Dame Dash is once again revisiting his complicated history with Jay-Z, claiming his former Roc-A-Fella Records partner once told him their association could get in the way of the businessman image he wanted to build.
During a recent episode of “Quiet Part Out Loud,” Dash recalled a meeting involving music executive L.A. Reid, who, according to Dash, specifically wanted him present because he “wanted a businessman to be there.”
Dash said the conversation then turned to how Jay-Z wanted to be perceived beyond music.
“He was like, ‘I want to be known as a businessman,’” Dash recalled. “Like, flat-out said, ‘I want to be known as a businessman and I can’t be known as a businessman with you next to me.’”
Dash said he immediately pushed back on the idea.
“I was like, ‘I don’t even want to be next to you, n****. You’re not a businessman,’” he said.
The story is the latest chapter in Dash’s long-running public criticism of Jay-Z and their fractured Roc-A-Fella partnership.
Dash also challenged the extent of Jay-Z’s role in the business empire that developed following Roc-A-Fella’s success. He characterized Jay-Z as a “figurehead” and credited other industry executives, including Steve Stoute, with playing important roles in major business decisions.
Dash continued his criticism with another blunt assessment of Jay-Z’s business acumen.
“If you notice in his interviews, he’s a box of rocks,” Dash said.
He also brought up disputes involving Jay-Z, his finances and Reasonable Doubt, Jay-Z’s 1996 debut album.
“Jay ain’t st. We all know that. And I’ll say it,” Dash said. “And y’all could tell me [I’m a] chatty patty when he f***s up $40 million of my own money.”
Dash further recalled an alleged disagreement surrounding the film The Woodsman, claiming Jay-Z declined to walk the red carpet with him. He also accused his former partner of being surrounded by people who worked against him.
“He’s over there with them, I think, because he needs the crew,” Dash said. “He can’t do nothing on his own.”
Dash’s comments come decades after his partnership with Jay-Z helped establish Roc-A-Fella Records as one of hip-hop’s most influential labels. Their business relationship eventually fractured, but the disagreements surrounding the partnership have remained part of their public histories.
Jay-Z has also referenced Dash publicly in recent years, including during a freestyle at the Roots Picnic in May.
For Dash, however, the old business dispute clearly still has plenty to say — and he’s still saying it.
