Podcast Summary
An Insightful Discussion with Hip Hop Industry Power Player Dame Dash: Dame Dash, co-founder of Rockefeller Records with Jay Z and creator of billion-dollar fashion empire Rocawear, shares his experiences and insights on staying loved, respected, and feared in the hip hop industry, creating enemies, and commenting on industry history and current events.
Dame Dash is a hip hop industry power player with an impressive resume, having co-founded Rockefeller Records with Jay Z in 1995, just a year before Tupac's death, and later building Rocawear into a billion-dollar fashion empire. Dame's ability to manage staying loved, respected, and feared in the industry is impressive, despite creating enemies along the way. With recent events in hip hop bringing up names of influential figures, Dame's insights and experiences make him a valuable commentator on industry history and current events. During the interview, topics ranged from Dame's feelings about being dismissed by Diddy and the Breakfast Club, to his thoughts on Trump and Aaliyah allegations. Now, Dame is also available on Manette, where fans can ask him questions and receive responses in various formats. Overall, the interview with Dame Dash was entertaining, insightful, and provided a unique perspective on the hip hop industry's past and present.
Entrepreneur's Drive and Integrity: Successful entrepreneur stays true to self, creates own industry, tackles projects in education, entertainment, and social justice, inspired by upbringing and 'The Godfather', identifies problems and brings solutions, committed to fairness and morals
The interviewee, a successful entrepreneur, continues to maintain his drive and integrity in his business endeavors, even as he faces new challenges and morphs his goals. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and creating one's own industry if necessary. The interviewee's passion and determination, fueled by past experiences and a desire to help others, drive him to tackle various projects in multiple areas, including education, entertainment, and social justice. He draws inspiration from various sources, including his upbringing in Harlem and the movie "The Godfather." The interviewee's mindset is characterized by his ability to identify problems and bring solutions, and his unwavering commitment to fairness and avoiding compromises to his morals.
Lessons from the Streets: Honor, Integrity, Accountability: The streets taught him the value of honor, integrity, and accountability, which helped him succeed in both crime and business. Successful leadership means caring for your team and understanding that it's not just about personal gain.
The speaker's upbringing and experiences in the streets, influenced by figures like The Godfather and people in his family, instilled in him a strong sense of honor, integrity, and accountability. These values helped him navigate the world of crime, but also prepared him for success in business. He learned the importance of being thorough, acting a certain way, and leading by example. The speaker emphasizes that being a successful leader means caring more about your team than yourself, and that success is not just about personal gain, but also about the well-being of those around you. The street taught him to be independent and evolve, and these lessons have stayed with him throughout his life.
From Harlem streets to rap industry: Survival skills matter: Witnessing violence and fear of jail led a Harlem native to pivot from a criminal lifestyle to a career in rap. Accountability, adaptability, and determination to avoid jail time were crucial factors in his success.
Survival skills learned in challenging environments can significantly impact one's future success. The speaker, who grew up in Harlem during the crack epidemics, shares how his experiences of witnessing violence and the fear of going to jail led him to pivot from a criminal lifestyle to a career in the rap industry. He emphasizes the importance of accountability, adaptability, and the determination to avoid jail time as key factors in his success. The speaker also highlights how his survival skills and the accountability of those around him contributed to his impact on the rap world. He shares his personal story of being a spoiled kid who turned to hustling after his mother's death and how his friends' involvement in violent crimes led him to make a decision to leave that lifestyle behind. Ultimately, the speaker's story illustrates the power of resilience and the ability to adapt to new situations in order to achieve success.
Mentors and experiences shaped speaker's journey out of street life: Mentors and tough street realities led speaker to leave past behind, influencing future success in various industries
The speaker's experiences in the street life shaped him in significant ways, but it was the intervention of older mentors and the harsh realities of the street itself that ultimately led him to leave that life behind. He went on to pursue a career in music, but encountered challenges before finding success with his first act, DOS. Despite being left behind, the experiences and lessons from those early days continued to influence him and contribute to his success in various industries. The speaker emphasizes the role of mentors and the importance of making wise choices, as well as the potential consequences of staying in harmful situations.
Navigating the corrupt music industry: The music industry's past was riddled with corruption and scams, where connections and kickbacks were common. Despite these challenges, determination and support from others could help artists succeed.
The music industry in the past was riddled with corruption and scams, where people would exploit their connections to make money through introductions and kickbacks. The speaker, who was introduced to Jay Z through a friend named Clark Kent, had to navigate through these scams to make it in the industry. He learned that people in power often paid those they were physically entangled with, and the money would be passed around through a network of friends. The speaker himself tried to get Jay Z signed to various record labels but was unsuccessful due to his age, rapping style, and image. Despite the challenges, the speaker continued to support Jay Z and help him elevate his game. The music industry's corruption was so pervasive that even the government was involved in it through lobbying and kickbacks. The speaker's experience serves as a reminder of the complex and often corrupt nature of the music industry in the past.
Creating their own path despite rejection and adversity: Jay-Z and his team persevered through rejection and adversity by creating their own record label, Rockefeller Records, and refusing to compromise their principles.
Perseverance and self-reliance were key factors in the success of Jay-Z and his team. They faced rejection and adversity, but instead of giving up, they chose to create their own path. Jay-Z's ability to be honest and assertive helped him navigate the music industry, where power often comes from compromising. They dreamed of success and made a plan, eventually starting Rockefeller Records when no one else would sign them. This moment of self-determination was a turning point, and they always knew they had to do it themselves due to the way the system was set up. The music industry, like any other, has its power players who only listen when they have to, and Jay-Z refused to compromise his principles to gain their favor. Even the most influential people in the industry can be forgotten once they lose their power, so Jay-Z only engages with people on his own terms. This mindset allowed him to stick to his gut and ultimately achieve his goals.
Rising to fame through self-taught hustle in the mid-90s hip hop scene: Method Man shares his journey of making it big in hip hop despite coming from a first-generation background, feeling tension with East Coast artists for copying their style, and the challenges of gaining exposure before the internet era.
During the mid-90s hip hop scene, Method Man recounts his experience of rising to fame through self-taught hustle and determination, despite coming from a first-generation background. He shares how he and his peers felt that East Coast artists like Biggie and Puff were copying their style, leading to some tension. Method Man also highlights the significance of this period, as it was before the widespread use of the internet, making it harder for new artists to gain exposure without industry connections. He emphasizes that he was making more money than most people he knew at a young age, and took pride in breaking social classes. The East Coast-West Coast rivalry was heating up during this time, with Method Man and his group being one of the only ones who maintained a relationship with Biggie. Overall, Method Man's story illustrates the grind and determination it took to succeed in the hip hop industry during this era.
BBQ deals in Harlem: Dame Dash used unconventional methods to make deals in the music industry, but felt betrayed when Jay-Z and Biggie signed with other labels. He advocates for creatives and speaks out against cultural exploitation.
During a BBQ meeting in Harlem, Dame Dash and his crew came up with an innovative approach to the music industry by using real money and high-end drinks to make deals. However, Dame Dash felt betrayed when Jay-Z and Biggie signed with other labels, despite his attempts to sign them. He believes non-creative people in the industry exploit artists and steal their ideas, and he refuses to work with such individuals. Dame Dash also believes that some people in the industry try to erase the history of other cultures and take credit for their contributions. He has been vocal about this issue and believes it helped change the course of the crack epidemic by making it less glamorized. Despite facing challenges, Dame Dash remains firm in his principles and continues to advocate for creative people in the industry.
Understanding power dynamics and transparency in business relationships: Be aware of power imbalances and lack of transparency in business dealings, stand up for yourself, and demand accountability.
In business relationships, it's essential to understand who holds the power and the resources, and to be aware of potential imbalances. In the discussed situation, the speaker felt that he had been unfairly treated when his former business partner, who was once dependent on him for opportunities, later accused him of being a "culture vulture." However, the speaker also acknowledged that he had once represented a larger company, and his former partner had represented a smaller one. This power dynamic played a role in their eventual falling out. Another significant issue discussed was the lack of transparency and accountability in business dealings, particularly with regard to digital platforms like YouTube. The speaker pointed out that creators often don't receive the full benefits of their data or the revenue they're owed. He encouraged creators to educate themselves about ad tech and to challenge those who try to take advantage of them. Ultimately, the speaker emphasized the importance of standing up for oneself and demanding accountability, even in the face of criticism or adversity. He believed that being open to scrutiny and willing to engage in honest dialogue were key to building strong, equitable business relationships.
Business Transparency, Integrity, and Ownership: Understand business aspects, prioritize transparency, integrity, and ownership for success. Stay informed and invest in your dreams without compromising your values.
Understanding the business side of creativity and being in control of your own ventures is crucial for success. The speaker in this discussion emphasized the importance of transparency, integrity, and ownership in business deals. He shared his past experiences, including the creation of the 360 deal with Jay-Z and Rocawear, and how not fully comprehending the business aspects led to missed opportunities. He also touched upon the importance of education and staying informed about new technologies and trends to not be outpaced by the next generation. Ultimately, the speaker's message is to invest in your dreams and not compromise your integrity for a smaller piece of someone else's success.
Mutual respect and honor system kept conflicts resolved privately: During the late 90s hip hop era, despite competition and differences, there was a mutual respect and honor system in place between Bad Boy Records and Dame Dash Music Group that kept conflicts resolved privately. The importance of truth and accountability was emphasized, and the lasting impact of events on the industry was acknowledged.
Despite the competition and differences between Bad Boy Records and Dame Dash Music Group during the late 90s hip hop era, there was a mutual respect and honor system in place that kept conflicts resolved privately. The interviewee emphasized the importance of truth and accountability, and acknowledged that while memories may fade, the impact of events and their role in shaping the industry remain significant. A painful moment for the interviewee was the death of Aaliyah, which left a lasting impact and continued to be felt deeply. The interviewee also mentioned that while they may have had different approaches and styles, there was a clear line between the two labels, with respect for the brotherhood of hip hop guiding their interactions.
Fame and public opinion are contradictory, according to Dame Dash: Dame Dash believes fame doesn't mean caring about public opinion or media reports, emphasizing truth and accountability
According to Dame Dash, fame and caring about what people think are contradictory. He believes that being famous and known doesn't mean one should be concerned about public opinion or media reports. He emphasized that he doesn't let insecurity dictate his actions and doesn't care about conspiracy theories if he knows the truth. He also mentioned his past experiences with people conspiring against him and how he handles accountability. Regarding the topic of Aaliyah, Dame expressed confusion about the conversation and denied knowing any conspiracies, emphasizing that he respects the questioner's intelligence and would only comment if he had accurate information. He also mentioned his belief in holding people accountable for their actions, especially in the case of Aaliyah and R. Kelly. Overall, Dame Dash's perspective is that fame doesn't require caring about public opinion and that one should focus on truth and accountability.
Disappointment with inaction towards problematic situations: Disappointing actions by some people to ignore or support problematic individuals, despite known information, can lead to frustration and the need for accountability and questioning the status quo.
People's actions and inactions in the face of disturbing information can be a source of frustration and disappointment. The speaker expresses his disappointment towards those who continued to support R. Kelly despite knowing about his alleged involvement in underage girls. He emphasizes that the public's knowledge and the artist's actions were not hidden, but the frustration lies in the fact that no one spoke out against it until it became a popular opinion. The speaker also touches upon the concept of gray areas and how people tend to overlook or ignore them, using the example of Trump and the Russia collusion allegations. Ultimately, the speaker encourages accountability and questioning the status quo, rather than turning a blind eye to problematic situations.
Staying true to personal values: Regardless of societal consensus or public image, personal morals and values should not be compromised. Stand up against immoral actions, hold people accountable, and prioritize personal experiences and relationships.
Personal morals and values should not be compromised, even when it comes to public figures or popular opinion. The speaker emphasized the importance of not turning a blind eye to immoral actions, such as rape, even if it goes against the consensus of society. He also highlighted the importance of personal experiences and relationships in shaping one's stance towards individuals, and the need to hold people accountable for their actions, regardless of their public image or influence. The speaker also touched upon the topic of bullying and the importance of standing up against bullies, both in personal and professional contexts. Overall, the conversation underscored the importance of staying true to one's values and principles, even in the face of adversity or social pressure.
Speaker values authenticity, creativity, and positive impact: Speaker prioritizes authenticity, creativity, and positive impact in their life and community, avoiding controversies and focusing on pressing issues like education and social inequality.
The speaker values authenticity, creativity, and focusing on positive impact in their life and community above all else. They have distanced themselves from potential controversies and refuse to engage in gossip or hearsay, especially when it comes to matters involving high-profile individuals. The speaker is not afraid to speak out against injustices and prioritizes making a difference in their community over personal gain or fear of repercussions. They believe that there are more pressing issues that need attention, such as education and social inequality, and that people should focus on those rather than getting caught up in rumors or petty disputes.
Uniting to address real issues: Focus on education, self-reliance, financial literacy, and family love to create positive change, rather than getting caught up in political divisions and enabling cycles of crime.
Instead of focusing on our differences and fighting each other, we should unite and address the real issues, such as education and teaching the next generation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding where our resources are being spent and advocating for change, rather than getting caught up in political divisions. Additionally, the speaker encourages self-reliance and financial literacy, as well as prioritizing family and love over material wealth. The high crime rates in cities like Chicago, according to the speaker, are a result of the government enabling the cycle of crime rather than addressing its root causes. Overall, the message is to focus on what truly matters and work together to create positive change.
Music Industry and Prison System Interconnection: The music industry's relationship with the prison system raises ethical concerns, as corporations owning both record labels and private prisons may influence content and suppress certain narratives, while artists feel controlled and associates face incarceration or violence.
The relationship between the music industry and the prison system raises concerns about potential manipulation and exploitation. Ice Cube's comments suggest that the same corporations that own record labels also own private prisons, creating a conflict of interest. This dynamic may influence the content of music, with certain narratives being promoted and others being suppressed. The artists themselves often feel controlled by the labels, leading to frustration and a sense of being "in the mall" while their associates face incarceration. The question of whether a boss can be considered good if his crew goes to jail or if associates are killed is a complex one, but it highlights the need for ethical considerations in various industries, including music and criminal justice. Ultimately, this discussion underscores the importance of examining power dynamics and potential biases within interconnected systems.
Racism in Music Industry Labeling: The existence of a 'black music' division in the music industry raises questions about equity and representation, while the lack of an equivalent 'white music' division can be perceived as racist. Financial struggles and the importance of financial literacy were also discussed.
The music industry's labeling system raises questions about equity and representation. The existence of a "black music" division while there is no equivalent "white music" division can be perceived as racist. However, the nuances of this issue were not fully explored in the conversation. Additionally, the discussion touched on topics such as net worth, financial struggles, and the importance of financial literacy. The speakers also mentioned their experiences with bankruptcy and the impact it had on their lives. Overall, the conversation highlighted the complexities and challenges in the music industry and the importance of being financially savvy.
From humble beginnings to navigating success and fame: Understand self-awareness, values, morals, avoid negative influences, and focus on personal growth and success of others.
Navigating success and fame can be challenging, especially for those coming from humble beginnings. Dame Dash shared his personal experiences of growing up in Iran during war and how that shaped his perspective on life. He emphasized the importance of self-awareness and knowing oneself, including understanding one's own values and morals. Dash also warned against getting caught up in negative influences and the power of algorithms and social media in shaping our perception of reality. Ultimately, Dame Dash encouraged being a good leader and builder, focusing on personal growth and the success of those around us.
The difference between true leadership and excessive devotion: True leadership allows a company to function independently, while excessive devotion can lead to problematic behaviors.
True leadership involves setting an example and allowing a company to function independently, rather than relying on personal involvement for its operation. The speaker also touched upon the observation that some individuals can become excessively devoted or "fanatical" about certain figures, which can lead to problematic behaviors. This fanaticism was compared to the intense reactions some people had towards President Obama due to his historic status as the first black president, and the speaker acknowledged that it's not inherently negative but can sometimes result in undesirable consequences. Ultimately, the importance of recognizing the difference between true leadership and excessive devotion was emphasized.
A discussion about Trump and Puff Daddy's public discourse: The speaker views Trump and Puff Daddy as prominent figures in public discourse, with Trump's frequent discussion due to charges against him and Puff Daddy's due to his associations and past cases.
During a conversation about Trump and Puff Daddy, it became clear that the speaker's perspective was that both figures are subjects of ongoing public discourse due to their prominence and notoriety. The speaker argued that the reason Trump is a frequent topic is because of the numerous charges against him, while Puff Daddy is discussed due to his association with young boys and his role in the Tupac case. The speaker also expressed a desire to discuss business opportunities and the potential impact of AI on hip hop, specifically its ability to help artists manage their businesses and eliminate costs. The conversation also touched upon the speaker's qualifications and experiences related to the JFK assassination. Overall, the conversation showcased the speaker's unique perspective on current events and their belief in the potential of technology to revolutionize industries.
AI in Entertainment: A Helpful Tool but Can't Replace Human Touch: AI assists in tasks like merchandise design and talent discovery, but live performances and human interactions remain crucial in the entertainment industry.
AI can be a valuable tool in the entertainment industry, particularly in organizing and breaking down scripts, but it cannot replace the physical and creative aspects of the business, such as performing live or building a brand. The music industry, for instance, still relies heavily on live shows and merchandise sales, and there is a place for both physical and digital products. AI can assist in tasks like merchandise design or even discovering new talent, but the human touch and creativity are still essential. The entertainment industry is a complex business that requires a combination of creativity, brand building, and logistical skills. While AI can help streamline certain tasks, it cannot replace the unique experiences and connections that come from live performances and human interactions.
Staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity: Maintaining authenticity and integrity is crucial for relevance and coolness, even as one ages in the public eye. Stay true to your values and avoid compromising yourself.
Authenticity and integrity are essential for maintaining relevance and coolness, especially as one ages in the public eye. The speaker emphasizes the importance of not compromising oneself and staying true to one's values. He also touches upon the impact of trauma and healing, and the difficulty of staying uncompromised in an industry where power and control can be used against individuals. The speaker expresses his perspective on ranking rappers based on personal experiences and cultural background, and emphasizes the importance of respecting relationships and morals, even in the face of disagreements or criticisms. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and maintaining authenticity, especially in the face of adversity and challenges.
Protective Figure in Business World: Paul has faced numerous legal challenges and remains committed to protecting the culture and being the least toxic figure in business, encouraging others to be mindful of the brands they represent.
Paul is a protective figure in the business world, particularly for artists, and has faced numerous attempts to undermine him through lawsuits and false accusations. He has been through several trials, including one for alleged sexual assault, which he won. Paul is cautious about the brands he wears and associates himself with, as he believes they represent certain values and lifestyles. He prefers to wear his own brand and avoid any potential controversy. Despite the challenges he has faced, Paul remains committed to protecting the culture and being the least toxic figure in business. He encourages others to be mindful of the brands they represent and the potential implications of their actions.
The Significance of Understanding a Brand's Background: Understanding a brand's background is crucial for authentic connections. Dame Dash shares stories about Tom Ford, Tom Brown, Ralph Lauren, Kanye West, and his own experiences to emphasize this importance.
Understanding the background and DNA of a brand is essential when wearing or promoting it. Dame Dash, a successful entrepreneur and businessman, emphasized the importance of this connection during a conversation about fashion and brands. He shared stories about Tom Ford, Tom Brown, Ralph Lauren, and Kanye West, highlighting how their personal histories influenced their brands and how Dame himself came to respect and appreciate them. He also spoke about his experience with a dishonest lawyer, which led him to create Manect, an app where users can ask questions and get answers for a fair, minute-by-minute fee. Overall, the conversation underscored the significance of knowing the backstory of brands and the people behind them.
Cameo vs Social Media: Response Rates: Cameo has a higher response rate than social media platforms, with 95% of messages being responded to compared to less than 5% on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Providing personalized, high-value content and building a loyal customer base can lead to significant rewards.
The Cameo app, where people pay for personalized video messages, has a higher response rate compared to social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The speaker shared that 95% of people respond to messages on Cameo, while less than 5% respond on social media. He also mentioned that he charges a significant amount for his Cameo videos, and he only responds to messages on that platform. The speaker's dedication to responding to messages on Cameo, even with a large fortune, showcases his hustle and work ethic. However, he expressed some doubts about the sustainability of this business model, as he wondered if it might eventually become unsustainable. Overall, the speaker's experience with Cameo highlights the importance of providing personalized, high-value content and the potential rewards of building a loyal customer base.
