<P> The second international label is a Japanese branch, Def Jam Japan (デフ ・ ジャム ・ ジャパン, Defu Jamu Japan), also founded in 2000 . Their artist roster has included AI, Teriyaki Boyz, Nitro Microphone Underground, and South Korean boy band BTS . </P> <P> In 2003, Murder Inc. became the center of a money laundering investigation involving illegal profits from drug trade, leading to the label's eventual release from its distribution contract by 2005 . The final shares of Roc - A-Fella Records were sold to The Island Def Jam Music Group in 2004, by which time it had launched the career of producer - turned - rapper Kanye West . </P> <P> In 2004, Cohen left IDJMG for Warner Music Group, and was replaced by former Arista - now Epic executive L.A. Reid . An unhappy Liles eventually decided to follow Cohen to Warner . A bidding war for Jay - Z's contract began, and Reid appointed Jay - Z president of Def Jam . </P> <P> Under Jay - Z's leadership, Def Jam launched the successful careers of contemporary R&B singers Rihanna and Ne - Yo . At the end of 2007, Jay - Z decided not to renew his contract as the President and CEO of Def Jam in order to start his new venture, Roc Nation . Following Jay - Z's departure, L.A. Reid took over leadership of the label, as opposed to hiring a replacement . In June 2008, Shakir Stewart was appointed as Executive Vice President of Def Jam, a position that was previously left vacant since December 2007 . </P>

When did jay z became president of def jam