A legal saga unfolds in the entertainment industry as Dame Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, faces repercussions in a copyright infringement lawsuit brought by filmmaker Josh Webber.
The dispute stems from a failed collaboration on the crime thriller “Dear Frank,” leading to Dash attempting to market the film independently under a new title after parting ways with Webber.
In a 2022 ruling, Webber and his production company, Muddy Waters Pictures, secured a judgment against Dash for copyright infringement.
However, Dash failed to comply with the court order to compensate Webber for damages, prompting Webber’s legal team to target Dash’s shares in Roc-A-Fella Records.
Roc-A-Fella, co-founded by rapper Jay-Z and record executive Kareem “Biggs” Burke, contested the move, citing company bylaws requiring board approval for major sell-offs.
However, a judge determined that these bylaws were established in a meeting where Dash was not present, paving the way for legal action against Dash’s stake in Roc-A-Fella.
The court ordered Roc-A-Fella to transfer Dash’s stock certification to the U.S. Marshal’s Service within 180 days, putting Dash’s financial interests and intellectual property at risk. Roc-A-Fella’s co-owners expressed concerns about the potential impact of an outside buyer acquiring Dash’s stake on the label’s intellectual property rights.
The implications extend beyond Dash’s personal interests, as Roc-A-Fella boasts a roster of renowned artists including Kanye West, Jadakiss, Juelz Santana, and Cam’ron, among others.
Over the past two decades, the label has released numerous albums, making Dash’s stake a valuable asset.
As the legal battle ensues, the outcome remains uncertain, with potential ramifications for both Dash and the future of Roc-A-Fella Records.
