Dame Dash Responds to N.O.R.E.’s Claims Over Unpaid Work on Movies and Soundtracks
Dame Dash has clapped back at N.O.R.E.’s allegations that he was never compensated for his contributions to Dash’s films and soundtracks, reigniting a long-standing tension between the two. The dispute began after N.O.R.E. voiced his frustrations on Drink Champs, claiming he was sidelined financially despite his involvement in Dash’s projects.
N.O.R.E.’s Initial Grievance
During an episode of Drink Champs, N.O.R.E. addressed Dame Dash directly:
“I don’t want to respond with disrespect, but I’m gonna let you know that I’m not gonna be disrespected,” N.O.R.E. stated. “The fact that you keep taking these little fake shots, it’s corny, bro… I’ve never got paid for not one of these movies that I’ve done. I’ve never got paid for not one of these soundtracks that I’ve done. So where is this ‘real CEO’ shit that has been brewing?”
While expressing his respect for Dash, N.O.R.E. made it clear that the lack of payment left him feeling undervalued, especially given their shared emphasis on Black excellence.
Dame Dash’s Rebuttal
Appearing in a live Q&A with former Roc-A-Fella A&R Big Face Gary on November 28, Dame Dash dismissed N.O.R.E.’s claims and criticized the rapper for airing grievances publicly.
“Paid in Full, he was in it for four seconds, and I made that part up,” Dash remarked. “If he felt that way, why does he wait until he gets on a television show to say that? It’s ridiculous. When someone shows up in someone’s video, as a friend, you think they charge ’em?”
Dash also claimed to have supported N.O.R.E. financially and professionally during his career, particularly during his time at Def Jam. “When I made sure that he got his budget — because they were robbing him for his marketing budget — did I ask for a dollar?” Dash recounted. “I went up there, barked on Lyor [Cohen] and Kev[in Liles]. … And they gave him this much.”
A Shot at N.O.R.E.’s Roc-A-Fella History
Dame Dash further stirred the pot by addressing N.O.R.E.’s connection to JAY-Z and Roc-A-Fella Records. He claimed that his decision to include N.O.R.E. in State Property 2 was a gesture of goodwill, as JAY-Z allegedly did not want him signed to the label.
“This is really funny to me: the reason why I even put him in State Property 2 is because Jay didn’t want me to sign him,” Dash alleged. “You’ll never see a picture with him and Jay or anything to do with Roc-A-Fella. So I was trying to make it where he was embraced in our Roc-A-Fella family by putting him in the movie.”
Dash ended by stating that if N.O.R.E. wanted payment, he should have asked directly. “If he wanted some bread, he could’ve asked. … I didn’t talk to him about money then, and I’m not worried about money now.”
The Bigger Picture
This latest exchange highlights the complicated relationships within the hip-hop industry, where collaborations often blur the lines between friendship and business. While both Dame Dash and N.O.R.E. emphasize their mutual respect, their public feud underscores unresolved tensions that date back years. Whether the two can find common ground remains to be seen.
For now, the spotlight remains on their contributions to hip-hop’s legacy and the lessons about communication and accountability that emerge from their fallout.
