"I like things that are unique and extreme." -Rick Rubin. The most influential hip-hop label of all time is spending all of 2014 celebrating their iconoclastic 30-year history. Part of the celebration includes this next level 6LP boxset – housed in a limited edition, turntable styled and individually numbered box. Along with a two-volume “greatest hits” compilation, the boxset includes a deeper selection from the Def Jam vaults curated by the man Rick Rubin. This part of the collection includes gems from Liquid Liquid, Hashim and Afrika Bambaataa among others, showing off some of Def Jams more adventurous releases. Central to the whole set is a 9,000-word booklet written by hip-hop journalist Dan Charnas. The booklet is chalk full of discography info, liner notes, rare photos and memorabilia. Not to be outdone by the bells and whistles, the “best of” compilation runs through just about all Def Jam hits that helped build the empire as we know it. All of the classic tracks are here – from LL Cool J, Public Enemy and Montell Jordan to DMX, Rick Ross and Kanye - the list goes on and on and on. This is truly the most comprehensive collection of Def Jam’s greatest hits from its far-reaching roster of artists. Also included in the box is a collectible t-shirt (XL-only).

• 6LP boxset
• Technics shaped box
• sixteen page booklet
• burgundy t-shirt
• music label: Def Jam Records 2014

reviewed by boumtje-boumtje 09/2014