Damon Dash

Jack of all trades barely begins to describe the entrepreneurial spirit of producer, director, writer, actor, music mogul, promoter, and businessman Damon Dash. He started Roc-A-Fella Records in 1996 with rap artist Jay-Z, later branching out into clothing lines, video production, and, ultimately, filmmaking and acting. He cut his teeth playing a small role in Douglas Aarniokoski's action sequel "Highlander: Endgame" in 2000 and followed that effort with a producer/actor credit in the crime dynasty drama "State Property," which starred many of the rappers Dash worked with in the music industry. He co-directed his first feature, "Paper Soldiers," with David Daniel, an action comedy starring "State Property"'s Beanie Sigel. In 2003, Dash produced, directed, and starred in "Death of a Dynasty," a look into the world of hip-hop journalism. He wrote, produced, and starred in the sequel to "State Property" in 2005 and has branched out from the world of rap and hip-hop to produce the critically acclaimed drama "The Woodsman" with Kevin Bacon, who plays a released pedophile trying to get his life back together. Dash has returned to his music roots as producer of the music documentaries "This is Jim Jones," "Red Apples Falling," and "Welcome to Blakroc," all featuring musician Jim Jones.