Rap Radar

We’re excited too. It was announced today that Island Def Jam SVP, Shawn “Pecas” Costner has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Def Jam Recordings. Says Pecas:

“Def Jam is the greatest hip-hop label in the world and it is an honor and a privilege to work with such incredible artists every day. I am appreciative of Steve Bartels for his leadership and his continued faith in me as we move the Def Jam brand into the future. With our talented staff, an unprecedented roster of superstars and an exciting crop of newcomers, we are poised to win big in 2013″

Island Def Jam’s President/COO, Steve Bartels adds:

“I am thrilled to announce this well deserved promotion. I have worked with Pecas for many years and have watched him grow significantly over that time. I look to Pecas for applying his energy and deep artist relationships towards helping us drive Def Jam on the path to continued greatness.”

As far as Amaya goes, he still runs the digital marketing department. Fire!

Grand Hustle’s first lady fired up her Twitter this afternoon and revealed that she has joined Island Def Jam. Below is what she said of her new label:

Hey world. I signed to island def jam. I am now mercury UK/ island def jam USA awesome!!!! No. That doesn’t mean I’m no in hustle gang. Save it. Still in it. Still on the hustle gang album. Friendship doesn’t require contracts. If this confuses you, you are welcome to read the press release on billboard later today. ☺

Maryland’s rising MC Logic has just inked a deal over at Def Jam and taps No I.D. to executive produce his debut LP. Today, XXL also gives him their Freshman Class freebie of the day. Congrats. Says Logic:

I’m  excited to take this next step in my career. It’s incredible for Def Jam [Records] and Visionary Music Group to work together  and the opportunity to collaborate with a living legend like No I.D. is  priceless. I’m very humbled to be apart of the most  iconic hip hop label of all time.”

Def Jam’s EVP of A&R No I.D. adds:

“Logic has a great future ahead and we are happy to have him at Def Jam.  He has the talent to be a great artist and make a strong presence in  our industry.

hhdx

A year ago this month, Joie Manda was appointed Def Jam President. But today, he announced his resignation and new position as President of Urban Music at Interscope Records. No word as to his successor, but in statement he said the following.

“Despite having to move back to Los Angeles for personal reasons, I am truly grateful to Barry, John and Jimmy Iovine (Chairman & CEO, Interscope Geffen A&M) for this exciting new opportunity. I’ve learned a lot from Barry in the last year and am very appreciative of everything he has done for me. I am now looking forward to being part of the Interscope family, a company uniquely positioned for success despite this challenging  marketplace.”

Yesterday, our own YN hosted Fab’s Def Jam Conference call. During the briefing, Fab spoke on Loso’s Way 2, premiered its first single “Ready“, and more. If you couldn’t dial in, here’s what you missed.

Surprise, surprise. After much speculation, Billboard has confirmed that Atlanta rapper Trinidad James has signed to the house that Russell and Rick built. Says president, Joie Manda:

“We’re excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family,” Joie Manda says. “Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop’s rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what’s happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz.”

As part of the deal, the label will also incubate his imprint, Gold Gang Records. Interesting times we’re in. Check out DJ Self’s recent vlog featuring Trinidad after the jump.

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There’s more room on the executive side of Def Jam. Today, the company announced that producer Dallas Austin will fill the role as the Senior Vice President of A&R at Island Records.

“I am truly honored to be working with the most cutting-edge and creative artists in the business,” said Mr. Austin.  “I am inspired and excited every day by this amazing and diverse roster and by the leadership and vision of Barry Weiss, Steve Bartels and the IDJ team.  I look forward to discovering new talent and continuing to build on Island Records’ storied history.”

Def Jam CEO Barry Weiss says:

“Dallas is a modern day music man: a veteran who has been supplying chart hits to this industry for more than two decades, across multiple genres and around the world,” said Mr. Weiss.  “Island Records is fortunate that such a coveted creative force is working with the company and its artists, bringing his experience and expertise to Island at this exciting time in the company’s history.  The work he has just done on new Island artist Nikki Williams is nothing short of stunning.”

Breaking News!!!! @GUNPLAYMMG just Signed Big Solo Lp Deal @MaybachMusicGrp @DefJamRecords Debut Album Coming!!!!Streets Been Ready!!!

—
TEFLON DON (@rickyrozay) July 03, 2012

After years of sitting in Maybach Music’s backseat, Gunplay is now riding shotgun with Def Jam. Break out the sea bass! No word yet on his major label debut’s release date. Stay tuned.

G.O.O.D. Music has just extended its family with the addition of Q-Tip. His next album The Last Zulu will be his first release and is expected to arrive early next year. Tip says:

“I’m excited to be a part of the great iconic Def Jam label,” said Q-Tip. “I’m humbled to be a part of such a storied history.  To reconnect with Barry Weiss is a great thing. As far as G.O.O.D. Music, I’m excited to solidify my working relationship with Kanye, and I look forward to all the opportunities that lie ahead in our partnership. I will do my best to present the most cutting edge music I can.”

By the way, happy belated Abstract.

There’s a new sheriff in the Def Jam offices. It was officially announced today that former Warner Bros. executive Joie Manda has taken over the presidential duties of Def Jam. Manda says:

“Running Def Jam is the greatest challenge of my career and I am appreciative to Barry Weiss for his faith in appointing me to this position. I’m excited to work alongside Steve Bartels, who is one of the most talented music execs in the business and who has played such an important role in building the IDJ team. The Def Jam artist roster has always been synonymous with the greatest in hip-hop, and I intend to carry that tradition into the future.”

Chairman & CEO of Universal Republic and Island Def Jam Barry Weiss says:

“As we look to expand Def Jam and our creative urban music activities even further, there is no one better to lead them than Joie. He has emerged as one of the most respected young executives in today’s Urban music landscape, possessing all the qualifications and experience  that are essential to run Def Jam, the world’s most important hip-hop destination. The entire Def Jam family looks forward to working closely with Joie as he puts his unique imprint on the next chapter in the label’s storied and successful history.”