Damon Dash
Damon Dash | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 3, 1971 |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Spouse | Rachel Roy (2005 — present) |
Damon Dash (born May 3 1971 in Harlem, New York) is an American label executive; the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Roc-A-Fella, specializing almost exclusively in hip-hop music, branched out with several spin-off ventures into other fields as well, notably hip-hop fashion (Rocawear Clothing) and many films (Roc-A-Fella Films and, later, Dash Films).
Music
As well as his work with Roc-A-Fella Records, he was also known in Europe for his ambitious project with pop singer Victoria Beckham. He produced an album worth of hip-hop inspired tracks for the pop star in 2003 which culminated with the release of her double-A sided single "This Groove/Let Your Head Go." which reached #3 on the UK charts. After public disputes with her manager Simon Fuller of 19 Management over the "urban sounds," Beckham's album "Come Together" produced by Damon Dash was eventually shelved. Tracks featuring Cam'ron, M.O.P, and other members of Cam'ron's Diplomats crew have been leaked on the Internet. Beckham as the face of Rocawear in 2003.
In late 2004, Dash sold his interest in Roc-A-Fella to parent company Island Def Jam Records for $10 million, and founded the Dame Dash Music Group as a new venture with the senior record company.
Clothing
Dash sold his stake in Rocawear for $30 million to former partner, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. Dash is working to launch his CEO Clothing line[1] but it has not been seen by the public. The clothing line was featured in a magic trade show in Las Vegas. He also has a stake in the clothing line of his wife, Rachel Roy; in June 2008 Jones Apparel Group, along with TSM Capital purchased a 50% equity stake in the line. Dash and Rachel Roy have signed a joint venture deal with Jones Apparel Group Inc to develop, market and license the New York-based fashion brand.
Television and film
Damon Dash produced a reality show for BET called "Ultimate Hustler", in which Dash determined which one of 15 entrepreneurs was the "ultimate hustler" through a series of business challenges. John Coleman and John Rhodes filed a lawsuit against Dash, BET, Damon Dash Music Group, Dash Films and Huck Films claiming they originated the "Ultimate Hustler" concept. Dash was featured in another reality show pilot centered around late rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard, who Dash signed to a record deal shortly after the rapper's release from prison.
Dash's forays into film, both under the Roc-A-Fella Films banner and later under the Dash Film banner, have resulted in at least one critically acclaimed film (The Woodsman starring Kevin Bacon and Mos Def) and another well-received film, Paid in Full (starring Mekhi Phifer). Lesser acclaimed film endeavors by Dash include State Property and its commercially more successful sequel. He also appeared as an immortal in the movie Highlander: Endgame and as himself on the television program The O'Reilly Factor. He has also appeared in the 2005 documentary film Just for Kicks. In 2008 Dash produced Red Apples Falling a film directed by Ethan Higbee featuring rapper Jim Jones and members of Dipset. The film is considered to be the first of a new genre called MIXTAPE CINEMA.
Other ventures
Dash has been listed as one of hip hop's 10 Biggest Moguls.[2] His other business interests include Armadale Vodka, Dash Management, PRO-KEDS, Tiret Watches, an investment in New York nightclub The Plumm with Noel Ashman & Chris Noth , Dash/DiBella Boxing, and the social network website BlockSavvy.
Personal life
Damon Dash is the cousin of New York City socialite Chandler Dash and actress Stacey Dash[3]. Dash attended the South Kent School, a prep school in CT.
Damon Dash has Diabetes Mellitus - Type 1 and is an advocate for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). He recently appeared on the new CNBC show dLife to discuss his experiences with the condition.
Dash dated R&B singer Aaliyah until her death in August 2001[4]. He then married fashion designer Rachel Roy with whom he had two daughters: Ava born in 1999 and Talullah Ruth born 2008. Rachel Roy filed for divorce in March of 2009.[5]
Reports in August 2008 said two of Damon Dash's homes in Manhattan had begun foreclosure proceedings. Dash and his wife owe $7.3 million on the two properties, according to court filings, and foreclosure proceedings have begun. Eastern Savings Bank, who holds the mortgages, says the couple's monthly mortgage payments are $78,500, which they apparently have been making. [6]
References
- ^ Dame Dash Returns With BlockSavvy.com and CEO clothing brand | Those SoJones Set The Trends | Providing Urban & Hip Hop Fashion News To The World
- ^ http://www.taletela.com/photos/56/1/hip-hops-10-biggest-moguls Hip Hop's 10 Biggest Moguls
- ^ CNN Revealed
- ^ MTV News Interview with Dash After Aaliyah's death
- ^ [1]
- ^ Two Homes Of Damon Dash Going Into Foreclosure BallerStatus.com
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