The Rise and Fall of Def Jux (Documentary)

[@dcomposed1336]

The Cold Vein is one of the greatest albums ever made. It is a shame they didnt do anything else with El-P after that.

[@TexasHeatAudit]

You are unequivocally 100% correct

[@zdelorean]

Might be my favorite album in the genre and my top 5 wouldn't be some underground list, its just that good.

[@harrymoschops]

Cannibal Ox the definition of raw

[@lowbrowartfag]

The Cold Vein was only good from a production standpoint. Vordul and Vast's lyrics were so banal that I found them irritating, and I was disappointed with the purchase wishing I had opted for the instrumental. If that album is being touted as the best album, it must be by people who weren't already entrenched in the underground scene or they just weren't into lyrics being of a decent caliber. Also... are we just going to keep glossing over Yak Ballz? Because I can't blame you.

[@strafer8764]

There are people that think it’s overrated. I don’t know why. One of the best albums I’ve heard

[@Brother_Farr]

El-p’s body of work over this time period was insane! That whole def jux roster was a hip hop cheat code.

[@BoadieBroadus3211]

The RTJ run on top of it puts his catalogue up there with the very best of all time

[@lowlowseesee]

whole? nah. hanger 18 lololol. most yeah. they would have been better served with having Megahurtz on the label. particularly with tracks like This year and Absotively Posilutely

[@atomail6334]

Rhyme sayers was better at the time by allot

[@UnclePhillyMyAss]

@@BoadieBroadus3211 RTJ is not even in the same stratosphere.

[@osirisfeliz2390]

C Rayz Walz is one of the greatest emcees that so few know about.

[@TheGraveyShow]

Def Jux shaped my teenage years. People will never understand how this era in hiphop influenced entire towns across America. I spent many weekends going to shows around CT/MA/NY. I've seen Cage, Aesop, El-p and all the WM.CC.DefJux crew many times. They helped shaped my youth and I'll always cherish those years.

[@AUSTINMUSICBOX]

Well said

[@SDub313]

Facts🔥💯💪🏽Rhymesayers was a big part of my childhood also. Living Legends! I could keep going but you already no

[@TheGraveyShow]

@@SDub313 rhymesayers and jedi mind tricks yup.. both just as influential

[@timbuktoo7050]

Absolutely

[@i-never-look-at-replies-lol]

*my life & identity has been shaped by the media i consumed*

[@MFD00MTR33]

I'll Sleep when you're dead is my favorite aobum ever. After it came out i bumped for 7 months straight in my truck without changing it. I drove 100-200 miles a day so it got a lot of play. There's been a few albums that made it 1 month and even fewer that got to 2 months but IDWYD just resonated with me and i couldn't get tired of it. I still bump it and Fan Dam pretty regularly.

[@SauceSoundz]

This chapter of hip hop has largely been forgotten. Thanks for shining a light on it

[@SoftDrinksOfChoice]

not by the fans

[@snoopdaclown]

Night hawks was a classic with cage and camu Tao. I loved that time in music, got a weatherman tattoo so they will always have a place in my life...

[@808sirenz9]

Come To Daddy is a banger

[@constancemerryweather525]

From the cannon that fell from the sky into my hand and told me to keep blastin’ till I’m the last standing! Love Night Hawks!

[@puppyhandler2349]

Night Hawks was Eastern Conference Records.

[@AMOKIAN]

I was so hyped and inspired by this label….the artists, the production, the sound of the vinyl, the cover art and over all roster. ELP was having his RZA moment, album after album of megabombs, I was crushed when they folded. The outlook for indie / left field Hip-Hop was so bright during their little run…. They could not lose. What a touring roster they had too. (Side note: I liked Bigg Jus’s Subverse Label too)

[@JEStheUniversual]

Bigg Jus is my dude. He is a good friend of mine. Subverse was dope. And a lot of people don’t understand what Bigg Jus and Subverse did for MF DOOMs career. They re:released Operations Doomsday and released the shelved KMD - Black Bastards record. They also help put out many indie classics. I also really liked Mr. Lens label Dummy Smack Records as well.

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

It's hard to fully capture just how cool Def Jux was at this time, because the idea of "underground" music doesn't really exist anymore. They were producing some of the dopest hip-hop music ever, and every artist had their own style. This was especially true once Murs came on. We're talking true hip-hop classics. It was a great time to be young

[@rosalind1635]

What you mean underground doesn't exist?!

[@Tempest_Elixir]

​@rosalind1635 think they prob mean compared to the old days where to even be aware of the underground, you were part of a scene in itself. You have to physically buy the copy (and underground was more limited numbers cos of budget) Back then if you're underground you won't have videos on TV. Hustle on street and try to get demo airplay on radio. Nowadays no matter "how underground" you are, if you're material is on the Internet, with a couple swipes I can hear it instantaneously on the phone in my pocket. Ultimately by definition of the very word "Underground" back then you had to dig. Nowadays with the technology advancement Underground is easy access which never used to be. I'm not saying there isn't dope artists worth digging for. There always has and always will be. Just the evolution of change

[@YouCallThataKnife253]

@@Tempest_Elixir 💯

[@rahsaanthomas7030]

I bought Murs' Beginning Of An End in 2003 and Aesop Rock's Bazooka Tooth a couple of months later. Then Mr. Lif's Emergency Rations. Def Jux had a good roster.

[@Luis-mk9gd]

Underground hip hop definitely exists still, theres just an overwhelming amount of styles to choose from and they tend to blow up a bit faster because of social media. Right now New York hip hop is actually booming with a ton of creativity. Check out the rapper MIKE and also Navy Blue. The collective Standing On the Corner and Slauson Malone are also going crazy. All of their styles can be a bit avant garde or weird but theres no doubt theres a line of influence from early underground rap like cannibal ox having an influence on them

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

Subbed. I’ve been a Def Jukie since Labor Days came out. It’s been and amazing journey seeing these artists evolve through the years. I scrolled through your stuff and didn’t see them.. You should do one of these for Rhymesayers as well as anticon.

[@humbleheroics5978]

Yes to anticon!

[@lancemiller7658]

Fucking Anticon!

[@mikechamp78]

Mr. Lif's I-Phantom was perfect timing for me. I remember stumbling upon it on an accident at a small record shop, listening to a couple of tracks, buying it, and bumping it on the graveyard shift at a job I hated. It really inspired me to get out of there, and I did.

[@adhimustewartakamindbender8899]

Excellent video of an excellent time in hip hop history. I used to stay at El-P's with Vast Aire in Brooklyn when they were recording 'The Cold Vein' and I have an advance copy on cassette that Vast gave me. It always felt like something special, timeless and ahead of its time was being made, and it's still that way to this day. The Def Jux Era is one of the best moments in ALL of hip hop's 50 year history, and I'm glad I was a part of it in even some small way... including being at the final Company Flow show at Bowery Ballroom in 2001. Good times :)

[@musaka2022]

I have a question, if you would be so kind to answer. Have you ever seen Aesop Rock and Rumplestilsltskin in the same room?

[@kevinparker363]

Early 2000s...backpack,skateboard, hustling in the rainy streets of Arcata,Eugene, Portland,SF...Def Jux was my go to...to escape the harsh elements..

[@Grennymcgee]

Dead Weathermen will always be on rotation for me! RIP Mu 😢😢😢, King of Hearts is awesome. Major Team all day!

[@BrikMason]

Oh man those were the days. I think I copped just about every album Def Jux put out. I still have my copy of that Rise of Robots dvd.

[@baythagod]

This was dope!!! During the late 90s and a lot of the 00s, I was all Def Jux and Eastern Conference Records, man what music that was… a lot of it is still in heavy rotation for me.

[@ReallyShortOpinions]

Rawkus Records and Definitive Jux will always be missed.

[@strangemobius]

"Sign to Rawkus?"

[@ReallyShortOpinions]

@@strangemobius I'd rather be mouth f*cked by nazis unconscious.

[@Smegsaiah]

This is dope. Glad you mentioned dizzee’s Maths + English. It’s interesting to think that if Def Jux had held out just 1 more year dizzee would’ve released Toung n Cheek on the label which was a massive success in the US, and could’ve saved def jux financially

[@unpredictableaxolotl3762]

Whenever people bring up El-P the conversation always turns toward Fantastic Damage, but I'll Sleep When You're Dead is prolly my favorite record in any genre. It's an underappreciated masterpiece.

[@easelove]

one of the most complete albums of all time, in any genre.

[@viktorragnemar9018]

It’s timeless. Listened to it sooooo soooo much.

[@amdi8966]

ISWYD is El’s best solo album. That is a fact.

[@macaz1986]

I would go to my local record store every 2 weeks on payday. And buy a CD or 2. I’ll never forget. They had a poster for I’ll Sleep When you’re Dead on the wall. Along with the big headphones where you could sample the CD before you buy. The poster lured me in. Then when I listened to like 2 tracks I was hooked. I ended up buying. Before then I never even listened to hip hop. It opened up my eyes and then I discovered Aesop Rock and Hangar 18. Along with several other artist. I still listen to that album all the time. It brings me back to the days when I was young and single and would bump this shit in my 93 ford bronco.

[@SVNTY6]

Great episode. Labour Days is an incredible album and the track Daylight is legendary.

[@CristinaRobu]

The Cold Vein is brilliant, I'll Sleep When You're Dead is one of my favorites, and None Shall Pass is majestic

[@KevinRobinsonJr]

I was heavy in Def Jux in college. Mo Mega by Lif, The Cold Vein by Can Ox - classics!

[@neilsbrooks]

My favorite label, producer, and rappers. Nothing but bangers. El-P has genuinely been my favorite rapper since Fan Dam and I stand on that today. I remember seeing him back in the day and there was maybe 100 kids at the show. Years later i saw him again and the crowd was much larger but seeing him and Mike moving 10,000 bodies at major venues nearly brings tears to my eyes.

[@TasteTheD]

This makes me so sad, yet proud to be a fan. This label defined me as a listener and now as a DJ. RIP Camu and Def Jux

[@ac3tate909]

8 Steps to Perfection The song that started it all for me May all the higher powers bless El-P for what he did with hip hop in those glorious days of Def Jux and all the vinyl monsters! 🤘🏽😶‍🌫️🤘🏽

[@OswaldBatesIIIEsq]

I still listen to "Funcrusher Plus" twenty-six-ish years later. I love how Smif-N-Wessun showed them love in their new video "BKLYN".

[@SydNyd]

A video on Tonedeff would be awesome, definitely one of the most talented yet overlooked artists. Great Video bro 👊🏾

[@Nonesuch83]

Growing up I was never really into Hip-hop. I joined the military in 2002 at 18 and met a dude who was really into Def Jux, Hieroglyphics, Living Legends, Soleside/Quannum, etc. We went to a Tower Records and he suggested I grab Cold Vein and FanDam on CD. What a fortuitous suggestion. Def Jux was my gateway into hip-hop. From there I finally paid attention to the mainstream hip-hop that I ignored as a teen (NaS, Wu-Tang, etc.). Def Jux put out great album after great album. Cold Vein, FanDam, Labor Days, I Phantom....so many more that stand as great entries into the hip-hop canon. I don't lament the end of Def Jux because El-P made some great moves afterward, but it is certainly a well of nostalgia and music that is often revisited.

[@void.sawyer]

Labor Days. I love how Aes and El are still putting out fire in 2023

[@kobweb2994]

Cage was a big part of the def jux crew. Any plans for a cage/weather men video?

[@insouciant878]

So glad to see you cover this. Been listening to the Def Jux roster literally every day for the past four years and have never once felt unstimulated. So grateful for this beautiful period of Hip Hop.

[@Based_Proletariat]

Same here

[@TerryBorderline]

Who remembers going to Barnes and Noble in the mid 2000s and finding all the def jux songs you could listen to in the store for free. It was a underground teen hip hop heaven

[@emilholmstrom5966]

To name a favorite DefJux - album isn't easy as they're all dope in their own right and all inspiring when they came out. That being said though, I do love the cold vein.

[@reunion97410]

Thank you so much. I grew up in berlin listening to def jux all the time. We need some underground documentaries about all these artists. El p is king. Cannibal ox are gods

[@BeatJunkie-mq1tc]

Great video my friend. I miss the days of walking into a music store and seeing a new Def Jux album for purchase with the def.jux sticker on it with the features. Not to mention that was the golden age of independent not just for DJ but Sage Francis, Heiroglyphics, Non-Phixion, DOOM, the list goes on and on. Sadly those days are over.

[@luisalgarin7071]

Bout time someone dived back into this Era of Hip Hop.

[@atomicalien4]

Dove*

[@cotton-reel]

Incredible work as always, Def Goldblum. For me, The Cold Vein and Labor Days are simply incredible and my favorite releases. Off the latter, Aesop Rock's "No Regrets" is one of the most important songs in my life. "Look, I've never had a dream in my life, because a dream is what you wanna do, but still haven't pursued, I knew what I wanted and did it till it was done, so I've been the dream I wanted to be since day one".

[@temucargocult]

I'll hang my boots to rest when I'm impressed So I triple knot em and forgot em

[@human.skyscraper]

​@@temucargocult ima lay my kicks to rest when I'm impressed so I staple gun em to my feet

[@nage9465]

The instrumentals on The Cold Vein sound like it came from a sci-fi dystopian alternate universe. I think its El-P's best production to date.

[@wh0datninja68]

Ridiculoud instrumentals goes hard!!!

[@NunnaYorbiz]

I absolutely agree. The way I see it, The Cold Vein is to sci-fi what Enter the 36 Chambers is to kung-fu.

[@BasedOpinionsPodcast]

Yea that’s what put me on to el p and I don’t remmber production ever effecting me so much. It was like nothing I’ve ever heard and instantly was hooked

[@SoftDrinksOfChoice]

it sounds fresh even today. One of the greatest albums of any genre let alone hip hop

[@sadahharu]

Damn I'm 28 right now, wish I was a teenager during that era. Albums such as Cold Vein, Fantastic Damage and I Phantom literally changed my life and my way of seeing this amazing culture.

[@arighteousname5882]

You were 5 bro 😂

[@sadahharu]

@@arighteousname5882 that’s what I’m saying lol

[@mucktown]

I'm 35 and I'm glay younger people than appreciate the same dope stuff

[@robertordonez9242]

Perceptionists was a nice little project too. Def Jux was definitely an era of hip hop that deserves more recognition.

[@paulbaker6536]

Akrobatic and lif I have black dialogue on cd somewhere 😂

[@stability703]

Living through this era was crazy! So much progression in the music everyone was in top form.. Someone needs to do a thorough doc on BIG JUS!

[@rodw3391]

Well done. I appreciate what you do for us hip hop heads. Especially underground ones.

[@DefGoldbloom]

I appreciate that, thank you

[@johnconnor210]

The late 90s/early 00s was a great time for independent underground hip-hop. You had labels like def jux, rhymesayers, stones throw, rawkus & baby grand just to name a few. I was a teenager during this era and man what a time to be alive. All the good music that came out at this time was so ground breaking and forever shaped me and my generation. Too bad movements like this really don't exist anymore.

[@thundercockize]

'96 First time I saw Atmosphere and introduced to Rhymesayers... changed me till this day

[@dasmowilkins]

don't forget anticon!

[@gear9815]

Amazing video man, really summed it up perfectly. In a way, its demise gave it an even greater underground reputation. Never to be forgotten

[@GBabyGencher94]

The Cold Vein is my favourite album of all time. Cannibal Ox forever!

[@2KRAW]

Vast Aire is a special National Treasure Emcee...

[@DaLOEndMuzik]

Core memories unlocked with this one! Rawkus & Def Jux defined my childhood man, nicely done

[@Nicracus]

Can't believe Ravipops got glossed over. C Rayz Walz is a magician of flow, punchline, and overall delivery. He represented the the essentials to me.

[@pdigi3179]

I’m a big fan of C rayz emcee ability as well, but dude got caught up in rape charges and all kinds of other wild ish like kidnapping n whatnot so maybe that’s why he got left out.

[@Nicracus]

@pdigi3179 Was unaware of that. Whack ish. At least we gots dark time sunshine these days.

[@1111lifescience]

Thank you so much for making this. I had every album on vinyl. So much of the best hip hop fckn ever.

[@Plainbrain24]

2001 was a fantastic year. Farewell Fondle'em was my first CD of the label and I still love it. Def Jux presents and the Cold Vein are also amazing. Even today nothing is as unique as Cannibal Ox's first album.

[@devanzoshift817]

I remember seeing C-Rayz on MTV’s MADE when this kid wanted to be a battle rapper. I loved his Ravipops album, and it’s a crime it isn’t available on streaming! Could have sworn I purchased it from iTunes back in the day, but can’t find the files and it’s not available anymore.

[@thecosmicblueautie]

Him being convicted of rape and sodomy may have something to do with that. Otherwise, i believe some of his work would be available.

[@sjalusi1]

Apart from the rape charges he’s now also a black supremacist, such a shame

[@devanzoshift817]

@@thecosmicblueautie Damn, I had no idea he was locked up until I read this.

[@Based_Proletariat]

​@@sjalusi1 So he should be down white supremacy? 🤔👎🏽

[@jeffp.9369]

​@@sjalusi1crazy since he also has mixed children.

[@giocavaliere3355]

you really are the plug for underground hiphop. Excited for what you put out next

[@nickwilson7241]

The Cold Vein and Labor Days coming out in the same year on the same small indie label has got to be the greatest achievement of any hip hop crew of all time

[@AWAEBeats]

Great video. Besides the 90s this is my favourite era of rap. Shoutout to this whole comment section.

[@bjorklund8511]

Loving it! Great video as always.

[@TimSellinYT]

I knew about eastern conference before def jux but still love this whole era of underground hip hop

[@shandoo]

I lived through this. Sometimes I’m amazed at how this all went down. Some of my favorite times of my life. It sucked that it had to end but it had to end. I’m just glad that it’s not forgotten and that people still care

[@ConnahJay]

Nice, I'd be interested to hear your take on Anticon.

[@Cracker_Barrel_Kidd_55]

Hell yeah subbed.

[@BigKenobi]

Def Jux was all I listened to at one point. It fed every appetite I had for about a year. They took some huge risks on Murs which paid off and The Cold Vein would have fell under the radar if it was on any other label. They had an amazing ear for underground talent and lyricism.

[@cocoq10]

Aesop Rock was my intro to Def Jux in the 2000s. If i wouldn't have heard about him from this kid on the internet i may have never heard of any of these guys. I have so many memories of being a freshman in college and trying to hunt down all of these records. Really loved all of them its really hard to choose one over the rest.

[@RyanKibbe1]

El-P on Soundbombing 2 was the jam before I learned of Aesop Rock, but I agree. He brought me back to El-P and Def Jux

[@OswaldBatesIIIEsq]

Def Jux was a big part of my early to mid twenties. "The Cold Vein" and "Labor Days" were mixed in with the Gorillaz first album. I was good. The "Revenge of the Robots" DVD sealed the deal with me. That label will always have a special place in my mind.

[@deathbymonkeys]

you did a great job shining a light on one of the, if not, THE quintessential underground rap conglomerate and it doesn't get spoken about as much as it should. Looking forward to more of your content.

[@chrisinnes4706]

Many thanks for this, Def Jux was, for me, a label that whenever they dropped something I could be totally sure I could buy it blind and be extremely happy with it. Now bumping Cold Vein and it still sounds great.

[@One_Call_System]

Thanks man, I only ever checked out a few of these albums. I got work to do!!

[@john1120]

Glad u shed some light on Def Jux. I had the opportunity to meet EL-P in person at a small event in my area called jash fest. I thanked him for making a platform for artists that would later become legeneds. I also mentioned I owned the Def Jux DVD the RTJ 2 (at the time). Nevertheless he tripped out on my hip hop knowledge about the label got a pic and autograph. Btw EL-P wanted my Nike SB bruts dead stocks. I love em, but I'm not going home barefoot😂

[@dreamsinthree]

I gotta delve into this catalogue

[@alexhartman6144]

This was a great video man! You should do one on Anticon next :)

[@veltenhill]

Definitive Swim changed the trajectory of my life completely: I don't think I would have been interested in pursuing music without that compilation.

[@MrBoomie00]

Damn, bro. Good stuff. Subbed!

[@richardanderson7412]

Thank you for giving def jux some coverage. Mr. Lif's I Phantom was classic hip-hop. Still relevant.

[@florianfrank6699]

My all time fav. Def Jux Releases are Fantastic Damage, Labor Days & Hell's Winter

[@GordonComstock602]

I bought Bazooka Tooth after reading an article about it in the Providence Phoenix in 2003. At the time the only hip hop albums i owned were Nation of Millions, Straight outta Compton, and Licensed to Ill. It was the weirdest thing i had ever heard and i knew it was challenging and it would grow on me. Completely changed my musical tastes. Discovering all those Jux albums was so amazing, and el-p and Aesop have done nothing but get even better over the last 20 years

[@Chookz85]

These are awesome mate. Any chance of a Stones Throw version? Very curious to learn the reasons behind their downfall

[@RyanKibbe1]

Saw a very well done documentary on the label many years ago, but remember very little of it

[@BlackMarketPluto]

Def jux is my foundation, it is my first home. When I was growing up, that home was on an island and I never saw anyone else there.

[@drshemp1]

This video is wonderful! subscribed brother. Keep it up!

[@DefGoldbloom]

Much appreciated!

[@EmceeGraffiti]

Dope. I always look forward to your videos.

[@easelove]

"I'll sleep when you're dead" is one of the most complete albums of any genre.

[@thomasyancey5887]

Great video! If i absolutely had to pick a favorite, it's Fantastic Damage. That's the one that just grabbed me. All those guys gave hope to so many different walks of life

[@temucargocult]

Another great video, cheers! Glad you did this, Def Jux had an insane run & stack of talent. There are a handful of albums that remind me immediately of a time & place, Cold Vein & Labor Days are on the list. Amazing world-building on the Can Ox album, from a production standpoint it's probably top 25 of all time.

[@onixelias7821]

Love your videos. You should do one on that group from the Bronx 950 plus

[@theVisibleburner]

This is dope .great work!

[@chistopherjohnson6881]

Great stuff. You informed me of way more than I thought I knew. I am 43 years old, so I certainly came up during this time. I'm probably impartial a bit, but I would say Aesop was the best thing about them.

[@dominickgaramella6431]

This really was a story that needs to be told and logged into the account of hip hop history

[@OIP_1]

def jux ran my headphones for many years! from the first time i heard '8 steps to perfection'. i've still got signed copies of a bunch of their albums.

[@AliAli-dg9rg]

wow this takes me back. great job!

[@pablo.station]

Thank you for this. A massive fan of the movement. #defjuxlives

[@brentsanderson6566]

Dude great work. So much nostalgia. Was in high school when all this was going on so damn you took me on a trip! Just subscribed.

[@DefGoldbloom]

Thanks!

[@HipHopHistoryGuy]

Enters The Colossus is my favorite EP of all-time. Every joint is top notch.

[@djds1975]

Fantastic video Def!! Yeah, totally agree with the impact that Def Jux had. Thanks for sharing!! 🙏🔥👌

[@DefGoldbloom]

No doubt!

[@Annafyz]

Great video, dude. The ending was so heartfelt ❤

[@DefGoldbloom]

Thank you!

[@jaredallan_]

Great video!!!

[@alpaykasal2902]

This was excellent... thanks for putting this vid together... Request : Antipop Consortium

[@richardhall5489]

Thanks. I had no idea that their catalog was so extensive. Lots of good shit to research. Deep gratitude.

[@paulhardman2515]

Great documentary! So glad I found your channel.

[@DefGoldbloom]

Welcome aboard!

[@CesarSanchezfool]

Only just watched this. Great job

[@BlackZynfyndel]

Deadringer is still on the phone and gets spins! ❤

[@Link-p1m]

Great doc for people looking to explore that jux

[@samohare3178]

I always come back to this label every couple of years and listen to the classic after classic lps they release over such a short period of time

[@anthonyv6962]

Well done and much needed. Thx

[@rory2112]

Another amazing documentary about a legendary label

[@David-b8u7o]

All these years later, we still have Aes, dropping absolute fire every time 🤙🏻

[@SayMy_User_Name]

Cage album was hells winter not Hell’s Kitchen lol one of my favorite albums ever made.. either way rhis is a great informative video about an entire music label that shaped and influenced me tremendously as I was growing up

[@DefGoldbloom]

I caught that once it was too late to go back and re-record 🤦🏻‍♂️ my apologies to all the Cage fans that’s my b

[@SayMy_User_Name]

@@DefGoldbloom lol nah it’s all good man, great work on the video