Def Jam Renewed

The SXSW 2024 Conference set the stage for a remarkable celebration of Def Jam Recordings’ 40th anniversary. Placed within the Music Careers track, the Featured Session Def Jam Renewed: The Hip-Hop Legend’s Next 40 Years offered attendees a deep dive into the iconic label’s history, its current position, and its future. The session was graced by influential figures from within the industry, including Chuck D of Public Enemy, multi-faceted rapper Lady London, and Tunji Balogun, CEO of Def Jam Recordings, with Brian Biniak of Bandcamp as the moderator. “I think in this era, technology is bringing creatives closer together and I think it’s breaking down walls. And hopefully in the future, we’ll have a more connected global conversation of creatives and music and artists. You can see and hear how different genres are influencing one another. Hip hop is in every genre now.” – Tunji Balogun Chuck D, known for his groundbreaking work, shared insights into the essence of hip-hop and the pivotal role of talent evaluation in shaping its landscape. He emphasized the need for a strong ecosystem surrounding the artistry, similar to what exists in sports, where individuals outside the game contribute significantly to its strength. Chuck D...