The Island Def Jam Music Group

On December 10, 1998, The Seagram Company completed its seven-month, $10.6 billion plan to acquire PolyGram and consolidated its music label unit with that of MCA Music, forming Universal Music Group.{{Cite web |title=Seagram buys PolyGram - May 21, 1998 |url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/05/21/deals/tropicana/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=money.cnn.com}}{{Cite web |title=Seagrams completes PolyGram acquisition - Dec. 10, 1998 |url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/12/10/companies/seagram/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=money.cnn.com}}{{cite web |last1=Phillips |first1=Chuck |last2= Eller |first2=Claudia |date=1998-05-22 |title=Seagram Uncorks $10.6-Billion Deal to Buy PolyGram |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-may-22-mn-52474-story.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Los Angeles Times }}

Following the formation of Universal Music Group, and coinciding with the start of 1999, Island Def Jam Music Group was founded by merging 14 or more recording labels, including those consisting of Island Records, Def Jam Recordings and Mercury Records. Although IDJMG brought all three labels together, they continued to operate as separate, autonomous labels. Music industry executive Lyor Cohen was installed as the unit's president.{{Cite web |date=2023-08-22 |title=Lyor Cohen |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/people/lyor-cohen/#:~:text=In%201998%20and%201999,%20Cohen,American%20Recordings,%20and%20Roadrunner%20Records. |access-date=2025-01-12 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}

The Island Def Jam Music Group was also one of the four newly established Universal Music label groups, along with the Universal Motown Republic Group, Verve Label Group and Interscope Geffen A&M Records.{{Cite web |last=Philips |first=Chuck |date=1998-12-10 |title=Merger Puts Seagram at Top of Music Charts |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-dec-10-fi-52395-story.html |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Neil |date=1998-12-21 |title=A Major Merger Shakes Up the World of Rock |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/21/arts/a-major-merger-shakes-up-the-world-of-rock.html |access-date=2024-01-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In the United Kingdom, Island Records operated under Universal's Island Records Group, while Def Jam UK was established and distributed by Mercury, which also managed its artists under the same banner. U.S. distribution was later revoked by IDJMG.{{citation needed|date=August 2024}}

IDJMG's first official release was Biohazard's album, New World Disorder, which was released by Mercury Records on June 8, 1999. By that time, the Rush Associated Labels portfolio (which had been a holding ground for Def Jam) was absorbed into Island Def Jam, with most of its labels, including Def Soul, Roc-A-Fella and Murder Inc. Records, were consolidated under the Island Def Jam umbrella Label Group since its PolyGram era between 1996 and 1998. For Island, some of its divisions had been either sold off or folded into IDJMG; both of which being 4th & B'way Records and Island Black Music, with many of its artist rosters (including hip hop and R&B acts) being transferred into Def Jam.{{Cite web |last=Steiner |first=B. J. |title=14 Defunct Hip-Hop Labels - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/14-defunct-hip-hop-labels/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}

Mercury's artists were later reassigned to other labels depending on genre - Motown (by then unrelated to IDJMG until 2011), Def Jam (urban) or Island (pop, rock, alternative music and/or other non-urban genres). Some of Mercury's non-urban roster would stay under the label by choice, while some of its international divisions either remained active or would be folded (including Mercury UK, which would oversee Def Jam or Island US releases).

In 2000, the unit launched Def Jam Germany, the first international Def Jam label.{{Cite web |title=Def Jam Germany ist Geschichte |url=https://hiphop.de/magazin/news/def-jam-germany-ist-geschichte-161121 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Hiphop.de |language=de-DE |trans-title=Def Jam Germany is History}} The following year, a country label, Lost Highway Records, was formed. The label operated as an imprint of Mercury Records, but had since been moved to Universal Music's Nashville division following the dissolution of IDJMG in 2014. In the summer of 2001, Island Def Jam acquired a controlling interest in the rock label, Roadrunner Records.{{Cite web |title=ROADRUNNER LANDS ATISLAND DEF JAM |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=274672&title=ROADRUNNER-LANDS-ATISLAND-DEF-JAM |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}} Edel SE & Co. KGaA, a German music distributor which owned 17% of Roadrunner at the time, indicated its intention to pursue legal action against Universal.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yxIEAAAAMBAJ&dq=roadrunner+distribution+2001+billboard&pg=PA8 |title=Billboard |date=2001-08-04 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |language=en}}

At the turn of the 21st Century, the label saw strong commercial performance with records by influential hip hop artists including LL Cool J, Method Man, Redman, DMX, and N.O.R.E.{{Cite web |date=2001-09-26 |title=Island Def Jam Label on Right Track |last=Leeds |first=Jeff |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-sep-26-fi-49917-story.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}

In early 2002, the label bought Mariah Carey's label contract with future UMG sister label Virgin Records.{{Cite web |date=2002-05-09 |title=Mariah Carey Signs Deal with Island Records |url=https://www.hollywood.com/general/mariah-carey-signs-deal-with-island-records-57201630 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Hollywood.com |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Virgin Records pays Mariah Carey $28 million to end contract |url=https://qctimes.com/news/virgin-records-pays-mariah-carey-28-million-to-end-contract/article_321eb1b1-13a5-5ae4-9271-7cd4d1b6db69.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |url-access=subscription |website=The Quad-City Times |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Holson |first=Laura M. |date=2002-05-09 |title=Mariah Carey And Universal Agree to Terms Of Record Deal |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/05/09/business/mariah-carey-and-universal-agree-to-terms-of-record-deal.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |issn=0362-4331}} In December 2002, she released Charmbracelet. In July 2002, Island Def Jam released Murder Inc. Records' second compilation album, Irv Gotti Presents: The Inc. The album peaked in the top 3 of the Billboard 200, and was certified Gold by the RIAA.

In 2003, Fefe Dobson, Everlast, and Patti LaBelle all became part of the unit.{{Cite web |date=2009-01-17 |title=.: ACCESS all areas ONLINE |url=http://www.accessmag.com/Archives/68-Fefe.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117015640/http://www.accessmag.com/Archives/68-Fefe.html |archive-date=2009-01-17 }}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hBEEAAAAMBAJ&dq=Everlast+joins+Island+Def+Jam&pg=PA18 |title=Billboard |date=2003-09-27 |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |language=en}} On January 3, the label unit was forced to cut all ties with producer Irv Gotti and his label, Murder Inc. Records, after a federal investigation and office raid considering allegations of money laundering in connection to an illegal operation maintained by a drug lord.{{Cite web |title=Drugs, Friends & Allegations: Inside The Murder Inc. Raid |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/qynkgn/drugs-friends-allegations-inside-the-murder-inc-raid |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121202628/https://www.mtv.com/news/qynkgn/drugs-friends-allegations-inside-the-murder-inc-raid |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2022 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=MTV |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=2003-01-06 |title=Report: Feds Raid Murder Inc. In Irv Gotti Probe |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/report-feds-raid-murder-inc-in-irv-gotti-probe-72794/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} On March 25, 2003, Island Def Jam released rap group The Diplomats' debut album Diplomatic Immunity. Although the album did not generate major chart-topping hits, the singles received moderate success, contributing to its Gold certification by the RIAA. That May, Island Def Jam received a cease and desist from Steve Gottlieb, founder of TVT Records, regarding the release of a Cash Money Click reunion album, which IDJMG restricted because of member Ja Rule's obligations with Def Jam.

President Lyor Cohen obliged Gotti and Ja Rule not to record the album for TVT, but instead have IDJMG and UMG distribute it to avoid conflict of interest. TVT's lawsuit{{Cite web |title=TVT Records v. Island Def Jam Music Group, 262 F. Supp. 2d 188 (S.D.N.Y. 2003) |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/262/188/2395468/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Justia Law |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=TVT v. Island Def Jam - Google Scholar |url=https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=TVT+Records+v.+Island+Def+Jam&hl=en&as_sdt=6&as_vis=1&oi=scholart |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=scholar.google.com}} cites copyright infringement, fraud and tortious interference.{{Cite web |title=The Discography |url=http://thediscography.org/discoDbDetail.php?req=201 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=thediscography.org}} Ultimately, TVT was awarded $132 million in damages with Cohen found liable for $56 million.{{Cite web |title=Ja Ruling: Island Def Jam, Lyor Cohen Ordered To Pay $132 Million To TVT |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/frj28k/ja-ruling-island-def-jam-lyor-cohen-ordered-to-pay-132-million-to-tvt |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811203952/https://www.mtv.com/news/frj28k/ja-ruling-island-def-jam-lyor-cohen-ordered-to-pay-132-million-to-tvt |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 11, 2022 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=MTV |language=en}} It was later revised two years later as TVT's cash award was reduced to $126,000 after Island Def Jam successfully appealed the judgment, claiming the situation was not fraud nor infringement, but instead, breach of contract.{{Cite web |title=Def Jam/ TVT Battle Over Ja Rule Picks Up After Reversal |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/cdqtnr/def-jam-tvt-battle-over-ja-rule-picks-up-after-reversal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121202628/https://www.mtv.com/news/cdqtnr/def-jam-tvt-battle-over-ja-rule-picks-up-after-reversal |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 21, 2022 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=MTV |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2005-06-15 |title=TVT Records Loses $54 Million to Def Jam |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.3331/title.tvt-records-loses-54-million-to-def-jam |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=HipHopDX |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) |first=Grouchy Greg |date=2005-06-15 |title=Def Jam and Lyor Cohen Win Ruling, TVT Vows Appeal |url=https://allhiphop.com/news/def-jam-and-lyor-cohen-win-ruling-tvt-vows-appeal/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=AllHipHop |language=en-US}} At the end of the year, Dobson's self-titled debut was released on December 9, as was on the same date as Def Soul artists 112's Hot & Wet and Musiq Soulchild's Soulstar. Then, in May 2004, Everlast and LaBelle released their albums, White Trash Beautiful and Timeless Journey, under Island and Def Soul Classics respectively. At the same time, L.A. Reid was appointed president and CEO of the Island Def Jam Music Group after he was dismissed from Arista Records. Cohen left Island Def Jam to join Warner Music Group, bringing with him colleagues Kevin Liles and Julie Greenwald.{{cite web |last=Arango |first=Tim |date=2004-08-12 |title=HIP-HOPPING MAD – SIMMONS RIPS DEF JAM BOSS L.A. REID |url=https://nypost.com/2004/08/12/hip-hopping-mad-simmons-rips-def-jam-boss-l-a-reid/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=New York Post }}{{Cite web |last=Roberts |first=Johnnie L. |date=2004-08-29 |title=DEF JAM'S NEW TUNE |url=https://www.newsweek.com/def-jams-new-tune-126745 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}

In December, the unit acquired the remaining 50 percent interest in Roc-A-Fella Records in exchange for appointing co-founder Jay-Z president of Def Jam Recordings; the other 50 percent had been purchased by former Def Jam parent company, PolyGram, in 1997. As a result, fellow Roc-A-Fella cohorts Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke were forced off the label.{{Cite web |title=Jay-Z, Dame Dash Sell Roc-A-Fella Records; Jay Named Def Jam Prez |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/p27t48/jay-z-dame-dash-sell-roc-a-fella-records-jay-named-def-jam-prez |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810084022/https://www.mtv.com/news/p27t48/jay-z-dame-dash-sell-roc-a-fella-records-jay-named-def-jam-prez |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=MTV |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |author=Billboard Staff |date=2004-12-08 |title=IDJ Buys Roc-A-Fella; Jay-Z Named Def Jam Chief |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/idj-buys-roc-a-fella-jay-z-named-def-jam-chief-1423698/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} Then, in early 2005, the group extended a new label deal renewal with Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace, making IDJMG a 50 percent stakeholder.{{cite web |last=Arango |first=Tim |date=2005-01-14 |title=DEF JAM LABEL FOR LUDACRIS |url=https://nypost.com/2005/01/14/def-jam-label-for-ludacris/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=New York Post }} In April, with L.A. Reid's leadership, Mariah Carey returned from a two-year hiatus with The Emancipation of Mimi. The album sold 404,000 copies in its first week and opened to widespread acclaim from critics.{{Cite news |date=2008-04-17 |title=Mariah Carey's new album enjoys huge early sales |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mariah-idUSN1740919720080417 |access-date=2022-11-21}} That same year, Island Def Jam signed a newcomer, a Barbadian singer named Rihanna. Her debut single "Pon de Replay" achieved rapid commercial success upon release.{{Cite web |last=Gracie |first=Bianca |date=2020-05-28 |title=An Oral History of Rihanna's Debut Song, 'Pon de Replay' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/05/rihanna-pon-de-replay-oral-history.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}

In 2006, IDJMG ended their partnership with Roadrunner Records, selling the label to Warner Music.{{Cite web |date=2006-12-18 |title=Warner Music Group to Acquire Majority Stake in Roadrunner Music Group |url=https://investors.wmg.com/news-releases/news-release-details/warner-music-group-acquire-majority-stake-roadrunner-music-group |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Warner Music Group}} Shakir Stewart was appointed senior vice president of A&R in October.{{Cite web |title=Stewart Rises To IDJMG SVP/A&R |url=https://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/15364/stewart-rises-to-idjmg-svp-a-r |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=All Access |language=en}} A year later, Steve Bartels was appointed chairman and COO of Island Def Jam, reporting to L.A. Reid and then-CEO of Universal Music, Doug Morris.{{Cite web |author=XXL Staff|title=Steve Bartels Promoted to President/COO of Island Def Jam Music Group - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/steve-bartels-promoted-to-presidentcoo-of-island-def-jam-music-group/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Billboard, AP |first1=Mike Boyle |last2=Billboard |first2=Mike Boyle |last3=AP |date=2007-09-14 |title=Island Def Jam Music Group ups Bartels |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/island-def-jam-music-group-150153/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} On December 22, 2007, Jay-Z announced his vacancy from his presidency of Def Jam, invoking L.A. Reid to step in rather than find a replacement.{{Cite web |title=Jay-Z resigns as Def Jam's president |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/jay-z-resigns-def-jam-s-president-wbna22390300 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=TODAY.com |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Leeds |first=Jeff |date=2007-12-25 |title=Jay-Z to Quit His Day Job as President of Def Jam |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/25/business/25music.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |issn=0362-4331}}{{Cite web |title=Def Jam To Replace Jay-Z With Evil, Evil Man Who Signed Rick Ross |url=https://www.idolator.com/395003/def-jam-to-replace-jay-z-with-evil-evil-man-who-signed-rick-ross?view-all |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=idolator}} On November 1, 2008, Shakir Stewart committed suicide, vacating his positions as senior vice president of A&R at Island Def Jam and executive vice president of Def Jam.{{Cite web |title=Music and Suicide: A Tragic History |url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/4mwugc/music-and-suicide-a-tragic-history/o1l9uh |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=BET |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Concepcion |first=Mariel |date=2008-11-01 |title=Def Jam Exec VP Shakir Stewart Commits Suicide |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/def-jam-exec-vp-shakir-stewart-commits-suicide-1043612/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{cite web |date=2008-11-05 |title=Shakir Stewart of Def Jam Recordings dies at 34 |url=https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-stewart5-2008nov05-story.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Los Angeles Times }} He was posthumously replaced by Christopher Hicks, a former executive from Warner Music Group.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Hilary |title=Island Def Jam Hires Warner Music A&R Exec As New Vice President |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/island-def-jam-hires-warner-music-ar-exec-as-new-vice-president-2009-2 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

Throughout 2010, Island Def Jam generated more public success from Justin Bieber ("Baby"), Kanye West (My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy) and Rihanna ("Only Girl (In the World)").

In 2011, former RCA/Jive Label Group chairman Barry Weiss was assigned to become the new chairman of the Universal Motown Republic Group while at the same time assuming the CEO position at Island Def Jam Music Group.{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2011-03-17 |title=Barry Weiss Named Chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam and Universal Motown Republic Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/barry-weiss-named-chairman-ceo-168854/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Barry Weiss to head up Island Def Jam {{!}} Complete Music Update |url=https://completemusicupdate.com/article/barry-weiss-to-head-up-island-def-jam/ |access-date=2022-11-21}} Under Weiss' leadership, Motown Records became an imprint of the Island Def Jam Music Group shortly after the disbandment of the UMRG.{{Cite web |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=2011-07-27 |title=Motown Records to Share Resources With Island Def Jam |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/motown-records-share-resources-island-216016/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Kanye West's imprint, GOOD Music, was given a 10-year distribution partnership with IDJMG.{{Cite web |title=Kanye's GOOD Music Inks Def Jam Deal |url=https://www.essence.com/news/kanye-wests-label-inks-deal-with-island-def-jam-music-group/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Wolkoff |first=Carly |date=2011-06-27 |title=Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music Inks Deal with Island Def Jam |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kanye-wests-good-music-inks-deal-with-island-def-jam-469707/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} GOOD Music assumed marketing, while Def Jam took over the manufacturing and distribution of its releases. The first official album released under the new partnership was Big Sean's debut, Finally Famous. In May, Def Soul Records was folded into Island Def Jam as a part of a rearrangement of the Island Def Jam Music Group's multi-genre strategy.{{Citation needed|date=November 2022}}

In August 2001, a Jay-Z and Kanye West collaborative album, Watch the Throne, was released under Island Def Jam's distribution. The album sold 436,000 copies in its first week, reportedly recorded the highest first-week sales for a hip hop album in 2011 and also the highest for IDJMG since Mariah Carey's 2005 album.{{Cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=2011-08-17 |title=Jay-Z & Kanye West's 'Throne' Sells 436,000, Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jay-z-kanye-wests-throne-sells-436000-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-467883/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In 2013, Fall Out Boy, Iggy Azalea, and Neon Trees continued to perform well commercially at the unit, with Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll accumulated 154,000 copies sold and debuting at number one on Billboard and Iggy Azalea's single, "Change Your Life", bringing certified Gold by the RIAA despite debuting at number 47 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.{{Cite web |title=Who Charted? Fall Out Boy 'Save Rock And Roll' With No. 1 Victories In 27 Countries |url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/fall-out-boy-save-rock-and-roll-pink-just-give-me-a-reason-billboard-chart/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Spin|date=24 April 2013 }}{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Iggy+Azalea&ti=Change+Your+Life&format=Single&type=#search_section |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=devops |date=2013-01-02 |title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/2014-05-10/ |access-date=2025-01-18 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} Neon Trees' single, "Sleeping with a Friend", reached the number seven position on the Adult Top 40, indicating favorable reception.{{Cite magazine |title=Neon Trees Premiere 'Sleeping With a Friend' - Rolling Stone |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/neon-trees-celebrate-friends-with-benefits-song-premiere-20140110 |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Rolling Stone}}

The Island Def Jam Music Group's operations in the United Kingdom were also changed that year with Mercury UK being absorbed into the new Virgin EMI Records. With the absorption of Mercury UK also involved the end of Def Jam UK, with all of Island, Def Jam, Republic, Virgin and Motown's artists being distributed under the newly reiterated imprint in the region. It occurred following UMG's acquisition of the recording music division of EMI a year earlier.{{Cite web |date=2012-09-28 |title=Universal Music completes acquisition of EMI Music |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-completes-acquisition-of-emi-music/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Virgin and Mercury merge to create Virgin EMI Records - Music Ally |url=https://musically.com/2013/03/19/virgin-and-mercury-merge-to-create-virgin-emi-records/ |access-date=2022-11-21}}

On April 1, 2014, Lucian Grainge, chairman and CEO of the Universal Music Group, confirmed the disbandment of the Island Def Jam Music Group. The unit ceased to exist after East Coast label faction CEO Barry Weiss' departure.{{cite web |last= Atkinson |first=Claire |date=2014-04-01 |title=Barry Weiss out at Universal's Island Def Jam in East Coast shakeup |url=https://nypost.com/2014/04/01/barry-weiss-out-at-universals-island-def-jam-in-east-coast-shakeup/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=New York Post }}{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |date=2014-04-01 |title=Music Executive Barry Weiss Steps Down as Island Def Jam Motown Reorganizes |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/music-executive-barry-weiss-steps-692511/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=UMG Dissolves Island Def Jam, Barry Weiss Steps Down |url=http://finance.yahoo.com/news/umg-dissolves-island-def-jam-barry-weiss-steps-155107357.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=finance.yahoo.com |language=en-US}} Grainge explained:

{{Cquote

| quote = "No matter how much we might work to build 'IDJ' as a brand, that brand could never be as powerful as each of IDJ's constituent parts. At UMG, our labels are empowered to be entrepreneurial and take creative risks. By re-establishing Def Jam, Island and Motown as standalone labels within the UMG family, we're positioning them to recapture the uniqueness of their brands and serve artists with the singularity of vision, focus and creativity that was at the core of their original success. Barry is a terrific music executive who led our East Coast labels during a critical time of transition. I can't say enough about his contributions to our labels or to thank him enough. He has positioned Def Jam, Island, Motown and Republic to where they are today — poised for even greater levels of success — and we'd love to keep him in the family. He has stepped down in order to enter into discussions with UMG about a new venture together. Barry is an exceptional music executive, and I'm enormously grateful for all of his invaluable contributions during a time of transition for our East Coast companies."

}}

It was believed that Weiss was dissatisfied with the fact that he would be demoted at Universal Music with Michele Anthony being promoted to executive vice president at the company's recorded music unit and John Janick replacing Jimmy Iovine as chairman and CEO of Island Def Jam's sister unit, Interscope Geffen A&M.{{Cite web |date=2014-04-01 |title=Barry Weiss out at Universal's Island Def Jam in East Coast shakeup |url=https://nypost.com/2014/04/01/barry-weiss-out-at-universals-island-def-jam-in-east-coast-shakeup/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=2014-05-28 |title=Jimmy Iovine Leaving Interscope Geffen A&M |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jimmy-iovine-leaving-interscope-geffen-am-6099411/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} He was also in talks with Grainge to create a new joint venture with UMG.{{Cite web |last1=Mir |last2=J.Mir |first2=a |last3=J |first3=a |title=Island Def Jam Is Over - XXL |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/island-def-jam-will-longer-exist/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=XXL Mag |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2014-04-01 |title=Barry Weiss Steps Down As Chairman & CEO Of Island Def Jam |url=https://hiphopwired.com/293561/barry-weiss-longer-chairman-ceo-island-def-jam/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Latest Hip-Hop News, Music and Media {{!}} Hip-Hop Wired |language=en-US}}

With Island Def Jam disbanded,{{Cite web |title=UMG Disbands Island Def Jam |url=https://www.bet.com/article/7rlrnr/umg-disbands-island-def-jam |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=BET |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=2014-04-01 |title=Universal Music Group Breaks Up Its Island Def Jam Division |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/business/media/universal-music-group-breaks-up-its-island-def-jam-division.html |access-date=2022-11-21 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} operations had been traced solely into all three label units: Def Jam Recordings will now act as its own label under Universal Music, as so Island Records, which Def Jam remains a sister label to, but with new farther relations. Meanwhile, Motown Records currently operates under the Capitol Music Group.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=2023-02-17 |title=Motown Records Initiates Layoffs as Label Reverses Course, Returning to Capitol Music Group |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/motown-records-layoffs-capitol-reintegration-1235526061/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=2023-02-17 |title=Layoffs Hit Motown Records Amid Capitol Reintegration |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/layoffs-motown-records-capitol-music-group-reintegration/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} Mercury Records had folded into Island following the closure, but had since been reactivated in 2022 by Universal Music and later moved to Republic Records.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2022-04-11 |title=Republic Relaunches Mercury Records; Post Malone, James Bay Move Over to New Roster |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/republic-relaunches-mercury-records-post-malone-1235230034/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=2022-04-11 |title=Republic Relaunches Mercury Records With Post Malone, James Bay |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/mercury-records-relaunch-post-malone-james-bay-republic/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}

In terms of corporate leadership, Steve Bartels was reassigned to CEO of Def Jam until 2018,{{Cite magazine |last=Gensler |first=Andy |date=2017-08-07 |title=Inside Steve Bartels' Def Jam Reign: Bieber Hits and Market Share Misses |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/steve-bartels-def-jam-reign-by-numbers/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Christman |first=Ed |date=2017-12-01 |title=With Major Grammy Nominations, Def Jam’s Steve Bartels Is Leaving On a High Note |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/def-jam-steve-bartels-leaves-high-note-grammy-nominations/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} David Massey remained president and CEO of Island (also until 2018),{{Cite web |author=Billboard Staff |date=2013-02-08 |title=David Massey Named President of Island Records |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/david-massey-named-president-island-419790/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |last2=Aswad |first2=Jem |date=2018-04-13 |title=David Massey Stepping Down From Island Records to Start New Venture |url=https://variety.com/2018/biz/news/david-massey-stepping-down-from-island-records-to-start-new-venture-1202753234/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Dredge |first=Stuart |date=2018-07-10 |title=Sony Music relaunches Arista Records with David Massey |url=http://musically.com/2018/07/10/sony-music-relaunches-arista-records-with-david-massey/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Music Ally |language=en-GB}} and Ethiopia Habtemariam was named president of Motown before leaving in 2022.{{Cite magazine |last=Millman |first=Ethan |date=2021-03-08 |title=Ethiopia Habtemariam, Motown Records' New CEO, on Recentering Black Music in Culture |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/features/ethiopia-habtemariam-motown-ceo-interview-1137831/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-01 |title=ETHIOPIA HABTEMARIAM ELEVATED TO CHAIRMAN & CEO OF MOTOWN RECORDS |url=https://www.universalmusic.com/ethiopia-habtemariam-elevated-to-chairman-ceo-of-motown-records/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=UMG |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2022-11-29 |title=Ethiopia Habtemariam to Step Down From Motown Records |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/ethiopia-habtemariam-step-down-motown-records-1235444815/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-30 |title=Ethiopia Habtemariam to step down as Chairwoman and CEO of Motown |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ethiopia-habtemariam-to-step-down-as-chairwoman-and-ceo-of-motown-records/ |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} As of 2022, despite the shutdown, there is a Facebook and Instagram joint account and Universal Music France subunit called Island Def Jam France, taking the unit name and being maintained by UMG France to promote both labels' music altogether.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-21 |title=Island Def Jam - Home |website=Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/IslandDefJamFr/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121202101/https://www.facebook.com/IslandDefJamFr/ |archive-date=2022-11-21 }} IDJ France also promotes and produces releases under sister labels Capitol, Motown, Virgin Music and Republic Records. Guenael "G.G." Fray has been appointed the deputy director of both IDJ and Polydor Records' French operations since January 2023.{{Cite web |title=GG SAYS "OUI" TO NEW UMG FRANCE ROLE |url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=334480&title=GG-SAYS-OUI-TO-NEW-UMG-FRANCE-ROLE |access-date=2024-01-21 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}}

In 2024, Island Def Jam France concentrates on French-speaking artists, while international Island and Def Jam artists are distributed by Polydor.

In 2024, Universal Music sister label Republic Records rebranded Island Def Jam Music Group under Republic Corps as part of its core label strategy, renaming it Republic Corps.{{Cite web |last=Rys |first=Dan |date=2024-03-12 |title=UMG’s East Coast Labels Reorganize as ‘Republic Corps’ With New Structure |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/umg-east-coast-labels-restructured-republic-corps-def-jam-island-mercury-1235631067/ |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} It was a strategy imposed by UMG to combine its labels, Republic, Island and Def Jam, under the "East Coast" operation. Republic Corps and Universal's New York City label operations are under the supervision of Republic co-founder Monte Lipman.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-03-12 |title=Universal Music Restructuring Continues, East Coast Labels Unite via Republic Corps Division |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/universal-music-restructure-east-coast-labels-republic-corps-1235939604/ |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

IDJMG ranked as the top rhythmic label by Mediabase’s 2012 airplay analysis, with seven number-one songs played on rhythmic radio stations, including songs from Rihanna, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, and Justin Bieber.{{cite web|title=Mediabase Year-end Edition 2012|url=http://pdf.mediabase.com/YearEnd12/YearEnd12.pdf|work=Mediabase|publisher=Clear Communications, Inc|access-date=8 February 2014|year=2012}}

• 4th & B'way Records
• Casablanca Records {{Small|(pre-2000 and Chocolate City Records back catalogue)}}
• Monarc Entertainment
• Photo Finish Records {{Small|(now operating under UMG's Virgin Music Label & Artist Services)}}
• Tuff Gong

• Disturbing tha Peace

• EmArcy Records
• Limelight Records {{Small|(catalogue now under control of Verve Records)}}
• Total Experience Records {{Small|(1982-83 catalogue)}}

• Motown Gospel

• ARTium Records

• American Recordings {{Small|(now a division of UMG sister label Republic Records)}}
• Chemistry Records
• Def Con II
• Def Jamaica
• Def Jam Japan
• Def Jam UK
• Def Jam South
• Def Soul
• Def Soul Classics
• Capricorn Records {{Small|(second incarnation)}}
• GOOD Music
• Intrepid Records
• Island Black Music
• Island Urban Music
• Lost Highway Records {{Small|(currently a part of the Universal Music Group Nashville division)}}
• Margaritaville Records
• Mercury Classics {{Small|(renamed Mercury KX in 2016)}}
• Mercury International {{Small|(United Kingdom and Australian operations folded; Mercury France and Tokyo still active)}}
• Mercury Nashville {{Small|(currently a part of the Universal Music Group Nashville division)}}
• Murder Inc. Records
• Radio Killa Records
• Roadrunner Records {{Small|(currently a division of Warner Music's 300 Elektra Entertainment)}}
• Roc-A-Fella Records
• Roc-La-Familia
• The Rocket Record Company
• Rush Associated Labels
• Russell Simmons Music Group
• Smash Records
• So So Def Recordings {{Small|(distribution deal)}}
• Tag Records {{Small|(partnership with TAG Body Spray)}}
• Teen Island
• Vertigo Records {{Small|(currently a part of the Mercury Records subset of Republic Records)}}
• Wing Records

• Adrienne Bailon
• Anthrax (American band)
• Ashanti
• August Alsina
• Big Sean
• Bob Marley
• Bon Jovi
• Cameo
• Christina Milian
• The Diplomats (Island Def Jam/Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella/Diplomat)
• DMX (Island Def Jam/Def Jam/Ruff Ryders)
• Dru Hill
• Elton John
• Fall Out Boy
• Frank Ocean
• Hanson
• Hikaru Utada
• Iggy Azalea
• Insane Clown Posse
• Janet Jackson
• Ja Rule (Island Def Jam/Def Jam/Murder Inc.)
• Jay-Z
• Jennifer Lopez
• Johnny Cash
• Justin Bieber
• Kanye West
• The Killers
• Kurtis Blow
• Lionel Richie
• LL Cool J
• Logic
• Ludacris
• Mariah Carey
• Method Man
• Memphis Bleek (Island Def Jam/Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella)
• The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
• Ne-Yo
• Neon Trees
• Nickelback
• Patti LaBelle
• Redman
• Rihanna
• Saliva
• Shania Twain
• Sum 41
• Young Jeezy (Island Def Jam/Def Jam/Corporate Thugz)
• Eric B
• Rakim

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website}} {{dead link|date=November 2022}}

{{Def Jam Recordings}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Island Def Jam Music Group, The}}

Category:American record labels

Category:Companies based in New York City

Category:Universal Music Group

Category:Labels distributed by Universal Music Group

Category:1998 establishments in the United States

Category:Record labels disestablished in 2014

Category:Island Records

Category:Def Jam Recordings