The monumental indie label Def Jux may be unfortunately closing it’s doors! We’ve had this info from industry sources for a few weeks, but were not at liberty to release it to the public. The reasoning for the label’s downfall is not known for sure, but there has been speculation that it was due to mismanagement of funds. We have been informed by artists on the label that some never even received royalty payments or statements. The iconic label helped launch the careers of Cannibal Ox, Mr. Lif, El-P, C-Rayz Walz, and flagship artist Aesop Rock who is rumored to already have a new deal lined up with one of our favorite indie labels. Expect an official statement from El-P himself in the near future.
**update**
El-P has stepped out of the shadows and issued an official statement on the status of the label. He states that “as a traditional record label DEF JUX will effectively be put on hiatus.” (Indefinitely?) They will still release the posthumous Camu Tao “King of Hearts” LP, which we hope the proceeds of will go back to his family. Doesn’t sound like the company will have much of a staff if at all, as some of the employees have already begun working for Decon records. The brand name will remain in the cyber world as El-P stated “we’ll still have our website, we will still sell our catalog, merch and more.” Time will tell how this plays out, but it sounds as if the name will still be floating around without a real company or staff behind it.
