Damon Dash, renowned record executive, and leading Black entrepreneur, has been ordered by a New York judge to hand over his shares in Roc-A-Fella Records, a prominent hip-hop record label co-founded by Dash, Jay-Z, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke in 1994.
The court’s decision comes in the wake of Dash’s alleged refusal to pay a $823,000 judgment to movie producer Josh Weber, dating back to a 2018 dispute. Weber had terminated Dash as the director of Muddy Waters Pictures, citing Dash’s alleged unfitness for the role.
Subsequently, Weber sued Dash, claiming theft of footage, and ultimately struggled to secure payment, leading him to target Dash’s Roc-A-Fella shares.
Legal battle unfolds: U.S. Magistrate greenlights seizure of Dash’s Roc-A-Fella stake despite Jay-Z’s protests
Despite objections from Jay-Z and Biggs, who pointed to company bylaws requiring board approval for share sales, U.S. Magistrate Robert W. Lehrburger issued a decisive 15-page ruling. Lehrburger classified Dash’s one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella as personal property eligible for seizure to satisfy the outstanding judgment.
The legal saga dates back to 2018, with Weber’s dissatisfaction stemming from Dash’s termination as Muddy Waters Pictures’ director. Dash, in turn, accused Weber of stealing footage and subsequently sued. However, when Weber encountered difficulties in receiving payment, he turned his attention to Dash’s Roc-A-Fella shares.
Jay-Z and Burke argued against the ruling, referencing a no sell-off clause adopted during a 2021 board meeting, which Dash did not attend. Despite their objections, the court upheld Lehrburger’s decision, emphasizing the personal nature of Dash’s stake.
Legal twists in Damon Dash’s career: Navigating the storms of lawsuits and business success
This recent legal setback adds another chapter to Dash’s tumultuous career, raising questions about the future of his involvement in the music industry and business ventures. Dash’s career has been marked by legal challenges, including a $1.5 million lawsuit from U.S. rapper Curren$y in 2012 for releasing music without permission.
In 2014, Dash was ordered to pay $50,000 to Linda Williams for causing her to be prosecuted on harassment charges in 2009. Additionally, Dash settled a $5-million suit against director Lee Daniels in 2018, recouping a $2-million investment with interest.
Despite his legal troubles, Dash has achieved notable success in business, exemplified by the lucrative sale of Rocawear in 2007. Co-founded with Jay-Z in 1999, Rocawear was sold to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million, two years after Jay-Z acquired Dash’s stake.
