Steve Bartels, who will be exiting as Def Jam chief at year's end, according to an announcement, sent out the following internal memo to his team.

Team.

It has been my sincere honor to work with so many of you for the past fifteen years here at Def Jam Recordings and the Island Def Jam Music Group prior. We have shaped a roster of unique artists, and have had the privilege to share in the careers of superstar artists such as Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, NAS and Justin Bieber, while cementing the legacies of Jeezy, 2 Chainz and Big Sean, and amplifying the important new voices of emerging young artists like Alessia Cara and Logic, among so many more that would take too long to list.

It has always been about the artists and the music for us. Yet it's our mission to serve both art and commerce, and I am so proud of what we have accomplished in terms of breaking all our business goals last year and this year already.

We have done what we set out to do: break records both on the charts and on the spreadsheets, and we have done that together. We have won on the charts and on the books. We have won because we care. I am confident that the incoming CEO will continue with this passion for the artists and their artistry and the Def Jam we love rests in his sound hands.

I will stay on through the end of this year to ensure a smooth transition for you and our artists.

I thank each and every one of you for your passion and commitment.

Regards.

Steve