Next came a meltdown of Rocawear's new marketing firm, with Dash firing most of the staff and dissolving the agency after a dispute with Gensler. Dash then hired Roy Edmundson, formerly of Levi Strauss, as a vice-president to handle all of Rocawear's marketing and public relations, not an easy task with Dash's legal woes and the upcoming incarceration of Beanie Sigel, front man of the booming State Property apparel line, on federal weapons charges.
Rumors were soon flying about a rift between Dash and Jay-Z, who were still partners of Rocawear. Part of the deal included a stake in Roc-A-Fella Records, without his founding partners.
To make amends and keep the peace for their other business interests, like Rocawear, it was reported Jay-Z offered his share of Roc-A-Fella back to Dash and Burke if they would give him sole rights to his first album for Roc-A-Fella, Reasonable Doubt. Though it has been said Dash agreed to this offer, Burke did not. The rumored rift was now full blown, with Jay-Z on one side and Dash and Burke on the other.
Throughout the drama, however, Rocawear continued to thrive. In addition, Rocawear acquired the licensing rights to Stride Rite Corporation's Pro-Keds and planned to design a limited edition collection for the State Property apparel line. Rocawear also prepared for the launch of a sportswear line called Team Roc, to be sold initially at Foot Locker stores in Los Angeles and New York, then at Macy's department stores.
Ironically, Rocawear unveiled an advertising campaign called "La Familia" in mid-year, including Dash's sister Stacey, an actress, his two children, and a roster of rappers from Roc-A-Fella Records. It's more than just a business, it's more than just friends. All the artists look out for each other. While his words might have characterized the campaign, Dash's personal and professional relationships were fraught with discord.
In November he fired Edmondson, his vice-president of marketing, and a dozen other staff members less than a year after dissolving Rocawear's in-house marketing agency. While some staffers commented to the Daily News Record November 29, that Dash was difficult to work with and irrational, he told the magazine, "Not many people can understand my business, and I have high expectations.
By early one of Rocawear's partners, Ryan Kenny, discontinued their business relationship, less than a year after Rocawear had parted ways with the Nesi Apparel Group.
RyanKenny reportedly disapproved of Rocawear's use of Malaysian factories to produce its apparel, though it was never confirmed by either party. On the positive side, Rocawear's Pro-Keds collection was selling well and Dash announced an apparel and footwear collaboration with Patricia Field. Field's designs would be part of a collection called the House of Rocawear, featuring retro-glam styling.
In addition, Rocawear was selling well in the United Kingdom, with slimmer tops and less baggy bottoms to compete with Diesel and other London fashion houses. State Property 2, starring Beanie Sigel, hit theaters in April just after his latest album went on sale. Sigel was not making public appearances, since he was behind bars, but his notoriety only increased sales for both the movie and Rocawear's State Property apparel line.
By September Dash was no longer willing to work with his partners, primarily Jay-Z, at Rocawear. Dash maintained the breakup was due to philosophical differences.
Jay and the other partners want to cater more to the pure urban demographic, and that's not the direction I wanted to go anymore. I never thought I could have made so much money so quickly, and I have no doubt Rocawear will continue to be successful. Dash vowed to move on to bigger and better projects, though the remarkable success of Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear were a hard act to follow. Roacwear conducted its business as usual after Dash's departure, showcasing its wares at a mini showroom during New York City's "7th on Sixth" semiannual fashion extravaganza.
Rocawear's partners, Jay-Z, Alex Bize, and Norton Cher, planned further European expansion for , to launch new women's and teen collections, and to promote its RocBox, an alternative to Apple Computer's phenomenally popular iPod. Toggle navigation. User Contributions:. Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: Name:.
E-mail: Show my email publicly. Human Verification:. This is an urban based company started by someone who has risen from the plight of poverty to create a transcending brand that reaches out to the masses. Hopefully with this move those not familiar with the hip-hop can recognize the progression of the culture.
And ben, why all the hateration on rappers? Get a grip. I also have to agree that this is a huge accomplishment for Jay-Z, considering his roots and rise to fame. However, I am worried about the integrity of the brand, now that ownership is being shifted. Yes, Jay will oversee product development, but how much power is that really, considering he now no longer owns the brand?
And other than more established music giants like Russell Simmons, or Jay, I have my doubts on hip hop taking over Wall Street. Not just yet, anyway. I laugh at consumers world wide who pay to advertise for the likes of Jay-Z, Calvin Klein or whomever. I wear my labels inside my clothes. If I want to rock some ads, I can sell some ad space to the highest bidder.
Iconix would have nothing to buy if consumers got smart! Who manufactures the Rocawear line? The same Chinese company probably that makes every other sweatshirt around. Jay is essentialy Rockawear. If this company does well the compass needle points back to Jigga. Damon Dash is no longer a part of Rocawear.
It is unforntunate that African Americans cannot seem to break into the billionare world without rapping to start them off. More power to him…. Frist I respect Jay-Z for what he is… A very talented rapper who sold alot of records. But the truth is Damon Dash created this aura for his friend who just knew how to rhyme. He created all of this threw his center piece: Jay-Z.
Kayne West is his only selling artist on his label besides himself. Reid runs Def Jam and used Jay-Z as the face of, and in return is teaching him how to run his own label since Dame was doing it before. How could they possibly take it to new heights? I think Jay is smart to sell the rights at this time. There is excess liquidity in the market chasing deals which has created a great market for sellers. If the brand is peaking you certainly want to sell now and redeploy the cash to another faster growth opportunity.
Good biz move. To recoup its investment, I suppose Iconix will grant rights to everybody from apparel to kitchen appliance manufacturers to recoup its investment.
0コメント