Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed Jay-Z as the president of Def Jam. As an artist under Def Jam from 1987 to 1998, the “conscious rapper” gave the label some of the biggest hits.

Universal Music Group announced on Monday that Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is stepping down as president of its Def Jam Records unit, effective by the end of the year.

Nas is clashing with Def Jam over his plans to drop his controversially-titled new album NIGGA in December. The label claims it does not have any of the rapper’s new material scheduled for release this year. Nas announced his intentions to test race issues with the new album during a Friday night show at […]

LL Cool J is continuing to accuse Jay-Z of not doing his job properly as the HNIC of Def Jam Records. LL is criticizing Jay for not promoting artists projects.

Following months of speculation, celebrity informants report that Jay-Z will leave as the head of Def Jam at the September end of his contract to sign a lucrative deal with Columbia Records. There is speculation that Jermaine Dupri’s February implant as head of Island Urban may have prompted Jay’s departure.