Damon Dash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Damon Dash
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Dash in 2007
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Damon Anthony Dash
May 3, 1971 New York City, U.S.
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| Other names | Dame Dash |
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| Years active | 1991–present |
| Known for | Co–founder of Roc-A-Fella |
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| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Stacey Dash (cousin) Darien Dash (cousin) |
Damon Anthony Dash (born May 3, 1971) is an American businessman in the music industry. He is also known as a record executive. In 1994, he helped start Roc-A-Fella Records with Jay-Z and Kareem Burke. Later, in 1999, he also co-founded the clothing company Rocawear with Jay-Z.
Early Life and Challenges
Growing Up in New York City
Damon Dash was born in New York City. When he was a teenager, he worked hard to earn money. He swept floors at a local barbershop. He also sold newspapers. He did this to buy things like sneakers and shirts.
Learning to Be Resourceful
Dash learned to be very resourceful from his mother. He said she taught him how to "hustle," meaning how to work hard and find ways to succeed. His mother passed away from an asthma attack when he was 15 years old.
Living with Diabetes
In the same year, Dash found out he had type 1 diabetes. He remembered feeling sick for a month or two. He was losing weight and going to the bathroom a lot. He was scared to go to the doctor. He thought he might have a serious illness.
Damon Dash's Career Journey
Starting Roc-A-Fella Records
Damon Dash was Jay-Z's manager and business partner. They worked together at Roc-A-Fella Records. In 1999, Dash organized a concert tour for Jay-Z. This tour earned a lot of money, about $19 million.
Changes in Business Partnerships
Their business relationship changed over time. In 2004, Def Jam Recordings bought Roc-A-Fella Records. Jay-Z then became the president of Def Jam. In late 2005, Jay-Z bought Dash's share in the Rocawear clothing company.
New Ventures and Projects
In April 2014, it was announced that Dash was working on a new project. It was called Blind Debit. This was a fingerprint payment app. It was being developed by Dez White.
Dash also started a media group called DD172. This group includes different businesses. It has a magazine called America Nu. It also has a web design company called VNGRD79. BluRoc Records is a record label that is part of DD172. The group also has an art gallery.
Music and Books
In February 2018, Dash released an album. It was called Culture Vultures (Audio Experience). He made it with Kenyatta Griggs. The album featured interviews with Dash about his life. These interviews were set to music. He talked about his relationships and his life with diabetes. A book was also released with the album.
In June 2025, Dash's rock band, The Black Guns, released an album. It was called '365'. They worked with rapper Freeway on this album. Dash said he wanted to be an artist and honor real rock and roll music.
Personal Life and Family
Relationships and Children
Damon Dash met R&B singer Aaliyah in New York City in 2000. They dated until her passing in a plane crash in August 2001. Dash said they had planned to get married.
In 2005, Dash married fashion designer Rachel Roy. They had dated before he met Aaliyah. They met when she was an intern at Rocawear. They have two daughters together. Their names are Ava Dash, born in 1999, and Tallulah Dash, born in 2008. They divorced in 2009.
Dash has a son named Dame "Boogie" Dash. He was born in 1991. Boogie appears on the reality TV show Growing Up Hip Hop. Dash also has another son named Lucky, born in 2004.
Dash and his fiancée, Raquel Horn, have a son. His name is Dusko Dash. He was born in November 2020.
Family Connections
Damon Dash is a first cousin of the actress Stacey Dash.
See also
In Spanish: Damon Dash para niños
