Universal Music have launched a brand new UK based record label. 0207 Def Jam will take after esteemed American label, Def Jam Recordings. A nod to London and its thriving abundance of arts and culture, Def Jam honoured our capital city by replicating a London telephone code as part of the UK projects’ title.
Brothers Alec and Alex Boateng will head their new UK project as industry executives. Alex Boateng has been a part of Universal Music for ten years, and up until recently fulfilled the role of President of Island Records’ Urban Division. Giggs, Drake, Tiwa Savage and Ray BLK are just some of the artists who have collaborated on campaigns with Island Records.
Up until Universals’ latest announcement, Alec Boateng served the great responsibility as Co-chair of A&R at Atlantic Records. The growing superstardom of both Burna Boy and Jess Glynne was all overseen by Alec Boateng.
Amy Tetty, a former colleague at Island Records with an eleven-year alumni, will join Alec and Alex Boateng on 0207 Def Jam. In a statement, Alex Boateng relayed his excitement towards the new project: “Especially in these times, this is a real privilege. I’m proud our collective journey now includes partnering a legendary label with a style that only London and the UK can provide. Looking forward to watching and guiding where the music and art takes the journey next.”
Alec Boateng declared his anticipation and gratitude towards his new role, showing his high appreciation for today’s artists: “Music, art and artists really, really matter. I’m super excited to play a leadership role in this brilliant new space we’re creating for amazing music and talent to live and evolve. A space which will support both our teams and our artists to be the best version of themselves.”
The interim Chairman and CEO of Def Jam Recordings Jeff Harleston was immensely pleased at the news of Alec and Alex Boateng heading 0207 Def Jam. Harleston said in a statement: “It is a perfect fit having Alex and Alec at the helm of 0207 Def Jam.”
Harleston continued, conveying his upmost respect for the Boateng brothers. Harleston said of the Boatengs: “Their creativity, artist relationships, and connection with culture are all key elements that have made Def Jam such an important label for over 35 years. I have no doubt that Alex, Alec and their team will only make the label and the brand even stronger.”
Def Jam Recordings was founded in 1984 by legendary producer Rick Rubin. Originally starting from his University dorm room in New York City, Rubin started Def Jam Recordings to release a song by his then punk group, Hose. Russell Simmonds joined Def Jam as a partner soon after, following an introduction to Rubin by DJ Jazzy Jay.
Since then, Def Jam Recordings have signed, supervised and overseen some of the world’s biggest artists and their respective rises to superstardom. From LL Cool J and Jay Z, to Rihanna and Stormzy, Def Jam have continuously reigned as the music industry’s most dynamic record label.
