JAY-Z and Damon Dash have had a tumultuous relationship dating back to the 1990s. After co-founding the Roc-A-Fella Records company with Kareem “Biggs” Burke, the two eventually split up due to a deterioration in their relationship.
JAY-Z and Roc-A-attorney Fella’s Alex Spiro filed a lawsuit against co-owner Dash in June, accusing him of attempting to auction off Hov’s 1996 breakthrough Reasonable Doubt as an NFT without permission. Dash, on the other hand, denied the claim, insisting that he was simply attempting to sell his whole one-third ownership in the company.
Despite their difficult history, JAY-Z took a moment during his acceptance speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to express his gratitude to the industry.
We were planning to start our own business, you know?” In part, he stated. “That’s what Hip Hop is all about.” And we established the Roc-A-Fella Records label. I’d like to give a shout-out to Dame [Dash]; I know we don’t agree on everything, but I’ll never forget your accomplishments, and I admire and thank you for them.
“And a special shout-out to [Kareem] ‘Biggs’ [Burke], who is one of the most honorable persons I’ve ever encountered.” We made something unique that will almost certainly never be repeated.”
Damon Dash filed a countersuit in the New York Supreme Court immediately after Hov’s, arguing that JAY-Z and Roc-A-Fella unlawfully claimed streaming rights to Reasonable Doubt for themselves.
JAY-Z transferred album streaming rights to S. Carter Enterprises LLC without Roc-A-permission, Fella’s according to the lawsuit. Dash was seeking at least $1 million in damages for unjust enrichment, violation of fiduciary responsibility, replevin, and conversion.
Dash expressed his displeasure with the entire action, questioning why JAY-Z felt need to involve the courts.
“Honestly,” Dash stated at the time, “I think this is corny.” “Just give me a call if there’s a problem.” Why must I listen to it? Why do I have to file a lawsuit? Call me, Biggs, and tell me what the play is, but if you swing on me, I’ll have to swing back. And when I say that, I mean that now that I’m looking beneath the hood, it appears ridiculous, but I just don’t think I need it all.
