To many, Damon Dash is one of Jay-Z's "partners in crime" who, along with Kareem "Biggs" Burke, formed Roc-A-Fella Records in 1996, eventually making it into a juggernaut in rap music, the hip-hop community, and entertainment altogether. While Jay-Z remains very much the public persona of the trinity, Dash serves as the quarterback in the pocket, executive producing all the projects and managing the group's assets. Leveraging Jay-Z's lyrical prowess with Dash's business acumen, Roc-A-Fella has moved from music to merchandising and film.

If Damon Dash isn't lining up MCs for his Roc-A-Fella label, he is managing the garb at Roc-A-Wear clothing or dreaming up the group's next movie. Roc-A-Fella's earlier successes included locking up lucrative distribution deals with Priority and eventually Def Jam, the latter which made all hell break loose on store shelves, radio play lists and concert headings. Damon originally dabbled in film, helping Jay-Z write and produce Street Is Watching, essentially Jigga's autobiography, in line with the In My Lifetime album.

The Roc-A-Fella empire only continues to grow, in large part thanks to Damon Dash's insatiable ambition and round-the-clock work ethic. Roc-A-Fella bought Armadale Vodka, a Scottish liquor company, in the summer of 2002. This way, the next time one of Roc's MCs hollers about booze or pours out a little liquor, they could pour out their own: Armadale. As we speak, Dash's latest brainchild, the feature film Paid In Full, starring Mekhi Phifer, Wood Harris and Cam'ron, is about to hit a theater near you and is sure to make an impression. We chatted with the entertainment impresario about his career, his industry, and everything else that makes him tick.

Credit: askmen.com