More than two decades after the Roc-A-Fella era defined a generation of hip-hop entrepreneurship, old partnerships are once again being discussed in the context of new controversies.
In a recent appearance on the Furious Robinson Podcast, Dame Dash addressed online chatter surrounding Jay-Z and references to court documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein. Rather than leveling direct accusations, Dash spoke in conflicted and emotional terms about loyalty, history and reputation.
“Jay’s my brother. I love him,” Dash said during the conversation. “If what they say is true, he’s a devil.”
Dash did not cite specific allegations or provide evidence. Instead, he focused on what renewed scrutiny of former collaborators could mean for the legacy he helped build. “Some of my partners are under certain scrutiny right now,” he said. “That would erase all the history that that person had done. And I was a part of that history.”
For Dash, the concern appears to be less about headlines and more about how public perception reshapes the past. “Now I’m going to have to make sure history doesn’t get discredited or perceived the wrong way,” he added, suggesting that any stain on former associates could complicate the narrative of Roc-A-Fella’s cultural impact.
Dash and Jay-Z have not operated together in a business capacity since their split in the mid-2000s, which ended the original Roc-A-Fella leadership structure. Jay-Z went on to lead Def Jam Recordings and later built Roc Nation into a global entertainment company. Dash pursued independent ventures in film, fashion and digital media, frequently advocating for ownership and artist autonomy.
During the interview, Dash framed the moment as surreal, noting the strangeness of seeing familiar names tied to high-profile legal discussions. “My partners, people that I worked with, people I’ve teased, people I’ve laughed at … in the Epstein files. You believe that?” he said.
He also reflected more broadly on personal evolution. “We’re supposed to evolve every day. I find some enlightenment every single day. I would hope I would,” Dash said, positioning the situation within a larger conversation about growth, accountability and change.
Jay-Z has not issued any new public statement in response to Dash’s recent remarks. As discourse around Epstein-related documents continues to circulate online, Dash’s comments underscore how unresolved business splits and shared history can resurface when new controversies emerge — particularly when the figures involved helped shape one of hip-hop’s most influential eras.
