Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records, faces the potential loss of his film assets, including the 2002 crime drama State Property. This development follows a series of legal and financial challenges that have plagued the music mogul in recent years.
Mounting Debts Lead to Asset Liquidation
In December 2024, Dash’s one-third stake in Roc-A-Fella Records was auctioned by court order to address his accumulating debts. The sale garnered $1 million, falling short of the $1.2 million minimum bid. Proceeds were allocated to satisfy back child support and outstanding taxes. However, creditors like Webber and Muddy Water Pictures, owed over $823,000, remained unpaid.
With the Roc-A-Fella sale insufficient to cover Dash’s liabilities, attention has turned to his film assets. Court documents reveal that creditors are seeking ownership documents for Dash’s media company, Poppington LLC, and its associated film copyrights. If Poppington cannot be sold, films such as We Went to… China, Welcome to Blackroc, and Honor Up—executive produced by Kanye West—may be auctioned to satisfy debts.
Legal Battles Over Film Rights
Dash’s legal troubles extend beyond financial debts. In 2022, he was ordered to pay over $800,000 to director Josh Webber and Muddy Water Pictures for attempting to claim ownership of the film Dear Frank, also known as The List. The jury sided with the plaintiffs, concluding that Dash had no rightful claim to the film.
Additionally, in 2020, a judge ruled against Dash in a copyright infringement case involving the film Mafietta. The court awarded $300,000 to the film’s creator, Edwyna Brooks, and issued a permanent injunction preventing Dash from marketing or distributing the film without consent.
The Future of ‘State Property’
State Property, released in 2002, was produced by Dash and featured artists like Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z. The film, distributed by Lions Gate Films, grossed over $2 million and spawned a sequel in 2005. In 2015, Dash announced plans for a third installment, though its current status remains uncertain.
As Dash navigates these legal and financial challenges, the fate of his film catalog, including State Property, hangs in the balance. The outcome of ongoing court proceedings will determine whether these assets remain under his control or are liquidated to satisfy outstanding debts.