Lawyer Claims JAY-Z Is Undermining Dame Dash’s Roc-A-Fella Auction

The drama surrounding Damon Dash’s planned auction of his stake in Roc-A-Fella Records and JAY-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album continues to escalate.

In a new twist, the City of New York has become involved, with a lawyer alleging that JAY-Z has deliberately tried to reduce potential bids for Dash’s share, including withholding key documents essential for its valuation.

According to a filing obtained by AllHipHop and submitted to U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburge, the NYC Department of Social Services (NYCDSS) is now requesting a halt to Dash’s auction, as well as a pre-motion conference. The filing comes in response to damaging claims made by JAY-Z about Dash’s stake.

“JAY-Z has issued widely publicized statements warning potential bidders that copyright ownership will revert back to him in 2031,”

stated Gerald E. Singleton, the attorney representing the City.

This accusation follows JAY-Z’s recent legal filing in August, where he sought to claim ownership of the Reasonable Doubt master recordings. According to JAY-Z’s filing, the rights to the album’s masters would revert to him in 2031, meaning any potential buyer would only own it for about six years, diminishing the perceived value of Dash’s stake.

However, Singleton disputes JAY-Z’s assertions, arguing that they conflict with the City’s goal of collecting enough funds from the auction to cover Dash’s various debts, including outstanding child support payments. Singleton claims these statements are “false and extremely damaging” to the City’s efforts to secure the necessary funds.

Furthermore, Singleton alleges that JAY-Z has failed to provide information on Reasonable Doubt royalties, despite being subpoenaed. This information could significantly impact the valuation of Dash’s share and potentially increase the bids.

Singleton also highlighted that JAY-Z’s contract with Roc-A-Fella clearly designates Reasonable Doubt as a “work made for hire,” granting Dash and the label copyright ownership until 2098. Singleton insists that the auction should be conducted to maximize the price for the benefit of the creditors.

The auction for Dash’s stake in Reasonable Doubt and Roc-A-Fella Records was initially set for Aug. 29, with a starting bid of $1.2 million and a $240,000 deposit requirement.

Check out Damon Dash’s Instagram post below.