Rick Ross, DMX, 2 Chainz And More Celebrate Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary

Def Jam Records, the influential label that cultivated hip-hop’s brightest stars, held their 30-year celebration at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center last night. The special concert mixed Def Jam’s past and present roster, including Warren G, Onyx, Foxy Brown, EPMD, Method Man & Redman, Ja Rule, Fabolous, DMX and many more surprises.

With such a stacked lineup, hip-hop fans were treated to a history lesson for being in the building. The legendary Kid Capri was on the wheels of steel throughout the whole night, serving as our tour guide through Def Jam signees and entertaining the audience with a fusion of old school/new school joints. The concert kicked off with G-Funk originator Warren G, who brought the West to BK with “This DJ,” “Do You See,” and “Regulators.” “It’s kind of easy when you’re listening to the G-Dub sound / Pioneer speakers bumpin’ as I smoke on a pound / I got the sound fo’ yo’ ass and it’s easy to see / That this DJ be Warren G!” he yelled to a round of cheers.

Next, Queens was heavily represented as Onyx tore down the stage with their hardcore joint “Raze It Up.” Their biggest response came when they performed “Slam,” which had everyone rapping along to the lyrics. More of hip-hop’s elite class - Foxy Brown, EPMD, Method Man & Redman - got the crowd excited when they ran through their catalogue of timeless records. Fans even got to see a rare appearance by Keith Murray, who performed his smash single “Yeah Yeah U Know It.”

The night progressed with yet another reunion of Ja Rule and Ashanti who went through their classics like “Mesmerize” and “Always On Time.” The shift from hip-hop’s current generation came quickly as Fabolous, Big Sean and 2 Chainz delivered more familiar contemporary songs that got people out of their seats. However, the highlight of the night was DMX, who invited Swizz Beatz on stage to relive their Ruff Ryders era. Nearly the whole crowd growled for The Dog.

Rick Ross wrapped up the night before the stadium lights went on. For his brief set, Rozay performed his hits quick and fast, running through “B.M.F.,” “F*ckwithmeyouknowigotit,” “Hustlin,” and his new material (“Elvis Presley Blvd,” “Keep Doin’ That (Rich Bitch)”). Noticeably, The Bawse lost a lot of weight and flaunted his thinner figure as he manuvered around the stage. He also keep fans on their feet by bringing out special guests French Montana for “Pop That,” where two voluptuous ladies twerked for the crowd and he showered them with singles. Then, Stalley made an appearance to perform his new single “One More Shot” featuring August Alsina off Ohio.

Check out footage from last night, courtesy of RealTalkNY.

Previously: Cormega Is Mad That LL Cool J Isn’t Headlining Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary Concert
Fabolous Talks Def Jam’s 30th Anniversary Concert And Football On ESPN’s ‘First Take’