What is def jux?

Definitive Jux (often stylized as Def Jux) was an independent record label based in New York City, founded in 1999 by rapper and producer El-P. The label became known for its roster of underground hip hop artists and its innovative and experimental approach to the genre.

Def Jux released albums by artists such as El-P, Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, Mr. Lif, Rjd2, and Cage, among others. The label's sound was characterized by complex and abstract lyrical content, unconventional production techniques, and a DIY punk aesthetic.

Def Jux garnered critical acclaim and a cult following for its genre-defying music and anti-commercial ethos. The label was known for its commitment to artist autonomy and creative freedom, as well as its rejection of mainstream trends and commercial pressures.

In 2010, El-P announced that Definitive Jux was going on hiatus, citing financial and distribution concerns. While the label has not released new music since then, its legacy lives on in the innovative and influential music created by its artists.