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Roc-A-Fella Records, one of the largest United States hip hop/rap record labels, was co-founded in New York City by hip hop mogul Damon Dash and now multi-platinum rapper Jay-Z in 1995. The initial upstart was created out of frustration to attempt to secure a record deal for Jay-Z. The two began pressing records, selling them out of their trunks and requesting time on mix radio. This showing of independence and self-sufficiency impressed Priority Records so much that they agreed to support the release of Jay-Z's debut album "Reasonable Doubt" in a joint venture with Roc-A-Fella.
The break for Roc-A-Fella came after Jay-Z decided to record several tracks for his album with a then-unknown Foxy Brown. Foxy Brown's label Def Jam was initially opposed to the pairing of the two rappers, but were soon charmed by Damon Dash and his new record label. Today Roc-A-Fella and Def Jam enjoy a profitable, mutually-beneficial relationship.
Roc-A-Fella Records artist roster include: Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel, Kanye West, Cam'Ron, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Young Gunz, The Diplomats, N.O.R.E., Joe Budden, DJ Clue, Samantha Ronson, and Freeway.
The name Roc-a-Fella is a play on Rockefeller, a rich and powerful New York family.
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