The story of Def Jam Recordings takes root in Long Island, and at its core lies the creative spark of Rick Rubin, a native of Lido Beach who, while still a film student at New York University (NYU), built what would become one of hip-hop’s most influential labels. Rubin’s Long Island upbringing shaped his musical sensibilities, and in his NYU dorm room he began pressing vinyl and recording demos — the seeds of Def Jam’s powerful legacy.
In 1984, Rubin officially co-founded Def Jam with Russell Simmons, launching its first major release: LL Cool J’s single “I Need a Beat.” LL Cool J, while billing himself from Queens, had Long Island roots, which you can read about in another LibGuide. Among the label’s earliest and most important signings were also Long Island natives like Public Enemy, whose members formed the group while students at Adelphi University in Garden City, and Doctor Dre (André Brown) — not to be confused with the West Coast producer — who was part of Def Jam’s early radio and recording scene.
The Long Island connections of the label also extends into Def Jam’s visual storytelling. The Beastie Boys’ first major music video, “She’s On It” (1985), was filmed around Lido Beach and Long Beach, which you can read more about in another LibGuide.
Researched by Darren Paltrowitz on November 5, 2025.