Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella Records and co-founder Dame Dash have finally reached a settlement in their dispute over the “Reasonable Doubt” album non-fungible token (NFT).
According to Billboard, attorneys for both Roc-A-Fella and Dash told a federal judge they had reached a deal, with Dash agreeing he had no right to sell any part of the album.
“RAF, Inc. owns all rights to the album’ Reasonable Doubt’, including its copyright,” the agreement reads. “No shareholder or member of RAF, Inc. holds a direct ownership interest in ‘Reasonable Doubt’.”
Roc-A-Fella was founded by Shawn’ Jay-Z’ Carter, Kareem ‘Biggs’ Burke and Damon Dash in 1994. The label was originally founded to release Jay-Z’s full-length debut album, “Reasonable Doubt.” However, after its huge success, the label ushered in several artists, including Kanye West, Jadakiss and O.D.B.
Jay-Z and Dash fell out after Def Jam purchased the label. Initially selling just 50%, in 2004, the trio sold the remaining half to Def Jam for $10 million.
Decades later, the feud continues.
Alex Spiro claimed in the lawsuit that Dash endeavored to sell the record at an auction as an NFT and that he was “frantically scouting for another venue to make the sale,” after the auction was canceled.
Amid the dispute, Dash indicated that he is open to repairing their shattered friendship with Jay after he gave Dash a shoutout during his acceptance speech at the ceremony for his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction.
“Shoutout to Dame,” Jay said during his speech. “I know we don’t see eye to eye, but I can never erase your accomplishments. And I appreciate you and I thank you for that.”
Speaking to Page six, Dash said it was a “beautiful,” gesture. “I’m glad he said it for the culture. We need to squash everything. So hopefully if that was an extended [olive branch], I’ll spin one back.”
