$100 Thousand
What is Damon Dash’s net worth?
Damon Dash is an American record producer, entrepreneur and music executive who has a net worth of $100 thousand. Unlike his one-time partner Jay-Z, who today is a billionaire, Damon has experienced a number of reported financial issues in recent years. In late 2019, Damon told a New York judge that he was too broke to pay child support, with most of his income being garnished by a variety of creditors. We’ll detail his history of financial situations throughout this article.
Damon Dash is probably most famous for co-founding the music label Roc-A-Fella Records. Dash co-founded Roc-A-Fella with rapper Jay Z. He also co-founded two clothing lines, including Rocawear with Jay-Z. Rocawear eventually became a highly lucrative brand that was sold for hundreds of millions of dollars. When business was booming, Damon used his clout to branch into several other industries and businesses. Damon dipped into film production, marketing, merchandise and talent management. His film company produced a number of noteworthy films, including “The Woodsman”, which starred Kevin Bacon and “Paid in Full” which starred Mekhi Phifer.
Biography
Damon Anthony Dash, born on May 3, 1971, is a prominent American entrepreneur and record executive. He is widely recognized as one of the co-founders of Roc-A-Fella Records, a groundbreaking record label, along with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke. Dash’s journey from a challenging upbringing to his success in the music industry is a testament to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Early Life
Damon Dash was born in New York City and grew up facing financial challenges. As a teenager, he worked various jobs, including sweeping the floors of a local barbershop and selling newspapers to afford essentials like sneakers and clothing. Dash’s work ethic and hustling mentality were deeply influenced by his mother, who tragically passed away from an asthma attack when he was only 15 years old. Around the same time, he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which presented its own set of challenges.
Despite his health struggles and the loss of his mother, Dash’s determination and resourcefulness continued to drive him forward. He recalls a period of fearing a serious illness, which ultimately turned out to be type 1 diabetes, and how it shaped his perspective on life.
Career
Damon Dash’s career in the music industry is marked by his close association with Jay-Z. He served as Jay-Z’s manager and business partner at Roc-A-Fella Records. Notably, in 1999, Dash organized a highly successful tour for Jay-Z that generated a substantial income of $19 million.
However, their professional relationship became strained due to two significant events. First, Roc-A-Fella Records was acquired by Def Jam Recordings in 2004, with Jay-Z accepting a position as Def Jam’s president. Second, in late 2005, Jay-Z bought out Dash’s stake in Rocawear, a clothing brand they had co-founded.
Dash’s entrepreneurial endeavors extended beyond the music industry. In April 2014, he became involved with Blind Debit, a fingerprint payment application in development by Dez White.
Additionally, Dash founded DD172, a media collective encompassing various ventures, including America Nu (a magazine), VNGRD79 (a web design firm), BluRoc Records (a record label division), and an art gallery.
Personal Life
Damon Dash’s personal life has had its share of ups and downs. He was romantically involved with R&B singer Aaliyah from 2000 until her tragic death in a plane crash in The Bahamas on August 25, 2001. Although they were not formally engaged, Dash revealed in interviews that they had plans to marry.
In 2005, Dash married fashion designer Rachel Roy, whom he had previously dated before his relationship with Aaliyah. Together, they have two daughters, Ava Dash (born December 7, 1999) and Tallulah Dash (born May 14, 2008). Following their divorce in 2009, they engaged in a contentious custody battle.
Dash also has a son, Dame “Boogie” Dash, born in 1991, with former girlfriend Linda Williams. Boogie is known for starring in the reality television show “Growing Up Hip Hop.” Dash has another son, Lucky, born in 2004, with Cindy Morales.
In recent years, Dash has been in a relationship with Raquel Horn, with whom he has a son named Dusko Dash, born on November 14, 2020.
Legal Issues
Damon Dash has faced several legal challenges over the years. Notably, he was sued by rapper Curren$y in 2012 for $1.5 million for releasing Curren$y’s music without permission. Dash’s attorney defended him on the grounds of fair use.
In 2014, Dash was ordered to pay $50,000 to Linda Williams, the mother of his son Boogie, for her prosecution on harassment charges in 2009.
In April 2015, Dash’s ex-wife, Rachel Roy, accused him of domestic abuse and obtained a restraining order against him. Roy was awarded sole custody of their daughters, and a three-year restraining order was granted.
In 2018, Dash settled a lawsuit he filed against director Lee Daniels for $5 million to recoup a $2 million investment with interest. Dash had provided financial support to Daniels early in his career, and the settlement aimed to rectify the unpaid debt.
In November 2019, Dash was arrested for failing to pay over $400,000 in child support. He faced warrants related to child support owed to Cindy Morales and Rachel Roy. Dash reportedly paid more than $1 million to secure his release from custody.
