Senate Resolution No. 2487

BY: Senator BAILEY

        COMMEMORATING  the  40th  Anniversary  of  Def Jam
        Recordings, Hip-Hop's most  iconic  and  influential
        New York Record Label

  WHEREAS,  It  is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
honor creative institutions who have had a  significant  impact  on  the
arts and culture of our communities; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern  and  in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
commemorate  the  40th Anniversary of Def Jam Recordings, Hip-Hop's most
iconic and influential New York Record Label; and

  WHEREAS, Def Jam Recordings, founded in 1984 by two young  New  York
entrepreneurs  in  the  Weinstein Residence Hall of New York University,
has been the preeminent record label at the forefront of  Hip-Hop  music
and culture for four decades; and

  WHEREAS,  Def  Jam Recordings is credited with uniting the sounds of
Disco, Rock and Roll, and Punk music and igniting the then nascent genre
of Hip-Hop; and WHEREAS, The  investment  and  expertise  of  Def  Jam
Recordings  launched  the careers of dozens of Hip-Hop, R&B, and popular
music legends and icons, including LL Cool J, Slick  Rick,  The  Beastie
Boys,  Public  Enemy, Jay-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Method Man, Redman, Ludacris,
Rihanna, Jeezy, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, Logic, Pusha  T,  Jadakiss,
Jeremih, Big Sean, YG, 2 Chainz, Dave East, Jhene Aiko, and many others;
and

  WHEREAS,  Def  Jam  Recordings  continues  to  innovate, invest, and
promote sustainable music careers and entrepreneurial opportunities  for
Hip-Hop  pioneers,  while  empowering  future  generations  of  artists,
producers, and lyricists in their pursuit to define the next era of  Hip
Hop; and

  WHEREAS,  Def  Jam  Recordings  embodies New York City's vibrant art
scene and street culture; and

  WHEREAS, Def Jam Recordings is now a global brand - synonymous  with
creativity,  quality,  and  authenticity  - trumpeting Hip-Hop music and
culture around the world; and

  WHEREAS, Def Jam Recordings' music has often placed a  spotlight  on
societal  ills, and been a driving force for meaningful cultural change;
and

  WHEREAS, Def Jam Recordings produces  significant  contributions  to
the State's economy and workforce; and

  WHEREAS,  Def  Jam  Recordings  brings great pride to both the music
industry and the citizens of this great Empire State; and

  WHEREAS,  This  Legislative  Body  has  deep  appreciation  for  the
exceptional   achievements  of  Def  Jam  Recordings,  and  wishes  them
continued success for decades to come; now, therefore, be it

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate and thank Def Jam Recordings for four  decades  of  artistic
excellence and cultural export; and be it further

  RESOLVED,  That  a  copy  of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Def Jam Recordings.