Last night VH1 aired their 6th annual Hip Hop Honors. This year’s ceremony focused solely on the 25 year legacy of the storied Hip Hop label, Def Jam Records. The performances have been a staple of Hip Hop Honors and always include today’s top artists covering classic songs by the honorees. This year gave us The Roots and Eminem paying homage to LL Cool J, KRS, Wale, And Gym Class Heroes performing “No Sleep Til Brooklyn” as well as sets from Pubic Enemy, Onyx, Ja Rule, and, unfortunately, Rick Ross (sorry, that was just bad). The highlight to me, and a part of Hip Hop Honors that I always enjoy the most, remains the stories told in between the performances. Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons recounted turning Rubin’s dorm room into a steam room, the Beasties recalled the makings of “Hold It Now Hit It”, while LL Cool J talked about his grandmother butchering Rick Rubin’s name. One of the best commentaries came from Lyor Cohen, who stole the show after his “Do It For The Logo” clip aired. The clip, which you can see below, drew a standing ovation from the Def Jam section, as Cohen described his light bulb moment when he realized that Def Jam was the Blue Collar label.
It stuck with me then for comic relief, and because he took some small shots at Death Row, and Bad Boy, but what Cohen said is good business and something that I know I can use immediately. All the clips and stories really showed me the magic and brilliance that went into Def Jam, and regardless of your feelings on the label now, it truly is a piece of American history that deserves to be celebrated. And hopefully will be duplicated, not directly, but in spirit.