On Wednesday, October 9, Roc-a-fella CEO Dame Dash held a press conference at the Manhattan Center in New York City to discuss the upcoming Roc-a-fella/Dimension Films release “Paid In Full,” starring Mekhi Phifer, Wood Harris and Roc recording artist Cam’ron. The film tells the true-to-life tale of three childhood friends: Alpo Martinez, O and AZ, as they rise to power in the late 80s drug game and covers their experiences and eventually decent in the 90s. Dash also used the conference to talk about newly signed artist M.O.P. and Kanye West as well as rumors surrounding his business practices. For those that do not know of the Spitkicker affiliated producer/rhyme sayer, he has produced works by Talib Kweli, Mos Def and many other illuminated MCs. Dash introduced him as his own personal version of Mos Def.
“There’s a lot going on,” said Dash. “I just wanted to address some things in our tenth year. There’s a new album coming out called ‘The Dream Team,’ no, I’m not rapping on that. I was going to hold it in, but I’m just going to go ahead and let that out.
I know you all wish I were rapping on that project so you can clown me, but that’s not going to happen. It’s Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Cam’ron, Freeway, and Memphis Bleek. Cam has a label with the Diplomats and they’re all ill. Beanie has a label with State Property, and those dudes are ill and Bleek has a label with ill people. Then, you look at people that we’ve acquire, such as Kanye West, one of the hottest producers doing it right now, and M.O.P. Yes, they are officially down with the Roc as of now. You can just lay that team down and look at it. I don’t think there has ever been a team assembled like that before.”
Though the statement leans towards braggadocio, we have to say it is a team that harkens back to the early Def Jam days. A formidable squad indeed.
“Plus, I’m still the CEO and my head is always clear. I’m not going to ever let any personal bullshit come between us. We all have the mentality that money of personal business. We are all together as a team. That’s why when some people come at us (lyrically) I think it’s kind of funny. Look at the artillery we have? Getting back, the Dream Team will be featured on one CD of a double CD for ‘Paid In Full.’ I’m going to lead it off with three videos. I had problems with getting movie out as far as the bootlegging and other things involved. I also had a lot of problems getting the music for the movie cleared. The main thing was the music. It’s a period piece and I grew up in that era. I know what kind of music needed to be in the movie. I wish I could have done a little better with that, but they didn’t want to pay the clearance. All the music that wasn’t cleared I decided to put on a second CD on the soundtrack.”
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Fizzy and Billy Bathgate are original in their approach to getting the party hype and no one does it like they do. Dame Dash told reporters present that he has been feeling the duo from way back.
“I’ve been trying to sign M.O.P. for five years,” Dash said of his new act. “I’m always looking to sign the best of anything. What they do they are the best at. I think they deliver the goods. They’re killing in Europe, but I’m just trying to see that they kill over here. I’m not trying to mess with no fucked up individuals. No liars, cheaters or nothing like that.”
One reporter stood up and mentioned a report regarding Toni Braxton and Irv Gotti’s single that, like Jay-Z’s cut with Beyonce Knowles, samples Tupac’s classic “Me And My Girlfriend.” Dame told the press he knew of Ms. Braxton being upset, but said he truly felt it was all a big misunderstanding and did something he rarely does he apologized.
“At this point in time, it’s music. I love music, but I really hate the music business. Jay is a talented dude and I don’t think that he would do that intentionally. It’s an ill coincidence, but, from what I know, they just happened to sample the same record she did. My words for Toni Braxton, sorry. It was not intentional. Jay makes records and just puts them out. This is music. We don’t have a blueprint to try to fuck anybody’s life up. I’m not getting into no beefs or nothing over music. I’m not mad at nobody. I really am sorry to Toni. It’s all good. Whether that’s the single or not, we’re still going to sell records.”
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“Paid In Full” is slated to hit theaters on October 25 and the accompanying soundtrack is slated to bow prior to the theatrical release. Dame Dash also told reporters that Roc-a-fella is working on signing rapper Twista as well. We’ll keep you posted on any further developments.
