Note from Russell Simmons to Beastie Boys

After producing and/or managing artists including Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow, and Whodini, Russell Simmons joined forces with Rick Rubin and formed Def Jam Recordings in 1984. Def Jam signed and cultivated a number of hip hop superstars, including LL COOL J, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys and JAY-Z. Simmons described the Def Jam philosophy: “Early on there was a fingerprint, you know, not really subscribing to any mainstream kind of sounds or philosophies, to try to brand the acts and letting them dress the way it made sense. I mean, taking what was honest from them and making it theatrical is real.” Beastie Boys’ “Rock Hard” was the second release on the Def Jam label.