Def Soul

Def Soul was founded in 1996 by Russell Simmons and Kevin Liles as Def Jam's dedicated R&B and soul imprint. The label built a roster of prominent artists including Montell Jordan, Case, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill, Kelly Price, Christina Milian, 112, and 3rd Storee, establishing itself as a key destination for contemporary R&B and soul music.

The label expanded internationally with Def Soul UK launching in 1999 under Mercury Records, and Def Soul Germany beginning operations in 2000. In 2003, Def Soul Classics was established as a reissue division, featuring catalog from legends such as Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, and the Isley Brothers.

Following a period of commercial decline, Def Soul was absorbed into Def Jam's R&B division in May 2011, ending operations as an independent label. The imprint's remaining catalog was transferred to its parent company, with reissues subsequently handled by Universal Music Enterprises.