From Complex · · 50s
Def Jam's 1998 Hip-Hop Boom
Def Jam's 1998 album releases drove a 400% valuation jump to $325 million.
In brief
Def Jam's 1998 album releases drove a 400% valuation jump to $325 million. Def Jam's 1998 album sales surge led to a $325 million valuation after Universal bought the remaining 40%. Originally reported by Complex.
Def Jam's 1998 Run
Def Jam released blockbuster albums from Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, and others in fall 1998.
1994 Sale to PolyGram
Russell Simmons and Lyor Cohen sold 50% of Def Jam to PolyGram for $33 million in 1994.
1998 Valuation Boost
Def Jam's valuation grew to $325 million after Universal bought 40% for $130 million in 1998.
1998 Album Sales
Jay-Z, DMX, Method Man, Redman, DJ Clue, and Foxy Brown each released top-selling albums in 1998.
What matters most
Def Jam's 1998 album sales surge led to a $325 million valuation after Universal bought the remaining 40%.
