In an interview with Angie Martinez of Hot 97, mogul Dame Dash clarified the situation with Roc-A-Fella Records. With reservation, Dash divulged that former partner Jay-Z now owns the name Roc-A-Fella while he and partner “Biggs” Burke would continue with a new recording situation. “The Roc is in the building. It’s just not Roc-A-Fella I’m happy for Jay-Z, I’m [not owning the name] didn’t sit well with me,” Dash said. “Jay articulated our movement…we’re always going to be friends. It’s an evolution of a movement. The only problem I have is that we don’t own the name.” Dash said that he’s retained many artists like Beanie Sigel, Cam’ron, Joe Budden, Nicole Wray, State Property and other. Young Gunz, who are rappers in S.P., have expressed interest in staying with Def Jam.
In related news, Lil’ Wayne claims that he is now an artist on Def Jam under Jay-Z. In an interview, “I’m Cash Money in the heart. I’m growing out of that situation,” Wayne said. “I felt like I know I got crazy talent.” Reps for Cash Money and Universal didn’t respond to requests for comment and contractual stipulations haven’t been made public. On Tha Carter, Wayne’s latest, he proclaims himself “the best rapper alive since the best rapper retired.”
Lil’ Kim has finally started a pair of clothing lines, Hollyhood and an unspecified upscale line. The Brooklyn-bred rapper is hoping to make the Hollyhood wear affordable being priced from $25 to $200. Via statement, Kim explained, “I’ve always expressed my love for fashion through my music. Hollyhood is a label for those who believe in my philosophy that there are no rules when it comes to fashion — it’s about having fun and choosing to dress in a way that makes you feel good.” Hollyhood will hit stores in the fall of 2005.