JD on Jay-Z [Vibe Interview]

Typed by Me!

Portion from JD's Vibe Interview in the November 2007 Issue discussing Jay-Z.

Last February, L.A. Reid named you president of Island Records Urban Music. Did you have any trepidation, given your positive relationship with Jay-Z, who's rumored to be leaving his post as president of Island Def Jam?

Not at all. What I do and what Jay-Z does are two different things. I make records as a producer. I've been putting out successful artists before Roc-A-Fella was here. That's why I was really [stressing] that I wasn't really part of the Def Jam thing. I'm president of Island.

How ironic is it that you're responsible for introducing Jay-Z as a crossover act-- with 1996's "Money Ain't a Thing" (Def Jam)?

I didn't go to Jay-Z and say, "Let me get you poppin'." I went to Jay-Z based on the fact that I liked what I heard from him on Reasonable Doubt. From that point on I became a real Jay-Z fan. I made a record with an artist who didn't even have any pop appeal. New York was feeling me after that.

What about the rumors that you're pushing Jay-Z out?

Come on, man. I can't make Jay-Z leave Def Jam. I haven't put out any records yet. Jay has all of his records out: Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Fabolous. Jay is putting his numbers up right now.

Do you find that some people have a problem with Def Jam-- the label behind LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Slick Rick- recruiting an executive who proudly represents the south?

Some people are trying to shun my ideas. I know some people at the label don't want to turn Def Jam into Def Jam south. They're not prepared for this Southern movement that's going on.

Do you plan on taking over Jay-Z's post if he leaves?

Nah...Never.

So no Ghostface snap records with Dem Franchize Boys?

What people should understand is it don't get more hip hop than me. I grew up in the real era of hip hop--before LL Cool J was signed to Def Jam. I was performing on the Fresh Fest tour and he was in the audience. When people take shots at me about not being real hip hop, I laugh. I love Mos Def and Talib Kweli and Nas and I love Common. I'm a true B-boy, but I still represent the South.

To read the full interview cop the November issue of Vibe.