Roc-A-Fella Records
Roc-A-Fella Records is a record label founded by Damon "Dame" Dash, Shawn "Jay Z" Carter, and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. It operates as a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, being distributed by Def Jam Recordings.
History
Formation and early years
The foundation of the label occurred in 1996, beginning as an independent outlet for rapper Jay-Z's first album. After being turned down by several major labels, Carter, Dash and Burke started their own label through Priority Records, using money from the music videos provided by Payday Records due to their singles only deal. Though Reasonable Doubt didn't immediately attain commercial success, it spawned several hits, a close relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. and procured Jay-Z a reputation in the hip-hop community. Starting out as Roc-A-Fella's only artist, Jay-Z was supported by Biggie producer DJ Clark Kent and DJ Ski, who was then working with Camp Lo; affiliated rappers included duo Da Ranjahz, Sauce Money, Jaz-O, and a young Memphis Bleek, though only Bleek would eventually sign with the label. According to Dame, the label had intended on releasing Nas' group The Firm, but the deal fell through:
Podcasts:
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The Wolves And The Ravens
by: Rogue ValleyIn the morning by the sea
As the fog clears from the sand
I have no money in my hand
I have no home, I have no land
But it doesn’t trouble me
As I lay beside the fire
I am easy to inspire
There is little I require
I wasn’t yours and you weren’t mine
Though I’ve wished from time to time
We had found a common ground
Your voice was such a welcome sound
How the emptiness would fill
With the waves and with your song
People find where they belong
Or keep on
Through the never-ending maze
Where the way is seldom clear
There is no map or compass near
I drive a ship I cannot steer
Through the bleak and early morn
Where a stronger will is sworn
Where the moments move so slow
And seem to never let you go
When my hands are old and ache
And my memory flickers dim
And my bones don’t hold my skin
There’s no place I haven’t been
I recall the days were few
That is all that I can do
Feel the carvings in the tree