When hip-hop music emerged from the underground, many thought it was a fleeting fad, one whose popularity would not stand the test of time. Now many years later, hip-hop culture reigns supreme, permeating society on many levels from music to fashion to films. At the center of this ongoing phenomenon is entrepreneur Damon Dash.
 
At 30 years old, Damon Dash has constructed an empire, a highly revered hip-hop kingdom which began with music powerhouse Roc-A-Fella Records and now incorporates the #1 urban fashion company Roc-A-Wear, a film division with three movies in production, a sports management company, a non-profit community outreach program called Team Roc. Dash belongs to a music industry peer group that only a handful can claim membership and has achieved a level of hard-earned respect as a role model that only few executives arrive at.

Roc-A-Fella Records began in 1995 when friends - Harlem raised Damon Dash and the now multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z decided to start their own label after fruitlessly searching for a record deal for Jay-Z. Aggressively and independently, the Roc-A-Fella upstarts began pressing records themselves, selling them out of their cars and seeking play on mix shows. This got the notice of Priority Records who ventured with the young entrepreneurs to release the now classic debut from Jay-Z "Reasonable Doubt." The tide turned one day when Jay-Z decided to record with the then unknown rapstress Foxy Brow n. Foxy Brown's label Def Jam, initially opposed to the artistic pairing of the two rappers, was soon charmed by Dash and his hungry company. Today, Def Jam and Roc A-Fella enjoy an extremely successful 50/50 joint venture. It consistently ranks top three among its urban music competitors and has over 10 gold and platinum records under its belt with artists including Jay-Z, DJ Clue, Memphis Bleek and Beanie Sigel. Roc-A Fella artists achieve a longevity and relevance that is rarely found in hip-hop music today.

In 1999, Damon Dash set out to wage a grand scale hip-hop arena tour dubbed the “Hard Knock Life Tour.” He single handedly changed the hip-hop touring industry. “The Hard Knock Life” tour was a blistering success, a 54-city sell out which grossed approximately $18 million dollars.

As innovative and powerful as the Roc-A-Fella brand has become, it is only natural that Damon Dash would bring his influence to Hollywood. In 1999, in conjunction with Dimension Films, Roc-a-Fella Films released "Backstage," the compelling behind the scenes documentary tracing the path of the Hard Knock Life tour. In September of 2001, Roc-a-Fella Films released "State Property" starring Roc-A-Fella rap artist Beanie Sigel for Lion's Gate. Currently, Dash is directing and producing the independent comedy “Death of a Dynasty,” a satire about the world of hip-hop. On October 25, "Paid in Full" will be released and distributed by Dimension Films. The film is an 80's period piece set in Harlem based on the lives of drug kingpins like Albert "Alpo" Martinez. Additionally, Dash co-directed and produced a Universal Pictures release entitled "Paper Soldiers" with Stacey Dash and Michael Rapaport to be released late 2002.

Not surprisingly, the fashion industry has also been impacted by the magic touch of Damon Dash whose keen sense has translated into a giant clothing empire known as Roc-A-Wear. Roc-A-Wear is the #1 urban clothing producer getting bigger every year. Recently, the company launched an already popular children's and women’s line.

Damon Dash, along with having his own two beautiful children, also finds balance in his life with a community program called Team Roc. With this program, he and his business partners sponsor youth basketball teams, providing funds for uniforms, touring and tutoring.