THIS IS BARTELS' JAM

At the Def Jam upfronts event in NYC, which introduced up-and-coming label acts to press, TV, radio, streaming and other tastemakers, label chief Steve Bartels is joined by gifted rostermates Earl St. Clair, Dave East and Bibi Bourelly. Later, former FBI director James Comey dropped by to get inked up and spit a verse.

In addition to the aforementioned, the evening's performers included Troi Irons, Kacy Hill and Amir Obe. "Throughout the coming year, Def Jam will continue to execute its strategies, engage its partners, and deliver amazing music and content in our on-going commitment to developing and breaking these incredible young artists,” Bartels proclaimed just prior to brokering a partnership with an 18-year-old single malt.