "New World Disorder"
  • German Albums – #40
  • Billboard 200 – #187
[note 19][note 20]
EPMD Out of Business July 20, 1999
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
[note 21]
Imiskoumbria 2030 August 3, 1999[citation needed]
  • Imiz Biz
  • Universal Music Greece
Memphis Bleek Coming of Age
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Violator artists Violator: The Album Compilation August 10, 1999 Violator
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Various artists The Source Hip Hop Music Awards 1999 August 17, 1999 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #53
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #45
Method Man and Redman Blackout! Album September 28, 1999
  • "Tear It Off"
  • "Da Rockwilder"
  • "Y.O.U."
  • Canadian Albums – #3
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #36
  • French Albums – #33
  • German Albums – #36
  • UK Albums – #45
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Montell Jordan Get It On...Tonite November 9, 1999
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #28
  • German Albums – #30
  • Swiss Albums – #49
  • Billboard 200 – #32
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Sisqó Unleash the Dragon November 30, 1999 Dragon Records, LLC.
  • "Got to Get It"
  • "Incomplete"
  • "Thong Song"
  • "Unleash the Dragon"
  • ARIA Charts – #28
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #26
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #41
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #9
  • French Albums – #27
  • German Albums – #54
  • New Zealand Albums – #23
  • Norwegian Top 40 Albums – #19
  • Sverigetopplistan – #45
  • Swiss Albums – #36
  • UK Albums – #15
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • RIAA – 6× Platinum
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • ARIA – Gold
  • SNEP – Gold
  • BVMI – Gold
  • NVPI – Gold
[v]
Various artists The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 3 Compilation The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #45
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #29
Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap The Tunnel Album December 7, 1999 Franchise Entertainment
  • "We in Here"
  • "Ill Bomb"
  • "Confrontation"
  • Billboard 200 – #35
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
DMX ... And Then There Was X December 21, 1999 Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • Canadian Albums – #6
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #64
  • German Albums – #46
  • UK Albums – #108
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 5× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Jay-Z Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter December 28, 1999
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • Swiss Albums – #75
  • UK Albums Charts – #155
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
[vi]
Various artists Def Jam 2000: Respect the Music. Respect the Culture. Respect the Name. Compilation c. 1999 [16][note 22]

2000s

2000

During this period, the Def Jam 2000 campaign began to expand after being promoted from late 1998 to 1999. Def Jam 2000 was marketed and sponsored in order for the label to celebrate the 3rd millennium, which actually started in 2001, causing the campaign to end in December 2000 in error.
Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Beanie Sigel The Truth Album February 29, 2000 Black Friday Management
  • "Anything"
  • "The Truth"
  • "Remember Them Days"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
The Murderers Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers Compilation March 21, 2000
  • "We Don't Give a Fuck"
  • "Vita, Vita, Vita"
  • German Albums – #74
  • UK R&B Albums – #19
  • Billboard 200 – #15
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
[vii]
Kelly Price Mirror Mirror Album June 27, 2000
  • "You Should've Told Me"
  • "Good Love"
  • "As We Lay"
  • "Love Sets You Free"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Platinum
[v]
Various artists Nutty Professor II: The Klumps soundtrack July 11, 2000
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[v]
The Source Hip Hop Music Awards 2000 Compilation August 29, 2000 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #17
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #16
DJ Clue Backstage: Music Inspired by the Film Album Desert Storm Records
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
LL Cool J G.O.A.T. September 11, 2000
  • "Imagine That"
  • "You and Me"
  • ARIA Charts – #65
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #35
  • French Albums – #56
  • German Albums – #17
  • Swiss Albums – #13
  • UK Albums Chart – #29
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Gold
[note 23]
Ja Rule Rule 3:36 October 3, 2000
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • German Albums – #72
  • UK Albums Chart – #83
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
[vii]
Ludacris Back for the First Time October 17, 2000
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • UK Albums – #160
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
[viii][ix]
Jay-Z The Dynasty: Roc La Familia[note 24] Halloween 2000 (October 31)
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • German Albums – #98
  • Swiss Albums – #89
  • UK Albums Chart – #86
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
[vi]
Musiq Soulchild Aijuswanaseing (I Just Wanna Sing) November 14, 2000 Mama's Boys Music
  • "Just Friends (Sunny)"
  • "Love"
  • "Girl Next Door"
  • Billboard 200 – #24
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Platinum
[v]
Memphis Bleek The Understanding December 5, 2000 Get Low Records
  • "Is That Your Chick (The Lost Verses)"
  • "Do My..."
  • "My Mind Right"
  • Billboard 200 – #16
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Various artists The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 4 Compilation December 12, 2000 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #43
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #35
La Klikaria La Klikaria Album c. 2000
  • Universal Music Greece
  • Imiz Biz
Spezialitz G.B.Z.-Oholika II G.B.Z. Imperium
  • "Wollt Ihr...?!"
  • "Tut Was Ihr Nicht Lassen Könnt"
[x]
Creutzfeld & Jakob Gottes Werk Und Creutzfelds Beitrag
  • "Anfangsstadium"
[x]
Der Klan Flash Punks Put Da Needle to Da Records [x]
Nitro Microphone Underground Nitro Microphone Underground [xi]
Various artists Soul Food: The Best R&B of 2000 Compilation [v][17]

2001

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Various artists Def Jam 1985-2001: The History of Hip-Hop, Vol. 1 Compilation February 20, 2001 [xii][18]
DJ Clue? The Professional 2 Album February 27, 2001 Desert Storm Records
  • "Back 2 Life 2001"
  • Canadian Albums – #16
  • French Albums – #98
  • German Albums – #82
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Case Open Letter April 24, 2001
  • "Missing You"
  • "Not Your Friend"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Aaron Soul "Ring, Ring, Ring" Single May 22, 2001 Czar Entertainment
  • BPI – Gold
[v][note 25]
Redman Malpractice Album Def Squad
  • "Let's Get Dirty (I Can't Get in da Club)"
  • "Smash Sumthin'"
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #39
  • Canadian Albums – #18
  • French Albums – #40
  • German Albums – #62
  • Swiss Albums – #74
  • UK Albums Chart – #57
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
Various artists The Fast and the Furious soundtrack June 5, 2001 UMG Soundtracks
  • "Put It On Me" (Remix)
  • ARIA Charts – #25
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #26
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #39
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #50
  • Canadian Albums – #6
  • French Albums – #99
  • German Albums – #19
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #5
  • Swiss Albums – #76
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • ARIA – Gold
[vii]
Sisqó Return of Dragon June 19, 2001 Dragon Records, LLC.
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #39
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #22
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #27
  • French Albums – #32
  • German Albums – #22
  • Swiss Albums – #17
  • UK Albums – #22
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
[v]
Beanie Sigel The Reason June 26, 2001
  • Black Friday Management
  • Get Dat Dough Productions, LLC.
  • "Beanie (Mack Bitch)"
  • "Think It's a Game"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Foxy Brown Broken Silence July 17, 2001
  • Violator
  • Ill Na Na Entertainment
  • "Oh Yeah"
  • "BK Anthem"
  • "Candy"
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #44
  • Canadian Albums – #26
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #77
  • French Albums – #58
  • German Albums – #26
  • Swiss Albums – #15
  • UK Albums – #93
  • UK R&B Albums – #19
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
Various artists Rush Hour 2 soundtrack July 31, 2001
  • "Area Codes"
  • "How It's Gonna Be"
  • French Albums – #149
  • New Zealand Albums – #22
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #11
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
The Source Hip Hop Music Awards 2001 Compilation August 14, 2001 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #34
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #28
Jay-Z The Blueprint Album September 11, 2001[note 26]
  • "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)"
  • "Girls, Girls, Girls"
  • "Song Cry"
  • Canadian Albums – #3
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #51
  • French Albums – #73
  • German Albums – #55
  • Norwegian Top 40 Albums – #36
  • Scottish Albums – #56
  • Sverigetopplistan – #30
  • Swiss Albums – #59
  • UK Albums Chart – #30
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
[vi]
Ja Rule Pain Is Love October 2, 2001
  • ARIA Charts – #6
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #24
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #24
  • Canadian Albums – #3
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #17
  • French Albums – #34
  • German Albums – #38
  • Irish Albums Chart – #24
  • New Zealand Albums – #1
  • Swiss Albums – #28
  • UK Albums – #8
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 4× Platinum
  • MC – 3× Platinum
  • BPI – Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • RMNZ – Platinum
[vii]
Christina Milian Christina Milian[note 27] October 9, 2001
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #36
  • French Albums – #138
  • German Albums – #51
  • Swiss Albums – #98
  • UK Albums Chart – #23
  • BPI – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
[vii][v]
DMX The Great Depression October 23, 2001 Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • ARIA Charts – #99
  • Canadian Albums – #1
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #25
  • German Albums – #10
  • Irish Albums Chart – #26
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #38
  • Swiss Albums – #60
  • UK Albums Chart – #20
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • MC – Platinum
Ludacris Word of Mouf November 6, 2001
  • "Area Codes"
  • "Move Bitch"
  • "Saturday (Oooh! Ooooh!)"
  • "Rollout (My Business)"
  • Canadian Albums – #10
  • German Albums – #98
  • UK Albums Chart – #57
  • UK R&B Albums – #12
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
[viii][ix]
Kelly Price One Love - A Christmas Album November 27, 2001
  • "In Love at Christmas"
  • Billboard 200 – #176
[v][19]
Various artists How High soundtrack December 11, 2001 UMG Soundtracks
  • "Part II"
  • Billboard 200 – #38
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #6
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #2
The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 5 Compilation December 18, 2001 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #48
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #37
Jay-Z[note 28] Jay-Z: MTV Unplugged Album
  • Billboard 200 – #20
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #18
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Various artists Westwood Compilation c. 2001 [xiii]
Westwood, Vol. 2 [xiii]
Public Enemy 20th Century Masters - The Millenium Collection: The Best of Public Enemy Greatest hits album [xii]
Imiskoumbria Τη Λόλα Απ'τη Φωτιά Ποιός Θα τη Βγάλει; (Ti Lola ap'ti Fotia Pios Tha ti Vghali?/Who's Going to Get Lola Out of the Fire?) Album
  • Imiz Biz
  • Universal Music Greece
  • "Πάμε όλοι μαζί σε μια παραλία (Let's All Go To A Beach)"
Goin' Through Συμβόλαιο Τιμής
  • Family the Label
  • Universal Music Greece
DMX Angel Video album
  • Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • Universal Music DVD
Various artists Def Jam: Unstoppable Compilation [x]
Konkret Finn Reim, Rausch und Randale Album [x]
Pyranja I'm Kreis EP [x]
Phillie MC Schöne Neue Welt Album [x]
Various artists Battle of the Year - The Soundtrack [x]
Kool Savas Haus & Boot EP [x]
Da Fource Überlegen Album [x]
Dabo Platinum Tongue [xi]
Various artists Def Jam 2001 Compilation [xi]
Deema One Man Standing Album Bear Entertainment [x][v]
Bintia B.I.N.T.I.A.
  • "Groupiez"
  • "Uber Den Wolken"
[x][v]

2002

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
State Property State Property soundtrack Album January 19, 2002 Black Friday Management
  • Billboard 200 – #14
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #2
[vi]
Montell Jordan Montell Jordan February 26, 2002
  • "You Must Have Been"
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #63
  • French Albums – #90
  • German Albums – #35
  • Swiss Albums – #69
[v]
Warren Stacey "My Girl, My Girl" Single March 11, 2002 Mercury Records UK
  • UK Singles Chart – #26
[v]
R. Kelly and Jay-Z The Best of Both Worlds Album March 19, 2002

[note 14]

  • "Honey"
  • "Get This Money"
  • "Take You Home with Me" (a.k.a. Body)
  • ARIA Charts – #100
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #73
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #37
  • Canadian Albums – #19
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #12
  • French Albums – #20
  • German Albums – #22
  • Sverigetopplistan – #42
  • Swiss Albums – #18
  • UK Albums Chart – #37
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • SNEP – Gold
  • RIAA – Platinum
[vi]
Ashanti Ashanti April 3, 2002 AJM Records, LLC.
  • "Foolish"
  • "Happy"
  • "Baby"
  • ARIA Charts – #10
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #36
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #24
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #29
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #12
  • French Albums – #29
  • German Albums – #10
  • New Zealand Albums – #15
  • Swiss Albums – #15
  • UK Albums Chart – #3
  • UK R&B Albums – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • ARIA – Gold
  • BPI – Platinum
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • RIAJ – Platinum
  • IFPI (Switzerland) – Gold
[vii]
3rd Storee Get with Me April 16, 2002 Edmonds Record Group
  • "Get with Me"
  • Billboard 200 – #45
[v]
Musiq Juslisen (Just Listen) May 7, 2002 Mama's Boys Music
  • Canadian Albums – #7
  • UK Albums Chart – #97
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[v]
Cam'ron Come Home with Me May 14, 2002 Diplomat Records
  • "Hey Ma"
  • "Oh Boy"
  • "Daydreaming"
  • French Albums – #49
  • UK Albums Chart – #87
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Silver
[vi]
N.O.R.E. God's Favorite June 25, 2002
  • Thugged Out Entertainment
  • Violator
  • "Nothin'"
  • "Grimey"
  • Canadian Albums – #46
  • UK Albums Chart – #152
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
Various artists Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. Compilation July 2, 2002
  • "Ain't It Funny (Murder Remix)"
  • "Down 4 U"
  • "Ride Wit Us"
  • Canadian Albums – #23
  • UK Albums Chart – #68
  • UK R&B Albums – #9
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[vii]
Scarface The Fix Album August 6, 2002
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
[ix]
Ludacris Presents Disturbing tha Peace Golden Grain Compilation September 10, 2002
  • "Growing Pains (Do It Again)"
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[viii][ix]
LL Cool J 10 Album October 15, 2002
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #100
  • French Albums – #106
  • German Albums – #64
  • Swiss Albums – #19
  • UK Albums Chart – #26
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
Various artists Paid in Full soundtrack October 25, 2002
  • "Champions"
  • Billboard 200 – #53
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #2
[vi]
Irv Gotti Presents: The Remixes Remix album November 5, 2002
  • "The Pledge" (Remix)
  • Billboard 200 – #24
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
[vii]
WC Ghetto Heisman Album November 12, 2002 KWL Entertainment
  • "The Streets"
  • Billboard 200 – #46
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #7
Jay-Z The Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse Double album
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #66
  • French Albums – #79
  • German Albums – #61
  • New Zealand Albums – #49
  • Swiss Albums – #52
  • UK Albums – #23
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • MC – 2× Platinum
[vi]
Ja Rule The Last Temptation Album November 19, 2002
  • ARIA Charts – #29
  • Canadian Albums – #9
  • German Albums – #50
  • Irish Albums Chart – #30
  • New Zealand Albums – #11
  • Swiss Albums – #27
  • UK Albums – #14
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • ARIA – Gold
[vii]
Dru Hill Dru World Order November 26, 2002 Dragon Records, LLC.
  • Billboard 200 – #21
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Various artists The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 6 Compilation December 10, 2002 The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #35
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #31
Red Star Sounds Vol. 2: B-Sides c. 2002
  • Red Star Sounds
  • The Heineken Music Initiative
[vii]
The Big Picture [v][vi][vii][note 29]
The Lick: Best of... Presented by Trevor Nelson BBC Radio 1Xtra [v]
rap.de Allstars #02 [x]
Danacee Spotlight Album [x][v][note 29]
Pyranja Egal Was Ihr Sagt [x]
S-Word One Piece [xi]
Dabo Hitman [xi]
Sphere of Influence The Influence [xi]
Various artists DJ Masterkey presents Def Jam 2002 [xi]
Doberman Inc. Dobermann [xi]

2003

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Various artists Cradle 2 the Grave soundtrack Album February 18, 2003 Bloodline Records
  • French Albums – #61
  • German Albums – #39
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #75
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
Freeway Philadelphia Freeway February 25, 2003 Criminal Background Records
  • "What We Do"
  • "Alright"
  • "Flipside"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Terri Walker Untitled 3 March 2003 Mercury Records UK
  • "Guess You Didn't Love Me"
  • "Ching Ching (Lovin' You Still)"
  • "Drawing Board"
  • UK Albums Chart – #118
  • BPI – Gold
[v]
The Diplomats Diplomatic Immunity March 11, 2003 Diplomat Records
  • "I Really Mean It"
  • "Dipset Anthem"
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Jay-Z The Blueprint 2.1[note 30] Reissue April 8, 2003
  • Billboard 200 – #50
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #11
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Kelly Price Priceless Album April 29, 2003
  • "Take It to the Head"
  • "You Make Me Feel"
  • "He Proposed"
  • Billboard 200 – #10
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
[v]
Ashanti 7 Series Sampler: Ashanti EP May 20, 2003
  • Billboard 200 – #142
[vii]
Various artists 2 Fast 2 Furious soundtrack Album May 27, 2003 UMG Soundtracks
  • "Act a Fool"
  • "Pick Up the Phone"
  • "Pump It Up"
  • "Hell Yeah"
  • ARIA Charts – #25
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #22
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #50
  • Canadian Albums – #10
  • French Albums – #57
  • German Albums – #11
  • New Zealand Albums – #18
  • Swiss Albums – #26
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
  • MC – Gold
[viii][ix]
Joe Budden Joe Budden June 10, 2003
  • Desert Storm Records
  • On Top Records
  • "Pump It Up"
  • "Focus"
  • "Fire (Yes, Yes Y'all)"
  • UK Albums Chart – #55
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
Ashanti Chapter II July 1, 2003 AJM Records, LLC.
  • ARIA Charts – #19
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #65
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #26
  • French Albums – #62
  • German Albums – #12
  • New Zealand Albums – #22
  • Swiss Albums – #9
  • UK Albums Chart – #5
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
[vii]
Keith Murray He's Keith Murray July 15, 2003 Def Squad
  • Billboard 200 – #40
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #11
Ai Original Ai July 23, 2003
  • "Last Words"
  • "Thank U"
  • "My Friend"
  • "Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence"
  • Japanese Albums Chart – #15
[xi]
State Property The Chain Gang Vol. 2 August 12, 2003 Criminal Background Records
  • "Can't Stop, Won't Stop"
  • "When You Hear That"
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
[vi]
Juelz Santana From Me to U August 19, 2003 Diplomat Records
  • "Dipset (Santana's Town)"
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
DMX Grand Champ September 16, 2003 Ruff Ryders Entertainment
  • ARIA Charts – #32
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #20
  • Ultratop Belgian Flanders (Flanders) – #38
  • Canadian Albums – #2
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #28
  • French Albums – #16
  • German Albums – #6
  • New Zealand Albums – #7
  • Sverigetopplistan – #42
  • Swiss Albums – #10
  • UK Albums Chart – #6
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
[note 32]
Ludacris Chicken-n-Beer October 7, 2003
  • ARIA Charts – #98
  • Canadian Albums – #5
  • German Albums – #87
  • Irish Albums Chart – #71
  • UK Albums Chart – #44
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
[viii][ix]
Various artists Red Star Sounds Presents Def Jamaica Compilation October 14, 2003
  • "Frontin'" (Dancehall Remix)
  • "Anything Goes"
  • "Dude" (Remix)
Ja Rule Blood in My Eye Album November 4, 2003
  • ARIA Charts – #79
  • German Albums – #98
  • Swiss Albums – #92
  • UK Albums Chart – #51
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
[vii]
Jay-Z The Black Album November 14, 2003
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #97
  • Canadian Albums – #12
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #66
  • French Albums – #66
  • German Albums – #47
  • Norwegian Top 40 Albums – #18
  • Sverigetopplistan – #41
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #29
  • UK Albums Chart – #29
  • UK R&B Albums – #2
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – Platinum
[vi]
Ashanti Ashanti's Christmas November 21, 2003
  • Billboard 200 – #160
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #43
  • Billboard Top Holiday Albums – #13
[vii]
112 Hot & Wet December 9, 2003 Bad Boy Records
  • Billboard 200 – #22
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Musiq Soulstar Mama's Boys Music
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Various artists The Source Presents: Hip Hop Hits, Vol. 7 Compilation The Source
  • Billboard 200 – #86
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #49
Memphis Bleek M.A.D.E. Album December 16, 2003 Get Low Records
  • "Everything's a Go"
  • "Round Here"
  • Billboard 200 – #35
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
[vi]
Various artists Music Inspired by Scarface Compilation c. 2003 UMG Soundtracks
Def Jam Vendetta soundtrack Album
  • "StompDaSh*tOutU"
  • "It's My Turn (Fight!)"
  • "Stick 'Em"
[note 29]
Santa's Sack Compilation [xiii]
Fatman Scoop Party Breaks
  • "Be Faithful"
[xiii]
Panjabi Hit Squad Desi Beats, Vol. 1
  • "Hai Hai Remix"
  • "Mittran De"
  • "Fantasy"
  • "Shere Panjabi"
[xiii]
Various artists Westwood: Platinum Edition [xiii]
Kiss XXX Hip Hop Universal Music TV [xiii]
DJ Kaori DJ Kaori's Def Jam Mix [xi]
S-Word Star III Warz Album [xi]
Sphere of Influence Atlantis [xi]
Hi-D Word of Majesty [xi]
Beezel "See About Ya" Single [viii][ix]
Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft Fünfzehn neue D.A.F.-Lieder Album Superstar Records
  • German Albums – #95
[x]
Düse "Nackig" Maxi single [x]
Various artists The Roc Files, Vol. 1 Compilation [vi]

2004

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Tokona-X トウカイXテイオー Album January 28, 2004 [xi]
Kanye West The College Dropout February 10, 2004
  • Canadian Albums – #38
  • French Albums – #98
  • German Albums – #77
  • Norwegian Top 40 Albums – #27
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #53
  • Irish Albums Chart – #13
  • Sveriegetopplistan – #39
  • Swiss Albums – #96
  • UK Albums Chart – #12
  • UK R&B Albums – #2
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 4× Platinum
  • MC – Platinum
  • BPI – 2× Platinum
  • RMNZ – Gold
  • IFPI (Denmark) – Platinum
[vi]
Young Gunz Tough Luv February 24, 2004
  • "No Better Love"
  • "Friday Night"
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Various artists Johnson Family Vacation soundtrack April 6, 2004
  • Mama's Boys Music
  • UMG Soundtracks
  • "Shoulda Known Betta"
  • "Freedom"
[v]
Ghostface The Pretty Toney Album April 20, 2004 Starks Enterprises, LLC.
  • "Tush"
  • "Run"
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
Patti LaBelle Timeless Journey May 4, 2004
  • "New Day"
  • Billboard 200 – #18
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
[xiv]
Method Man Tical 0: The Prequel May 18, 2004
  • "What's Happenin'"
  • "The Show"
  • Canadian Albums – #3
  • UK Albums Chart – #29
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Christina Milian It's About Time June 15, 2004[note 33]
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #66
  • French Albums – #83
  • German Albums – #55
  • Irish Albums – #74
  • Swiss Albums – #35
  • UK Albums Chart – #21
  • Billboard 200 – #14
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • BPI – Silver
  • RIAJ – Gold
[xiii][v][note 34]
Ai 2004 Ai June 16, 2004
  • "After the Rain"
  • "EO"
  • "Watch Out!"
  • Japanese Albums Chart – #3
  • RIAJ – Gold
[xi]
Lloyd Southside July 20, 2004
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
[xv]
Shyne Godfather Buried Alive August 10, 2004 Gangland Record, Corp.
  • "More or Less"
  • "Jimmy Choo"
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
LL Cool J The DEFinition August 31, 2004
  • Canadian Albums – #23
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #90
  • French Albums – #136
  • German Albums – #50
  • Swiss Albums – #35
  • UK Albums Chart – #66
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
Hi-D Great Second September 8, 2004 [xi]
Shawnna Worth tha Weight September 28, 2004
  • Billboard 200 – #22
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
  • RIAA – Gold
[viii]
R. Kelly and Jay-Z Unfinished Business October 26, 2004
  • Rockland Records
  • Jive Records

[note 14]

  • Canadian Albums – #14
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #60
  • French Albums – #68
  • German Albums – #77
  • Swiss Albums – #65
  • UK Albums Chart – #61
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
[vi]
Ja Rule R.U.L.E. November 9, 2004
  • "Wonderful"
  • "New York"
  • "Caught Up"
  • German Albums – #44
  • Irish Albums Chart – #67
  • Swiss Albums – #50
  • UK Albums Chart – #33
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
[xv]
Jay-Z and Linkin Park Collision Course EP / video album November 30, 2004

[note 35]

  • ARIA Charts – #8
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #5
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #19
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #17
  • Canadian Albums – #6
  • Danish Albums – #7
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #9
  • French Albums – #20
  • German Albums – #5
  • Irish Albums – #6
  • Italian Albums – #19
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #4
  • Norwegian Top 40 Albums – #1
  • Scottish Albums – #18
  • Sverigetopplistan – #9
  • Swiss Albums – #2
  • UK Albums Chart – #15
  • UK R&B Albums – #2
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • IFPI (Austria) – Gold
  • IFPI (Denmark) – Gold
  • SNEP – Gold
  • BVMI – Platinum
  • IRMA – 2× Platinum
  • RIAJ – Gold
  • RMNZ – Platinum
  • AFP – Gold
  • IFPI (Switzerland) – Platinum
[vi]
Ludacris The Red Light District Album December 7, 2004
  • ARIA Charts – #54
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • Swiss Albums – #91
  • UK Albums Chart – #8
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
[viii][ix]
Cam'ron Purple Haze Diplomat Records
  • "Get Em Girls"
  • "Shake"
  • "Hey Lady"
  • "Girls"
  • "Down and Out"
  • UK Albums Chart – #160
  • Billboard 200 – #20
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
Ashanti Concrete Rose December 14, 2004
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #73
  • French Albums – #98
  • German Albums – #36
  • Swiss Albums – #66
  • UK Albums – #25
  • Billboard 200 – #7
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
[xv]
Various artists Westwood: The Takeover Compilation c. 2004 [xiii]
Westwood: The Jump Off [xiii]
Westwood: The Big Dawg [xiii]
Hip Hop Bible [xi]
Rhythm & Babe [xi]
Taz Analyse This Album [xiii]
Various artists Kiss XXX Hip Hop 2 Compilation Universal Music TV [xiii]
FYA "Too Hot / Must Be Love" Single Jamdown [xiii]
Yasuyuki Okamura Me-imi Album [xi]
Goin' Through La Sagrada Familia
  • Family the Label
  • Universal Music Greece
Comp "Harder" Single Chocolate City Music

2005

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Kanye West The College Dropout Video Anthology Video album March 22, 2005
  • RIAA – Gold
[vi]
112 Pleasure & Pain Album March 29, 2005
  • French Albums – #118
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[v]
Beanie Sigel The B. Coming
  • Criminal Background Records
  • Dame Dash Music Group
  • "Gotta Have It"
  • "Feel It In the Air"
  • "Don't Stop"
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
Mariah Carey The Emancipation of Mimi April 12, 2005
  • ARIA Charts – #6
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #19
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #31
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #26
  • Canadian Albums – #2
  • Danish Albums – #2
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #8
  • French Albums – #4
  • German Albums – #14
  • Irish Albums – #18
  • Italian Albums – #15
  • Japanese Albums – #2
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #12
  • Polish Albums – #22
  • Portuguese Albums – #25
  • Scottish Albums – #31
  • Spanish Albums – #15
  • Sverigetopplistan – #32
  • Swiss Albums – #9
  • UK Albums Chart – #7
  • UK R&B Albums – #2
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 6× Platinum
  • BPI – 2× Platinum
  • RMNZ – Platinum
  • SNEP – Gold
  • RIAJ – Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • Pro-Música Brasil – Gold
  • MC – 3× Platinum
  • IFPI (Europe) – Platinum
[note 36]
Bobby V Bobby Valentino April 26, 2005
  • "Slow Down"
  • "Tell Me"
  • "My Angel (Never Leave You)"
  • French Albums – #74
  • German Albums – #87
  • UK Albums Chart – #34
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • BPI – Gold
  • RIAA – Gold
[viii]
Memphis Bleek 534 May 17, 2005 Get Low Records
  • "Like That"
  • "Dear Summer"
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
[vi]
Young Gunz Brothers from Another May 24, 2005
  • "Set It Off"
  • Billboard 200 – #15
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
[vi]
Various artists #1 Spot Compilation June 14, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #164
[xii]
Patti LaBelle Classic Moments Album June 21, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #24
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
[xiv]
Young Jeezy Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101 July 26, 2005 Corporate Thugz Entertainment
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
Public Enemy Power to the People and the Beats: Public Enemy's Greatest Hits Greatest hits album August 2, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #69
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #26
[xii]
Teairra Marí Roc-A-Fella Records Presents Teairra Marí Album
  • Music Line Entertainment
  • K.I.S.S. Productions
  • "Make Her Feel Good"
  • "No Daddy"
  • "Phone Booth"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
[vi]
Kanye West Late Registration August 30, 2005
  • Hip Hop Since 1978
  • The Heavy Hitters
  • Hustle
  • ARIA Charts – #14
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #53
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #43
  • Canadian Albums – #1
  • Danish Albums – #11
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #24
  • Finnish Albums – #18
  • French Albums – #36
  • German Albums – #14
  • Greek Albums – #7
  • Irish Albums Chart – #2
  • Italian Albums Chart – #75
  • Japanese Albums Chart – #10
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #11
  • Norwegian Albums – #4
  • Scottish Albums – #3
  • Sverigetopplistan – #11
  • Swiss Albums Chart –#9
  • UK Albums Chart – #2
  • UK R&B Albums – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 4× Platinum
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – 3× Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • RMNZ – Platinum
  • IRMA – 2× Platinum
  • RIAJ – Gold
  • IFPI (Denmark) – Platinum
  • IFPI (Europe) – Platinum
[vi]
Rihanna Music of the Sun SRP Records
  • ARIA Charts – #18
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #45
  • Canadian Albums – #7
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #98
  • French Albums – #93
  • German Albums – #31
  • New Zealand Albums – #26
  • Swiss Albums – #38
  • UK Albums Chart – #35
  • Billboard 200 – #10
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #6
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • MC – Platinum
  • RMNZ – Gold
  • BVMI – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
Dru Hill Hits Greatest hits album October 11, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #72
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #22
[xiv][xii][xvi]
Rev Run Distortion Album October 18, 2005 Russell Simmons Music Group
  • "Mind of the Road"
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #78
Teriyaki Boyz Beef or Chicken November 16, 2005
  • (B)ape Sounds
  • Universal Music Japan
  • Japanese Albums Chart – #4
  • RIAJ – Gold
Juelz Santana What the Game's Been Missing! November 22, 2005 Diplomat Records
  • "Mic Check"
  • "There It Go (The Whistle Song)"
  • "Oh Yes"
  • "Clockwork"
  • Billboard 200 – #9
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
Ashanti Collectables by Ashanti Remix album December 6, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #59
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #10
[xv][note 37]
Ja Rule Exodus Greatest hits album
  • UK Albums Chart –#50
  • Billboard 200 – #107
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #23
  • BPI – Silver
Various artists Ludacris Presents Disturbing tha Peace Compilation December 13, 2005
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
[viii]
Westwood: The Invasion c. 2005 [xiii]
Westwood: The Heat [xiii]
Westwood, Vol. X [xiii]
Westwood: The Greatest Hip Hop of 2005 (Raw) [xiii]
DMX "Give 'Em What They Want" Single / B-side Ruff Ryders Entertainment
"Pump Ya Fist"
Yasuyuki Okamura ビジネス Mini-LP [xi]

2006

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Ne-Yo In My Own Words Album February 28, 2006 Compound Entertainment
  • ARIA Charts – #41
  • Ӧ3 Austria Top 40 – #63
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #83
  • Canadian Albums – #9
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #50
  • French Albums – #20
  • German Albums – #27
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #35
  • Swiss Albums – #11
  • UK Albums Chart – #14
  • UK R&B Albums – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • Pro-Música Brasil – Gold
  • RIAJ – Platinum
Ghostface Killah Fishscale March 28, 2006 Starks Enterprises, LLC.
  • Norwegian Albums – #37
  • Swiss Albums – #66
  • UK Albums Chart – #174
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
Christina Milian So Amazin' April 19, 2006
  • French Albums – #139
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #55
  • UK Albums Chart – #67
  • UK R&B Albums – #7
  • Billboard 200 – #11
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
[xvi][xiii][v][note 34]
LL Cool J Todd Smith April 11, 2006
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #88
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #99
  • Swiss Albums – #64
  • UK Albums Chart – #76
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
Rihanna A Girl like Me SRP Records
  • ARIA Charts – #9
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #21
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #10
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #21
  • Canadian Albums – #1
  • Danish Albums – #19
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #14
  • Finnish Albums – #30
  • French Albums – #18
  • German Albums – #13
  • Hungarian Albums Chart – #3
  • Irish Albums Chart – #5
  • Italian Albums – #36
  • Japanese Albums – #4
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #7
  • Norwegian Albums Chart – #28
  • Portuguese Albums – #13
  • Scottish Albums – #8
  • Spanish Albums – #81
  • Sverigetopplistan – #29
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #6
  • UK Albums Chart – #5
  • UK R&B Albums – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • MC – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – 2× Platinum
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • RIAJ – Gold
  • RMNZ – Platinum
  • BEA – Gold
  • BVMI – Platinum
  • MAHASZ – Gold
  • IRMA – 2× Platinum
  • ZPAV – Gold
  • IFPI (Switzerland) – Platinum
  • IFPI (Europe) – Platinum
Kanye West Late Orchestration April 24, 2006 Mercury Records UK
  • Irish Albums Chart – #46
  • UK Albums Chart – #59
[vi]
The Isley Brothers (featuring Ronald Isley) Baby Makin' Music May 9, 2006
  • "You Helped Me Write This Song"
  • "Just Came Here to Chill"
  • "Blast Off"
  • "Heaven Hooked Us Up"
  • "You're My Star"
  • Billboard 200 – #5
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
[xiv]
Various artists Waist Deep soundtrack June 13, 2006 Russell Simmons Music Group
  • "Bad Girl"
  • Billboard Soundtrack Albums – #10
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #42
Shawnna Block Music June 27, 2006 Hustle
  • "Gettin' Some"
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
[viii]
Héctor "El Father" Los Rompe Discotekas Compilation
  • "Here We Go Yo"
  • "Yomo Dele"
  • "El Telefono"
  • Billboard 200 – #31
  • Billboard Compilation Albums – #2
  • Billboard Latin Albums – #1
[xvii]
Rick Ross Port of Miami Album August 8, 2006
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
The Roots Game Theory August 29, 2006
  • "Don't Feel Right"
  • "Here I Come"
  • "In The Music"
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #78
  • Finnish Albums Chart – #36
  • French Albums – #69
  • German Albums Chart – #95
  • Norwegian Albums – #26
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #7
  • UK Albums Chart – #76
  • Billboard 200 – #9
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #5
Method Man 4:21... The Day After
  • "Say"
  • UK Albums Chart – #80
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #4
Lionel Richie Coming Home September 12, 2006
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #35
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #47
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #20
  • French Albums – #17
  • German Albums Chart – #8
  • Italian Albums – #26
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #9
  • UK Albums Chart – #15
  • Billboard 200 – #6
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Gold
[xvi]
N.O.R.E. N.O.R.E. y la Familia...Ya Tú Sabe
  • Thugged Out Entertainment
  • Black Wall Productions
  • Violator
  • "Mas Maiz"
  • Billboard 200 – #82
  • Billboard Latin Albums – #2
[xvii]
Ludacris Release Therapy September 26, 2006
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #57
  • UK Albums Chart – #69
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Gold
[viii]
Shareefa Point of No Return October 24, 2006
  • Billboard 200 – #25
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #3
[viii]
Lady Sovereign Public Warning Halloween 2006 (31 October)
  • "Random"
  • "9 to 5"
  • "Hoodie"
  • "Love Me or Hate Me (Fuck You!!!!)"
  • "Those Were the Days"
  • ARIA Charts – #97
  • Japanese Albums Chart – #22
  • UK Albums Chart – #58
  • Billboard 200 – #48
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #12
Various artists Bobby soundtrack November 21, 2006 The Weinstein Company [xvi][20]
Jay-Z Kingdom Come
  • Canadian Albums – #6
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – 71
  • French Albums – #79
  • German Albums – #76
  • Irish Albums Chart – #40
  • Italian Albums – #67
  • Scottish Albums – #41
  • Sverigetopplistan – #45
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #17
  • UK Albums Chart – #35
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – 2× Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
  • MC – Platinum
[vi]
Young Jeezy Thug Motivation 102: The Inspiration December 12, 2006 Corporate Thugz Entertainment
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
Ghostface Killah More Fish Starks Enterprises, LLC.
  • "Good"
  • Billboard 200 – #71
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #13
Nas Hip Hop Is Dead December 19, 2006
  • The Jones Experience
  • Columbia Records

[note 38]

  • ARIA Charts – #50
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #76
  • Canadian Albums – #45
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #95
  • French Albums – #89
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #22
  • UK Albums Chart – #68
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Gold
  • BPI – Silver
DJ Clue? The Professional 3 Desert Storm Records
  • Billboard 200 – #73
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #18
[vi]
Θηρίο Ελιξίριο c. 2006
  • Family the Label
  • Universal Music Greece
[xviii]
T.N.S. Στύλ Πιο Δυνατό [xviii]
Various artists Westwood: Ride for the Big Dawg Compilation [xiii]
Westwood: The Greatest - Classic Jointz, Vol. 1-11 [xiii][21]
Megan Rochell "The One You Need" (featuring Fabolous) Single
Mic Little "Put It In a Letter"
Young Leek "Jiggle It"

2007

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Redman Red Gone Wild: Thee Album Album March 27, 2007 Gilla House Records
  • "Put It Down"
  • French Albums – #91
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #37
  • UK Albums Chart – #115
  • Billboard 200 – #13
  • Billboard R&B Albums – #4
Ne-Yo Because of You April 25, 2007 Compound Entertainment
  • ARIA Charts – #39
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #59
  • Canadian Albums – #8
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #30
  • French Albums – #175
  • German Albums – #54
  • Irish Albums – #34
  • Italian Albums – #97
  • New Zealand Albums – #34
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #49
  • UK Albums – #6
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
  • RIAA – Platinum
  • BPI – Gold
Bobby V Special Occasion May 8, 2007
  • "Anonymous"
  • "Turn the Page"
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
U.S.D.A. Cold Summer May 22, 2007 Corporate Thugz Entertainment
  • "White Girl"
  • "Corporate Thuggin'"
  • Billboard 200 – #4
  • Billboard Urban Albums – #1
Rihanna Good Girl Gone Bad May 31, 2007 SRP Records
  • ARIA Charts – #2
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #3
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #9
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #9
  • Canadian Albums – #1
  • Hitlisten Danish Albums – #2
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #20
  • Finnish Albums Chart – #7
  • French Albums – #8
  • German Albums – #4
  • Hungarian Albums – #4
  • Irish Albums Chart – #1
  • Italian Albums – #21
  • Top 100 Mexican Albums – #16
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #8
  • Norwegian Albums Chart – #3
  • Polish Albums – #3
  • Portuguese Albums – #24
  • Spanish Albums – #9
  • Swedish Albums – #18
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #1
  • UK Albums Chart – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #2
  • RIAA – 6× Platinum
  • BPI – 7× Platinum
  • ARIA – 4× Platinum
  • IFPI (Austria) – Platinum
Fabolous From Nothin' to Somethin' June 12, 2007
  • Desert Storm Records
  • Street Family Records
Yasuyuki Okamura はっきりもっと勇敢になって Maxi-single September 5, 2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Artist(s) Title Type Release date Label(s) released in association with Singles Chart positions Certifications Refs.
Big Sean Finally Famous: The Album Album June 28, 2011 G.O.O.D. Music
  • Canadian Albums – #20
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #2
  • RIAA – Platinum
Jay-Z & Kanye West Watch the Throne August 8, 2011 Roc Nation
  • ARIA – #2
  • ARIA Urban Albums – #1
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #12
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #7
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #16
  • Canadian Albums – #1
  • Hitlisten Danish Albums – #2
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #3
  • Finnish Albums Chart – #23
  • French Albums – #10
  • German Albums – #2
  • Irish Albums Chart – #5
  • Japanese Albums – #14
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #4
  • Norwegian Albums Chart – #1
  • Polish Albums – #21
  • Russian Albums – #8
  • Scottish Albums – #3
  • South Korean Albums – #57
  • Spanish Albums – #43
  • Swedish Albums – #27
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #1
  • UK Albums Chart – #3
  • UK R&B Albums – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #1
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #1
  • Billboard Top Catalog Albums – #19
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • Music Canada – Platinum
  • GLF – Gold
  • BPI – Platinum
  • RIAA – 5× Platinum
[vi]
Ace Hood Blood, Sweat & Tears August 9, 2011 Dollaz N Dealz • We The Best
  • Billboard 200 – #8
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #1
  • Billboard Top Rap Albums – #1
[xvi]
Rihanna Talk That Talk November 18, 2011 SRP Records
  • ARIA – #5
  • ARIA Urban Albums – #1
  • Ö3 Austria Top 40 – #1
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Flanders) – #3
  • Ultratop Belgian Albums (Wallonia) – #6
  • Canadian Albums – #3
  • Croatian Albums – #13
  • Czech Republic Albums – #16
  • Hitlisten Danish Albums – #10
  • Finnish Albums Chart – #16
  • French Albums – #2
  • German Albums – #3
  • Greek Albums – #10
  • Hungarian Albums – #18
  • Irish Albums Chart – #2
  • Italian Albums – #10
  • Japanese Albums – #11
  • Mexican Albums – #21
  • Dutch Album Top 100 – #6
  • New Zealand Albums Chart – #1
  • Norwegian Albums Chart – #1
  • Polish Albums – #2
  • Portuguese Albums – #12
  • Russian Albums – #3
  • Scottish Albums – #1
  • South African Albums – #7
  • Spanish Albums – #6
  • Swedish Albums – #26
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #1
  • UK Albums Chart – #1
  • UK R&B Albums Chart – #1
  • Billboard 200 – #3
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #1
  • ARIA – Platinum
  • IFPI (Austria) – Gold
  • BEA – Gold
  • Pro-Música Brasil – Gold
  • IFPI (Denmark) – Gold
  • BVMI – Gold
  • MAHASZ – Gold
  • IRMA – 2× Platinum
  • FIMI – Gold
  • RIAJ – Gold
  • RMNZ – Platinum
  • ZPAV – 3× Platinum
  • RIAS – Gold
  • PROMUSICAE – Gold
  • GLF – Gold
  • IFPI (Switzerland) – Platinum
  • BPI – 3× Platinum
  • RIAA – 3× Platinum
  • IFPI (Europe) – Platinum
The Roots Undun December 6, 2011
  • "Make My"
  • Swiss Albums Chart – #30
  • Billboard 200 – #17
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #4
  • Billboard Top Rap Albums – #2
Young Jeezy Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition December 20, 2011 CTE World
  • Billboard Hot 100 – #51
  • Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – #3
  • Billboard Top Rap Albums – #2
  • Billboard Rhythmic – #2
  • RIAA – Platinum

2012

2013

2014

Albums directly through Universal Music

2015

2016

2017

2018

  • Dave East - Paranoia 2 (From The Dirt/Mass Appeal/Def Jam)
  • Payroll Giovanni & Cardo - Big Bossin, Vol. 2 (Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz - The Play Don't Care Who Makes It (Gamebread/Def Jam)
  • Valee - GOOD Job, You Found Me (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Logic - Bobby Tarantino II (Visionary/Def Jam)
  • Jeremih - The Chocolate Box - EP (Def Jam)
  • Toni Braxton - Sex & Cigarettes (Def Jam)
  • 070 Shake - Glitter (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Desiigner - L.O.D. (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Various Artists - Rapture (Music from the Netflix Original TV Series) (Netflix/Def Jam)
  • Pusha T - Daytona (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Kanye West - Ye (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Kids See Ghosts - Kids See Ghosts (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Nas - Nasir (Mass Appeal/Def Jam)
  • Teyana Taylor - K.T.S.E. (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Bobby Sessions - RVLTN (Chapter 1): The Divided States Of AmeriKKKa (High Standardz/Def Jam)
  • K. Roosevelt - K. Roosevelt (Def Jam)
  • YG - Stay Dangerous (4Hunnid/Def Jam)
  • Amir ObèCan't Be A ____ Here: Chapter 1 (Def Jam)
  • Logic - Young Sinatra IV (Visionary/Def Jam)
  • Beau Young Prince - Groovy Land (Def Jam)
  • Dave East & Styles PBeloved (From The Dirt/Mass Appeal/Def Jam)
  • Amir Obè – Can't Be A ____ Here: Chapter 2 (Def Jam)
  • Various Artists - The Hate U Give (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (Def Jam)
  • Fetty Luciano - Story To Tell (Def Jam)
  • MihTy - MihTy (Def Jam/Atlantic)
  • Vince Staples - FM! (Def Jam)
  • Amir Obè – Can't Be A ____ Here: Chapter 3 (Def Jam)
  • Bobby Sessions - RVLTN (Chapter 2): The Art of Resistance (High Standardz/Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz - Hot Wings Are a Girl's Best Friend (Gamebread/Def Jam)
  • Alessia Cara - The Pains of Growing (EP/Def Jam)
  • DaniLeigh - The Plan (Def Jam)
  • TJ Porter - Pregame (Def Jam)
  • YFL Kelvin - Outta Here (Def Jam)

2019

  • Boston George & Diego - Boston George & Diego (YJ Music/Def Jam)
  • TJ Porter - No Disturbance EP (Def Jam)
  • 2 Chainz - Rap or Go to the League (Gamebread/Def Jam)
  • Various Artists - Undisputed (Def Jam)
  • Bernard Jabs - COLD HEARTED (Def Jam)
  • Cosha TG - Summer Nights (Mosley/Def Jam)
  • Maxo - LIL BIG MAN (Def Jam)
  • Suzi Wu - Error 404 (Def Jam)
  • Logic - Supermarket (Visionary/Def Jam)
  • Hit-Boy & SOB X RBE - Family Not a Group (Def Jam)
  • Sneakk - Say Less (Def Jam)
  • Logic - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (Visionary/Def Jam)
  • 10k.Caash - The Creator (Def Jam)
  • YG - 4REAL 4REAL (4Hunnid/Def Jam)
  • S3nsi Molly & Lil Brook - Dumb Shit: The Album (Def Jam)
  • Nimic Revenue - Lifeline EP (Def Jam)
  • TJ Porter - Voice of the Trenches (Def Jam)
  • Valee - Runnin' Rich (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Nas - The Lost Tapes 2 (Mass Appeal/Def Jam)
  • Pvrx - 3.14 (Def Jam)
  • Nasaan - Kiss of Karma (Def Jam)
  • Jeezy - TM104: The Legend of the Snowman (YJ Music/Def Jam)
  • Landstrip Chip - From My Point Of View: Reloaded (Def Jam)
  • Alessia Cara - This Summer (Def Jam)
  • Yung Tory - Still Here (Mosley/Def Jam)
  • Goon des Garcons - Cheers To The End Of The World (Def Jam)
  • YK Osiris - The Golden Child (Def Jam)
  • Kanye West - Jesus Is King (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Dave East - Survival (From The Dirt/Mass Appeal/Def Jam)
  • Kaash Paige - Parked Car Convos (Kaash Paige LLC/Def Jam)
  • Fredo Bang - Pain Made Me Numb (Bang Biz Ent./Def Jam)
  • Nimic Revenue - Lifeline Reloaded (Def Jam)
  • Fabolous - Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever (Desert Storm/Def Jam)
  • DaniLeigh - My Present (Def Jam)
  • Ai - Kansha!!!!! - Thank You for 20 Years New and Best (EMI/Def Jam)

2020

2021

  • Alessia Cara - In the Meantime (EP/Def Jam)
  • Blade Runner: Black Lotus (Soundtrack) (22:10/Def Jam)[25]
  • Fredo Bang - Still Most Hated (Se Lavi/Def Jam)
  • Tyhzaei - Noir (Def Jam)
  • Various Artists - Coming 2 America (Amazon Studios/Def Jam)
  • Jhené Aiko - Sailing Soul(s): 2021 version (ArtClub/Def Jam)
  • Justin Bieber - Justice (Def Jam)
  • Logic - Bobby Tarantino III (Bobby Boy/Visionary/Def Jam)
  • DMX - Exodus (Def Jam)
  • Bobby Sessions - Manifest (Def Jam)
  • Goon des Garcon - Sheesh![26][27]
  • Fredo Bang - Murder Made Me (Se Lavi/Def Jam)
  • Roddy Rackzz - Realest Richest Youngin[28]
  • Kanye West - Donda (GOOD/Def Jam)
  • Big Sean and Hit-Boy - What You Expect (FF to Def/HS87/Def Jam)
  • Snoop Dogg Presents Algorithm (Doggy Style/Def Jam)
  • Saint Bodhi - Antisocial
  • La the Goat - 813 Day (So So Def/Def Jam)[29]
  • Ai - It's All Me, Vol. 2 (EMI/Def Jam)

2022

References

  1. ^ "Def Jam at 30: The Declarations of an Independent - 1984-1985". rmc.library.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  2. ^ "Def Jam at 30: The Declarations of an Independent - 1984-1985". rmc.library.cornell.edu. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  3. ^ Chasin' a Dream - Tashan | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-25
  4. ^ Knowledge Me, 2009-04-15, retrieved 2022-03-25
  5. ^ "30 years later, how does Beastie Boys' Licensed To Ill hold up?". The A.V. Club. 14 November 2016. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  6. ^ "Chuck Stanley Page". www.soulwalking.co.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  7. ^ "Def Jam Meeting [Japan Import] - Amazon.com Music". Amazon. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  8. ^ JayQuan (2021-11-01). "When Slick Rick Made Hip-Hop A Great Adventure". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  9. ^ Livin' Large! - Original Soundtrack | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-25
  10. ^ "Billboard 200 - Week of July 22, 1995". Billboard. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
  11. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums - Week of July 22, 1995". Billboard. 2013-01-02. Retrieved 2022-03-26.
  12. ^ Def Jam Music Group Inc. 10th Year Anniversary - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-26
  13. ^ Def Jam Music Group (1995), Def Jam Music Group, Def Jam, retrieved 2022-03-26
  14. ^ Def Jam's Greatest Hits: Hardcore - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-27
  15. ^ Allah, Sha Be (2022-01-26). "Foxy Brown Released Her 'Chyna Doll' LP 23 Years Ago". The Source. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  16. ^ "Def Jam 2000 Respect Compilation". www.walmart.com. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  17. ^ Soul Food: The Best R&B of 2000 - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-27
  18. ^ Def Jam 1985-2001: History of Hip Hop, Vol. 1 - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic, retrieved 2022-03-25
  19. ^ Cusson, Michael (2019-02-04). "The Billboard 200 - Week of December 15, 2001". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
  20. ^ Soundtrack, Bobby - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, retrieved 2022-05-17
  21. ^ "Vol. 1-Westwood-the Greatest". Amazon.
  22. ^ "iTunes – Music – Don't Be S.A.F.E. by Trinidad James". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-01-29. Retrieved 2013-12-19.
  23. ^ Platon, Adelle (2016-12-01). "Def Jam to Release 'Direct Deposit, Vol. 1' Compilation, Welcomes New Signee Amir Obe". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-03-25.
  24. ^ Def Jam Presents: Direct Deposit, Vol. 2 by Various Artists, 2017-03-03, retrieved 2022-03-25
  25. ^ "BLADE RUNNER: BLACK LOTUS SOUNDTRACK UNVEILED". HITS Daily Double. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  26. ^ "GOON DES GARCONS* Celebrates the Release of 'SHEESH!'". HYPEBEAST. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  27. ^ SHEESH! by GOON DES GARCONS*, 2021-06-25, retrieved 2022-03-21
  28. ^ Realest Richest Youngin, 2021-08-13, retrieved 2022-03-21
  29. ^ "Jermaine Dupri protégé, LaTheGoat, readies debut EP '813 Day'". TheGrio. 2021-11-04. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  30. ^ Cold Places by Kajo, 2022-02-25, retrieved 2022-03-21
  31. ^ Paul, Larisha (2021-10-20). "Eve, Brandy, Naturi Naughton & Nadine Velazquez Share New Songs From ABC Series 'Queens'". uDiscover Music. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  32. ^ says, JackS. "First Songs from ABC's 'Queens' Soundtrack Released | Film Music Reporter". Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  33. ^ "Queens Soundtrack". Spotify. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  34. ^ Earl, William (2022-03-18). "'The Women of Def Jam,' 24-Track Compilation Drops Today". Variety. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  35. ^ Grant, Shawn (2022-03-11). "Jeremih's 'Late Nights with Jeremih' Mixtape Hits Streaming on 10th Anniversary". The Source. Retrieved 2022-03-21.
  36. ^ "'Late Nights with Jeremih' Mixtape Releases on Streaming Platforms For The First Time". HipHop-N-More. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2022-03-21.

Notes

  1. ^ Despite the label's incorporation in 1984, the first record was released a year prior, indicating that Def Jam was formed in its earlier stages.
  2. ^ This single was released shortly following Def Jam's incorporation in March 1984.
  3. ^ Radio (1985) is the first official album to be released under Def Jam.
  4. ^ a b Released under Def Jam's Universal Music-sister label, Geffen Records, which at the time was distributed by Warner Records (formerly Warner Bros. Records). Reissues are currently handled by American Recordings through Universal Music Enterprises.
  5. ^ Licensed to Ill (1986) became the first rap album in Billboard history to top the Billboard 200.
  6. ^ A limited release in Japan under Sony Music Japan.[7]
  7. ^ Daddy's Little Girl (1991) was the first official album released by a female rapper under Def Jam.
  8. ^ Final album released under the Def Jam/Columbia partnership.
  9. ^ Final album released under the Def Jam/Chaos partnership.
  10. ^ First album released after PolyGram acquired Def Jam.
  11. ^ A limited released in the United Kingdom, Ireland and France.
  12. ^ a b In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 (1997) and Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life (1998) were both distributed in European markets by BMG's Northwestside Records, an RCA/Arista sister subsidiary, instead of using Mercury as the European distributor likewise as it is general on European Def Jam releases.
  13. ^ a b The first two albums (In My Lifetime, Vol. 1 and Ghetto Cyrano) to be released under Roc-A-Fella Records following Def Jam's acquisition of the label in 1997.
  14. ^ a b c El Nino (1998), Best of Both Worlds (2002) and Unfinished Business (2004) suffered a coin toss, due to record label obligations disputed by both Def Jam and Jive Records. El Nino was released under Def Jam and distributed by PolyGram in North America and Europe, while Jive's parent company, Zomba, distributed the album abroad. Best of Both Worlds and Unfinished Business are distributed by Def Jam in the United States and Canada and by Jive/Zomba under license from Def Jam's former parent company Sony Music (at the time known as Sony BMG) internationally.
  15. ^ With Chyna Doll (1999), Foxy Brown joins a list of five female rappers to have number-one albums on the Billboard 200, alongside Lauryn Hill, Eve, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
  16. ^ The release date of Personal Conversation (1999) would commence hours before the Columbine High School massacre that day.
  17. ^ Final album to be distributed by PolyGram due to its merger with Universal Music Group the year prior.
  18. ^ First album to be released by Def Jam under the distribution of Universal Music following the PolyGram and MCA merger of labels.
  19. ^ Final album to be released under the in name only holding of Rush Associated Labels, further indicating that Def Jam marketed and distributed this album, despite New World Disorder (1999) only being published under the guidance of Mercury.
  20. ^ First album to be released under the Island Def Jam Music Group.
  21. ^ First album by Def Jam to be released under the Island Def Jam Music Group.
  22. ^ A promotional release in household retailers like Best Buy, Walmart or Target.
  23. ^ G.O.A.T. (2000) became LL Cool J's first and only number-one Billboard 200 album in his career.
  24. ^ The Dynasty: Roc La Familia (2000) was originally planned as a compilation album to showcase Roc-A-Fella artists, but Def Jam reversed the project as a Jay-Z solo album.
  25. ^ "Ring, Ring, Ring" was included on the soundtrack to the film, Bridget Jones' Diary (2001).
  26. ^ The Blueprint (2001) was released on the same date as the September 11 attacks.
  27. ^ Milian's self-titled debut album was set for a release in the United States on September 25, 2001, but due to the September 11 attacks, the American release date was cancelled. Therefore, the album was released internationally on October 9 unaffected. Advanced copies of the album are available and the album itself has since been available for streaming, as of 2020.
  28. ^ Because The Roots have physical involvement in this live album, it is sometimes billed as a collaboration between Jay-Z and the Roots.
  29. ^ a b c Promotional release; not an official shipment.
  30. ^ Blueprint 2.1 (2003) was a single disc reissue of The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse (2002). Some outlets however deem this album either a studio album or a compilation which is possibly incorrect.
  31. ^ "La-La-La (Excuse Me Miss Again)" was included on Blueprint 2.1 as a hidden bonus track and instead released as an official single for the Bad Boys II soundtrack, released in July 2003.
  32. ^ With Grand Champ (2003), DMX is the only artist in Billboard 200 history to have its first five consecutive number-one albums.
  33. ^ It's About Time was released in Europe and Japan on June 15, 2004, a month before the American release date.
  34. ^ a b Despite It's About Time (2004) and So Amazin (2006) being released under sister label Island Records, Christina Milian's previous contractual obligations with Def Jam's Def Soul division pushed Universal Music to release both albums in European markets under Def Jam.
  35. ^ Collision Course (2004) was distributed by Warner Records (known as Warner Bros. Records at the time), due to Linkin Park's contractual negotiations, preventing Def Jam/UMG from distributing this project.
  36. ^ Like Christina Milian, although Mariah Carey was a signed Island recording artist at the time of the releases of The Emancipation of Mimi (2005) and E=MC² (2008), Def Jam released those albums in the United Kingdom under license to Mercury, due to its association through IDJMG.
  37. ^ Collectibles (2005) by Ashanti as well as Ja Rule's Exodus were the final two albums released under a partnership with Murder Inc. Records as the label was later dropped from Def Jam as consequence for a January 2003 federal raid and investigation involving illicit profits and money laundering.
  38. ^ Although Nas left Columbia Records in 2005, the label (which formerly distributed Def Jam from the 1980s to the mid-1990s) managed to co-finance or sponsor two of the artists' albums, Hip Hop Is Dead (2006) and the untitled ninth album in 2008.
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Released under the Original Black Recordings subsidiary.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Released under Columbia's Chaos recording dimension.
  3. ^ a b c Released under the short-lived DJ West subsidiary.
  4. ^ a b c d Released under RAL/Def Jam, but distributed through PolyGram's Independent Label Sales division.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag Released under the Def Soul subsidiary.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq Released under Roc-A-Fella Records.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Released under Murder Inc. Records.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Released under Disturbing tha Peace.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Released under the Def Jam South subsidiary.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Released under Def Jam Germany.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Released under Def Jam Japan.
  12. ^ a b c d e Released under license through Universal Music Enterprises.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u Released under Def Jam UK.
  14. ^ a b c d Released under the short-lived Def Soul Classics subsidiary.
  15. ^ a b c d Released under Murder Inc. Records (when it was known at the time as The Inc.)
  16. ^ a b c d e Released in association with sister label Island Records, as part of a relationship through the Island Def Jam Music Group.
  17. ^ a b Released under Roc-A-Fella's short-lived Roc-La-Familia branch.
  18. ^ a b Released under Def Jam Greece

External links